Travel Vaccines and Advice for Easter Island
Easter Island is part of Chile and is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Over 7,500 people live on Easter Island. More tourists visit the island each year than people live there.
The main languages of Easter Island are Spanish and the native language of Rapa Nui. About 60 percent of the population are of indigenous descent. The rest of the population are Chilean.
Mythology is strong on Easter Island with the island being home to many moais (stone statues).
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Easter Island?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy In Easter Island
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Easter Island?
What Is the Climate Like in Easter Island?
How Safe Is Easter Island?
Rano Kau on Easter Island
What Should I Take To Easter Island?
U.S. Embassy in Easter Island
Do I Need Vaccines for Easter Island?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Easter Island. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Easter Island: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, 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. - 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 Easter Island |
||
| 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. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Easter Island |
||
| 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, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the CDC.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing 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 are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
There is a possible risk for dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, on Easter Island. Repellents and netting are generally recommended.
There is one hospital on Easter Island, modern hospital with good treatment in Hanga Roa. Severe injury would require evacuation from the island.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Easter Island
Prevent Bug Bites in Easter Island
Safeguard against bug bites by dressing appropriately and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. If bitten, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and mitigate discomfort with OTC treatments. Seek medical aid for serious reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Easter Island
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Infections To Be Aware of in Easter Island
- Dengue – According to the CDC, dengue fever, caused by a virus from mosquito bites, manifests through fever, headaches, and severe muscle pain. Preventative measures include using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. While no specific treatment exists, early medical intervention can mitigate severe complications.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can lead to severe health issues and is primarily spread through mosquito bites. To prevent Zika, individuals should use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing while traveling, and pregnant women should avoid affected areas and practice safe sex.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Easter Island?
If you are a U.S. tourist traveling to Easter Island, you do not need a visa. A valid passport is required. If a minor is accompanying you, you must bring a copy of their birth certificate.
Easter Island Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Easter Island? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Chile and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Easter Island?
Easter Island has warm and humid weather all year with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. It has two seasons – a wet season from May to August and a dry season from September to April. The most popular tourist destinations on Easter Island are Rano Kau, Anakena Beach, Ahu Tongariki, and Orongo.
Rano Kau is a volcanic crater with warm and dry weather. Anakena Beach has crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches with warm and humid weather. Ahu Tongariki is an archaeological site with impressive stone statues and warm and dry weather. Orongo is another archaeological site with petroglyphs and the Birdman cult and warm and dry weather.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting Easter Island as the weather can vary.
How Safe Is Easter Island?
To stay safe in Easter Island, a remote island in the South Pacific Ocean, travelers should follow these tips:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to stay hydrated.
- Respect the ancient moai statues and do not climb on them or touch them.
- Be careful when swimming or boating as the waters around Easter Island can be dangerous. Check the weather forecast and follow the advice of local guides.
- Be cautious with food and drink, wash your hands before eating, stick to bottled water and avoid street food.
- Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings to avoid scams or pickpockets.
- Plan ahead, book tours and activities with reputable companies and keep your travel documents and valuables in a safe place.
By following these tips, travelers can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Easter Island.
Rano Kau on Easter Island
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Rano Kau is a popular place to visit on Easter Island. People go there for many reasons.
First, it has beautiful views of the island and the ocean.
Second, it has an old village called Orongo, where people used to have important ceremonies. There are ruins of stone houses and carvings on the rocks. There was a competition called the Birdman Cult that decided who would be the leader of the island.
Third, the crater itself is beautiful. There is a lake and a lot of plants. Visitors can walk around the rim of the crater or hike on the trails around the hills. Fourth, there are many unique birds to see.
Rano Kau is a great place to see the island’s plants, animals, and history.
What Should I Take to Easter Island?
Easter Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean.
If you are planning a trip there, it is important to pack lightweight clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, rain gear, a camera, and cash. You may also want to bring your own snorkeling gear if you plan to snorkel.
It’s important to be respectful of the local culture by avoiding revealing clothing or with offensive slogans. If you take prescription medication, make sure you bring enough for your trip. The weather on the island is mild year-round, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s.
While credit cards are accepted at some businesses on the island, it’s a good idea to bring cash with you, as some places only accept cash.
The electrical outlets on Easter Island use the two-pronged, Type C and Type L sockets found in continental Europe. Bring a travel adapter if you plan to charge your electronics.
U.S. Embassy in Easter Island
All Americans visiting Easter Island 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 Easter Island, but it is served by the embassy in Chile.
U.S. Embassy Santiago
Av. Andrés Bello 2800
Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Phone: (56-2) 2330-3000
If you have any questions about traveling to Easter Island 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 Easter Island
“The nurse who we saw was most knowledgeable about Easter Island. He was very gentle when administering the inoculations.”
“My visit was fast and she remembered me! She explained about Easter Island everything thoroughly.”
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