Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central and South Asia
From the Hindu Kush to the shores of Southern India, Central and South Asia is full of history and adventure for all kinds of travelers. But, there are some risks as well.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South Asia?
Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South Asia?
What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South Asia?
Traveling to Another Destination?
Passport Health offers vaccinations, medications and personalized consultations for your trip, no matter the destination. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.
Countries in this region include:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South Asia?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to Central and South Asia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, anthrax and polio.
Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and meningitis.
Central and South Asia is one of the few regions with ongoing polio transmission. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Some countries require proof of vaccination for stays over four weeks.
The U.S. government often recommends or requires anthrax vaccination for specific types of travelers to the region. If you are a contractor, government employee or military personnel, be sure to verify your requirements.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travelers, based on their specific itinerary.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Central and South Asia |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for all travelers to most regions. |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
Recommended for all travelers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for all travelers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
May be recommended based on your specific itinerary. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne | May be required based on your specific itinerary. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito-borne | Recommended in most countries in region. Highly recommended for specific itineraries. |
| Rabies | Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Anthrax | Animals or Biological Agents | May be required for certain types of travelers, especially government personnel. |
| Polio | Infected Animals | Generally a routine vaccination. Recommended or required for some countries in region. |
Recommended Routine Vaccinations for Central and South Asia |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) | Wounds or Airborne |
One adult booster of pertussis recommended for most travelers. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Generally recommended for all travelers. Vaccine components change annually. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact or Airborne |
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Recommended for individuals 50+. Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | All individuals 65+ or immunocompromised should receive this vaccine. |
| Meningitis | Airborne or Direct Contact |
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Central and South Asia
“Everything went very well. It was informative, quick and the staff was knowledgeable about Central Asia. I appreciate the fact that they did not try to sell me everything. You would lose credibility if you try and push too hard. Excellent experience.”
“The service was thorough and helpful. I feel like I had control over what shots I wanted for Asia and how they were administered. The nurse wasn’t a fear monger to get me to spend more money on vaccinations and anti-mosquito spray either. I appreciated that.”
“Very efficient preparation for our South Asia trip. In a fairly short visit we received consultation and all appropriate vaccinations.”
“Smooth experience. She shared lots of informations and explanations and advice about South Asia and was very friendly.”
“The service at Passport Health was excellent. There was no waiting. The nurse attending us was thorough in her explanations and answered all questions about South Asia completely. The shots were painless. I would recommend this facility.”
“The nurse who saw me was excellent in providing essential information about what I might encounter on my travels in Central Asia.”
“The nurse was very helpful and kind enough to take me in even though I was a bit late. She walked me through everything and let me make my own decisions on what to get for Asia. Very much appreciated.”
“it was a wonderful experience, the nurse was very helpful and easy to talk to.”
“This was my first time getting immunizations for out of country travel, and the nurse did an amazing job of explaining things about Central Asia concisely and thoroughly. When it came time to receive the vaccinations, she made it quick and painless.”
“Very thorough discussion of requirements and options for protecting my health during upcoming business trip to South Asia. Felt confident that I could make informed choices based on my own circumstances, age, etc.”
Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South Asia?
Vaccinations are only part of the protection needed for travel to Central and South Asia. Malaria is found in many parts of the region. Be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about your options.
Other mosquito-borne infections like dengue and chikungunya are also present. Mosquito repellent, netting and protective clothing may be recommeneded based on your specific destination.
Travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common infections among travelers to the region. Many popular destinations like India and Pakistan have an increased risk of infection. Avoid less reputible restaurants, wash hands regularly and do not drink unfiltered water or ice. Travelers’ diarrhea kits are higly recommended for all travelers.
What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South Asia?
Visas are required for almost all countries in Central and South Asia. Vaccination requirements including polio (for stays over four weeks) and yellow fever (if coming from specific destinations). Check with your travel health specialist to learn more.
See the below table for more information:
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for My Trip? |
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| Passport | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Required Vaccinations |
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| Afghanistan |  |
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| Bangladesh | |
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| Bhutan | |
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| India | |
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| Iran | |
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| Kazakhstan | |
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| Kyrgyzstan | |
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| Maldives | |
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| Nepal | |
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| Pakistan | |
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| Sri Lanka | |
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| Tajikistan | |
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| Turkmenistan | |
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| Uzbekistan | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Traveling to Another Destination?
Traveling outside of Central and South Asia? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
