High riskAsia · Southern AsiaIndia Travel Health Guide
High risk
India carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria is present throughout India below 2,000m elevation, including major cities. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are current before travel, including MMR, flu shot, and tetanus.
COVID-19
Stay current with COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to India. Infants 6-11 months should also be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.
Measles
Measles cases are increasing globally. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, including early vaccination for infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to India, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with friends/relatives.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine may be considered for long-term stays of 6 months or more due to elevated risk in India.
Cholera
Cholera is present in India but rare in travelers. Vaccination may be considered for certain high-risk situations.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term stays (1+ month), frequent travelers, or those doing outdoor activities in rural areas.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife in India. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have animal contact or limited access to medical care.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for India but is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria is present throughout India below 2,000m elevation, including major cities. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Altitude Sickness
Ladakh (Leh ~3,500m), Himalayan regions (e.g., Manali-Leh highway >5,000m); fly-in risk; rest 48 hours on arrival.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas except high-altitude regions; high risk from street vendors and tap water.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria is present throughout India below 2,000m elevation, including major cities. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Emergency numbers
Police
112
Medical / Ambulance
112
Fire
112
U.S. Embassy
+91-11-2419-8000
India travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to India?▼
For travel to India, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Chikungunya, Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in India?▼
Yes — malaria is present in India. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to India?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, India is currently rated high risk. India carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria is present throughout India below 2,000m elevation, including major cities. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
What are the emergency phone numbers in India?▼
Key emergency numbers in India are Police 112, Medical / Ambulance 112, Fire 112 and U.S. Embassy +91-11-2419-8000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
AfghanistanModerate riskAfghanistan carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500 meters elevation from April to December. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
BangladeshModerate riskBangladesh carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in specific areas of Bangladesh but not in Dhaka. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
BhutanModerate riskBhutan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Bhutan. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.