Travel Vaccines and Advice for Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is an external territory of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand.
The population of Norfolk Island is over 1,500 with the island spanning 160 square miles. Most of the population are descendants of the Bounty Mutineers, a ship from the late 1700’s, and Pitcairn leaders. Other parts of the population are migrants from Australia and New Zealand.
The main languages spoken on Norfolk Island include English and Norfuk (a Creole language).
The largest cities on Norfolk Island include Burnt Pine and Kingston.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Norfolk Island?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Norfolk Island
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Norfolk Island?
What Is the Climate Like in Norfolk Island?
How Safe Is Norfolk Island?
Emily Bay
What Should I Take to Norfolk Island?
U.S. Embassy in Norfolk Island
Do I Need Vaccines for Norfolk Island?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Norfolk Island. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Norfolk Island: 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 Norfolk 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. |
| 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 Norfolk 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 is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine and maintaining proper hygiene. Vaccination is a critical step in preventing this contagious liver infection, according to health authorities.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread via infected fluids, can be prevented through safe practices and vaccination. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, offering strong and enduring immunity against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
The medical facilities on Norfolk Island are very good and emergency services are available 24-hours a day.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Norfolk Island
Prevent Bug Bites in Norfolk Island
To fend off bug bites, follow CDC advice: cover up with long clothing, use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid bug-heavy areas during dawn and dusk. Protect your sleep with insect-repellent-treated bed nets.
Food and Water Safety in Norfolk Island
Stay healthy overseas by favoring cooked and hot dishes, reputable eateries, and practicing good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages and use caution with tap water. Enjoy hot drinks and alcohol responsibly. To steer clear of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these strategies: eat safe foods, drink treated water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be discerning about local cuisine.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island is an Australian territory.
Americans planning to go to Norfolk Island 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.
Norfolk Island Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Norfolk Island? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Australia and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island is in the South Pacific Ocean. It has a nice climate with mild temperatures all year. In summer, from December to February, temperatures are usually between 65 and 75 degrees. In winter, from June to August, it’s cooler, with temperatures between 55 and 65. Rain happens throughout the year, but it’s wetter from April to August.
Check a weather website or app like before your visit for up-to-date weather information.
How Safe Is Norfolk Island?
Crime on Norfolk is low, but it’s always important to practice basic safety precautions.
While driving, drive on the left side of the road and always wear a seat belt.
Swimming is illegal in post parts of Norfolk Island as it is surrounded by a protected coral reef. The waves can be hazardous. If you’re planning on swimming, you may do so at Emily Bay.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Emily Bay
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Emily Bay is a beach on Norfolk Island that is a popular spot for tourists. The beach is very pretty and the water is clear, making it a great place to go swimming and snorkeling. It’s also very safe for families with young children.
Visitors can see lots of different kinds of fish and even sea turtles while snorkeling. There is also a place for picnics with tables and barbecues. Visitors can bring their own food or buy snacks and drinks from a nearby kiosk.
Emily Bay is surrounded by trees that provide shade and make it a peaceful place to relax. People can go for walks along the beach or take a hike to see some historic sites, like the ruins of an old observation post from World War II.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a day on Norfolk Island, Emily Bay is definitely worth a visit.
What Should I Take to Norfolk Island?
When packing for a trip to Norfolk Island, be sure to take these items:
- Clothes: Bring light clothes like shorts, t-shirts, and dresses for warm days. Take a light jacket and long-sleeve shirts for cooler weather. Pack walking shoes, sandals, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and a light sweater.
- Personal items: Take travel-sized toiletries, a toothbrush, medicines and a small first-aid kit. Also, bring insect repellent to keep bugs away.
- Electronics: Pack a camera or smartphone, a portable charger, and a power adapter if needed. Bring a waterproof case for your gadgets.
- Travel documents: Bring your passport, visa and copies of important documents. Carry cash and credit cards.
- Other items: A reusable water bottle, snorkeling gear, a foldable daypack, a travel pillow and an eye mask can be useful. Carry a book or something to keep you entertained.
Check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly. Pack light and leave room for souvenirs.
U.S. Embassy in Norfolk Island
All Americans visiting Norfolk 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 Norfolk Island, but it is served by the embassy in New Zealand.
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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk Island
“I was late to my appointment for my Norfolk Island vaccines and was the last appointment of the day. The staff called me to see if I was on my way and graciously waited for me to get there (even though it meant they had to stay late). They were very kind and professional.”
“Very helpful in crunch time. Also they were very informative on which vaccines I needed for Norfolk Island and prevention of diseases.”
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UK – English
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