Health Information for Tourists

Vaccination Requirements

When travelling to India, it is important that you are fully aware of the vaccination requirements and general health care information and advice that you need to follow.

It is advisable that you contact your GP or local medical centre well in advance of the date you intend to travel in order to establish exactly what vaccinations are recommended. They will be able to advise you of the latest tourist health information and recommendations. Special precautions are required in respect of Cholera, Typhoid, Polio and Malaria. You will be required to hold a Yellow Fever certificate if you will be entering India from an infected country (generally parts of Africa and South America). Again, it is advisable to seek professional advice if you are not travelling directly to India from the UK.

Take plenty of your preferred over the counter medications that may not be available during your trip, including pain killers, cold medicine and the tablets to help stop diarrhoea.

When in India, regard all water as being contaminated. Well water close to the Ganges and West Bengal even contains traces of arsenic. Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled, or better still use bottled. Even bottled water can carry risks, make sure it is from a reliable source, is a recognised brand and that the bottle seal is intact.

Use powdered or tinned milk. If the milk is dried and needs to be reconstituted then be certain to use pure bottled water. Avoid dairy products that may have been made with unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish and preferably served hot.

Health care facilities are limited and it is essential that you have adequate Health Insurance cover before you depart for India.

Please note that the above is intended as a guide only. If you require specific information relating to health, passports, visa or legal matters then it is important to consult the relevant professional authorities.

Also do not let the above put you off going to India. The vast majority of visitors to India suffer no health problems whatsoever. Just be cautious and apply a common sense approach to your visit.

Above all enjoy it. India truly offers so much.