Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cocos (Keeling) Islands is an external territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean to the west of Australia. The islands consist of 27 coral islands, but only two are inhabited: West and Home Island.
Only 600 people are official residents of the Cocos, with the majority of people living in Bantam.
A majority of the population practices Sunni Islam and speak a native dialect of Malay. English is also a native language.
About 400 people live in Bantam on Home Island and 200 live on West Island.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
What Is the Climate Like in Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
How Safe Is Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
Direction Island
What Should I Take to Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
U.S. Embassy in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cocos (Keeling) Islands: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Excludes the Galapagos in Ecuador and Misiones in Argentina. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cocos (Keeling) Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Excludes the Galapagos in Ecuador and Misiones in Argentina. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cocos (Keeling) Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections with distinct symptoms. They spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent MMR infections, with the MMR vaccine offering protection against all three diseases.
Health Clinics are available on West and Home Island and are able to provide basic services. If you need serious medical care, you will likely be flown to Perth for treatment.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Prevent Bug Bites in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
While dining abroad, prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practicing hand hygiene, and selecting fully cooked dishes. Opt for sealed bottled or canned drinks. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by adhering to hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
The Cocos is a territory of Australia.
Americans planning to go to the Cocos will need a valid U.S. passport and a visa (or ETA) to enter. Many U.S. passport holders choose to get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is a label-free, electronic visa.
An ETA holder can travel to Australia as many times as they wish within 12 months of the ETA’s issue date. The longest length of each stay is three months.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cocos (Keeling) Islands? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
The Cocos Keeling Islands are located in the Indian Ocean between Australia and Sri Lanka. The islands have a warm and humid tropical climate with two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season.
West Island is the most popular tourist destination on the islands. The weather there is warm and humid all year round. During the wet season from December to April, visitors can expect frequent showers and thunderstorms. The dry season from May to November offers sunny weather with low humidity.
Home Island is also a popular destination and has a similar climate to West Island.
Visitors to the Cocos Keeling Islands should expect warm, tropical weather, occasional rain during the wet season, and dry, sunny conditions during the dry season.
How Safe Is Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
The Cocos Keeling Islands are a generally safe place to visit. But, travelers should still take precautions to ensure their safety.
When visiting the Cocos Keeling Islands, it is important to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. It is also important to be aware of the weather, as the islands can experience tropical cyclones and other weather events.
Travelers should only swim in designated areas and follow safety guidelines provided by local authorities. Strong currents are common in the region. Wildlife, including sharks, can be present, so it is important to take precautions when swimming or diving.
Travelers should use common sense, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone at night.
By following these tips, travelers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to the Cocos Keeling Islands.
Direction Island
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Direction Island is a pretty island in the Cocos Keeling Islands that is great for tourists to visit. People like to go there because it is beautiful with clear water, sand and sea life. There are lots of colorful fish, turtles, and even some sharks that live in the coral reef around the island. Visitors can rent gear to go snorkeling or diving.
You can also have a picnic on Direction Island or camp there overnight if you want to stay longer. There are tables and barbecues available for visitors to use. It is a good idea to get a camping permit from the local visitor center before you go.
Direction Island has a stunning beach with soft white sand and clear water. It is perfect for taking a walk or relaxing in the sun.
What Should I Take to Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
If you’re going on a trip to the Cocos Keeling Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, there are some important things you should pack.
It’s a tropical place, so it’s important to bring light and breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and swimwear. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and flip-flops for exploring the island. You should also bring sun protection, like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, to protect yourself from the strong sun.
Mosquitoes are common on the island, so it’s important to bring insect repellent too. If you have your own snorkeling gear, it’s a good idea to bring it, but you can also rent gear on the island. Bring a camera or a waterproof phone case to take pictures underwater.
Bring any necessary prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and motion sickness medication. Be sure to have enough cash as credit cards are not widely accepted.
Remember to pack light, as there are weight restrictions on flights to the island. Check the weather forecast before you go to ensure you’re packing properly for the conditions.
U.S. Embassy in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
All Americans visiting the Cocos should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in the Cocos, but it is served by the embassy in Australia.
U.S. Embassy Canberra
Moonah Place
Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6214-5600
Email: AskEmbassyCanberra@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to the Cocos or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Cocos
“My husband and I expected to receive on the yellow fever shot, low and behold, we received a booklet with much needed info to each country we will visit. There were lots of goodies to purchase and the staff was very helpful… :o)”
“Efficient, valuable information, and willing to take the time to answer all my questions about the Cocos! Thank you!”
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