Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Recommended Vaccinations For Cocos (Keeling) Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no yellow fever risk, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (except Galapagos Islands in Ecuador) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the same exceptions as mentioned above)

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Cocos (Keeling) Islands

There are no recommendations for Cocos (Keeling) Islands at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Cocos (Keeling) Islands

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Yellow Fever

There is no yellow fever risk, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (except Galapagos Islands in Ecuador) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the same exceptions as mentioned above).

Safety & Security in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Personal Safety

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a safe destination for visitors. With a population of around 600 people and little or no crime against visitors, you can expect minimal security concerns. Violent crime is rare, though petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Australian Federal Police maintain a presence on the islands with one sergeant and one constable providing law enforcement. The islands are politically stable as an Australian territory, with no recent civil unrest or terrorism incidents. Medical facilities are limited to small health clinics on both West and Home Islands, staffed by one GP and four nurses, with no hospital available. Medical evacuation to Perth may be necessary for serious health issues. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever can occur, so insect repellent is recommended. The remote location means that emergency services are basic, and response times may be longer than in urban areas. Travel insurance is essential given the limited medical infrastructure.

Extreme Violence

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands experience virtually no extreme violence. As a remote Australian territory with a small, close-knit population of around 600 people, violent crime is rare. There are no reports of terrorism, armed conflict, or organized crime activity. The islands maintain a stable, peaceful environment with no history of violent incidents targeting visitors or residents. The Australian Federal Police presence ensures law enforcement, though the low crime rates mean serious interventions are uncommon. There have been no recent reports of kidnapping, assault, or violent robberies. The biggest security concerns relate to natural disasters like tropical cyclones and tsunamis rather than human threats. The isolated nature of the islands and strong community bonds contribute to the overall absence of extreme violence.

Political Unrest

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are politically stable as an Australian external territory. There is no political unrest, civil disturbances, or protests. The islands have been administered by Australia since 1955, and in 1984, residents voted overwhelmingly to integrate with Australia in a United Nations-supervised referendum. Australian law applies to the territory, and residents are represented in the Australian parliament. The islands have a unicameral Shire Council with seven members serving four-year terms, providing local governance. There is no history of demonstrations, riots, or political violence. The small population and strong governance structure contribute to political stability. While the islands have historical significance, there are no current territorial disputes or political tensions. Visitors should not expect any disruptions due to political activities. The only governance discussions relate to infrastructure development and climate change adaptation rather than political conflict.

Areas To Avoid

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands have no particularly dangerous areas that visitors need to avoid. The two inhabited islands, West Island and Home Island, are both safe for visitors. North Keeling Island is uninhabited and forms part of Pulu Keeling National Park, which is protected and not generally accessible to tourists without special permission. Direction Island, a popular day-trip destination, is safe but visitors should be mindful of water safety as there is no coastguard service. When swimming or snorkeling, be aware of strong currents, particularly at the rip at Direction Island, which is only suitable for strong swimmers with fins. Shallow areas and coral outcrops exist throughout the lagoon, so caution is needed when navigating between islands. There are no snakes or dangerous spiders on the islands. Wildlife including sharks can be present in the waters, so take appropriate precautions. The main concerns relate to natural hazards rather than crime or conflict. During cyclone season (November to May), tropical cyclones can bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, so monitor weather advisories. The low-lying nature of the islands also creates tsunami risk from earthquakes in the Indian Ocean region.