India

Recommended Vaccinations For India

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

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

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

All travellers 6 months of age or older arriving by air or sea without a yellow fever vaccination certificate can be detained in isolation for up to 6 days if that person (1) arrives within 6 days of departure from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission, or (2) has been in such an area in transit (except those passengers and members of the crew who, while in transit through an airport situated in an area with risk of yellow fever transmission, remained within the airport premises during the period of their entire stay and the Health Officer agrees to such exemption), or (3) arrives on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk of yellow fever transmission up to 30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure laid down by WHO, or (4) arrives on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk of yellow fever transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO. The following are regarded as countries and areas with risk of yellow fever transmission: Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte dʼIvoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda. America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad (Trinidad only), and Venezuela (the Bolivarian Republic of). Note: When a case of yellow fever is reported from any country, that country is regarded by the Government of India as a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission and is added to the above list.

Polio Vaccine

There is no risk of polio in this country. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for travellers from Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in India for more than 3 months.

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 and rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination for Japanese encephalitis is recommended for all travellers to India between May and November, especially those whose travel is limited to the following states where there is a risk of aquiring the disease - Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Travellers should consult their physician to determine if this vaccine is needed for their itinerary.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Recommended Medications For India

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medication is recommended for travel to all areas of India ,excluding areas above 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, and Sikkim. The cities of Delhi and Mumbai are also at risk for malaria. Most cases of malaria are reported from Orissa, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Karnataka. Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for India

For Most Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya occurs in India.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks occur in India, particularly urban and semi-rural areas in the north-central states, with fewer cases in the western states.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in India through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in India. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in India.

For Some Travellers

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis only occurs in Ratnagiri district.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

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.

Zika Fever

Zika fever may occur in India. Pregnant women should reconsider travel to this country.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever has recently occurred in northern India.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in rural India, especially in the state of Bihar.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in India, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, the Indian Government requires proof of vaccination for travellers over 6 months of age arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission. For details of certificate requirements, see Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in the India. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to India are at risk for tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Japanese encephalitis

The affected areas include all states except Arunāchal, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan and Sikkim, and Lakshadweep islands. Urban cases have been reported. The transmission seasons are: Goa: May to October Tamil Nadu: October to January Karnataka: August to December. A second peak occurs April to June in the Mandya District. Andhra Pradesh: September to December North India: July to December The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but visiting the listed areas and extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria throughout the country, including the cities of Bombay (Mumbai) and New Delhi (the capital), the states of Assam and Orissa; the districts of East Godavari, Srikakulam, Vishakhapatnam and Vizianagaram in the state of Andhra Pradesh; and the districts of Balaghat, Dindori, Mandla and Seoni in the state of Madhya Pradesh. There is no malaria transmission in areas >2,000 m (≈6,500 ft) elevation in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, or Sikkim.

Safety & Security in India

Personal Safety

Petty crime ranks as the primary concern for visitors. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and purse theft occur frequently on trains, buses, at airports and in major tourist areas. Thieves operate with skill, sometimes cutting straps or slitting purses undetected. Scams targeting tourists flourish at airports, train stations and popular sites, often involving fake transportation offers, overpriced hotels or sudden diversions. Theft of passports happens regularly. Violent crime directly targeting foreign nationals remains relatively uncommon, but reports show a modest increase in recent years. Local police may not always respond sympathetically to tourist complaints. Hotel room thefts occur. Credit card and ATM fraud happens, particularly at poorly monitored machines. Reports exist of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted. Serious crimes including assault and murder have affected foreign visitors in isolated incidents, though these remain rare compared to property crime.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism affects Jammu and Kashmir, northeastern states and parts of central and southern India. In 2023, 94 terrorism-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir resulted in 117 deaths. Maoist-linked violence in central regions caused 150 deaths across civilians, security forces and alleged insurgents. Active groups include ISIS, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Communist Party of India-Maoist. Attacks target security installations, government officials and civilians using IEDs, ambushes and armed assaults. Tourists are not typically targeted but can become bystanders. In April 2025, the Pahalgam attack killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists who were specifically targeted. Mumbai has experienced multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2008 siege of hotels and landmarks. Security has been strengthened at major hotels and transport hubs, though attacks could occur in restaurants, markets, shopping centers and tourist areas with little warning. The northeastern states experience sporadic bombings of buses, trains and markets by ethnic insurgent groups. Naxalite groups operate across eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana and western West Bengal, attacking police and government targets in rural areas. Most terrorist incidents concentrate in conflict zones away from typical tourist circuits.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations, strikes and mass gatherings occur frequently and can turn violent quickly. Stampedes at religious ceremonies and large gatherings have caused deaths and injuries. Local authorities may impose curfews and movement restrictions on short notice. Protests related to political events, religious festivals and caste tensions happen regularly. In September 2025, protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and constitutional protections turned deadly, with police firing killing four people and injuring dozens. Since 2021, ongoing demonstrations in Ladakh have included hunger strikes and large marches. The region experienced its worst violence since the late 1980s. Manipur has faced violent ethnic clashes since May 2023, causing widespread displacement, casualties and frequent curfews. Internet and mobile services get suspended during unrest. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have staged major protests since February 2024, blocking borders with roadblocks and facing police tear gas and rubber bullets. Even peaceful demonstrations can escalate without warning. Communal violence between Hindu and Muslim communities increases during overlapping religious festivals. Recent tensions between India and Canada have sparked calls for anti-Canada protests. Roads near tourist sites sometimes get blocked during demonstrations, and vehicles transporting tourists have been attacked.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to Jammu and Kashmir except eastern Ladakh and Leh. Terrorism, kidnapping and violent unrest occur regularly. Tourist areas including Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam experience sporadic violence. Foreign tourists cannot access certain areas along the Line of Control with Pakistan. Avoid areas within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border due to armed conflict risk, landmines and cross-border shelling. The Attari-Wagah crossing has been closed. Avoid Manipur. Ongoing ethnic conflict since 2023 has caused extensive violence, displacement and casualties. Curfews, transport disruptions and internet suspensions happen frequently. Government targets face regular attacks. Exercise caution in Naxalite-affected areas spanning eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. These rural regions experience attacks on police, paramilitary forces and government officials. As of 2025, 18 districts across seven states remain affected, down from 90 districts previously. Some northeastern states including parts of Assam and Nagaland experience insurgent violence, though recent reports show decreased activity in many areas. Certain tribal areas in Odisha and Andaman and Nicobar Islands require foreign tourists to follow security and administrative guidelines. Restricted Area Permits are mandatory for parts of Arunachal Pradesh, portions of Ladakh near the Line of Control, and certain northeastern regions. Goa sees elevated opportunistic crime due to high tourist numbers, with serious incidents including sexual assaults reported in recent years.