India Vaccinations and Travel Advice

India Vaccinations and Travel Advice

While traveling to India, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc. 

Travelling to India will bring you to a lively and dynamic country that is full of surprises. Your senses will be stimulated by the noises, smells and colours which shape India’s identity. Do not be surprised if you encounter cows or elephants walking down the street! Whether you decide to visit the vibrant state of Rajasthan, take a cruise in Kerala, or sunbathe on a beach in Goa, you will be sure to enjoy yourself. In order to travel safely, vaccinations are required for your trip to India. The Summit Travel Health team is here to help you determine what vaccinations are required for travelling to India in 2020 and when to get them. 

While traveling to India, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.
India’s Taj Mahal Palace

What vaccines do I need for India In 2021?

The Government Of Canada and CDC recommend the following vaccinations for travelling to India in 2021: PolioTyphoid, Hepatitis A,  Hepatitis BRabiesJapanese EncephalitisInfluenzaMeaslesMumps and Rubella, COVID-19

Recommended vaccines for India

Below are additional details on vaccinations required for travel to India as well as how common diseases are transmitted

VaccineDisease Transmission
Traveller’s diarrheaContaminated water/food
Polio
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis BContaminated body fluids
(blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.)
RabiesInfected Animals
MMR (MeaslesMumps and Rubella)Various ways of transmission
Japanese EncephalitisMosquito bites
InfluenzaAirborne Droplets

When should I get my vaccines for India?

We recommend you visit one of our travel clinic clinics at least 6 weeks in advance of travelling to India. This will ensure you are up to date with all recommended vaccines for India as well as your routine vaccinations.

The Yellow fever vaccination is also required to visit India. You will need to have this done at a minimum of 10 days before you travel to ensure coverage. We also encourage all travelers to India to ensure all boosters are up to date and to plan ahead of time.

Our dedicated team of travel health professionals will review your current vaccination history as well as the vaccinations you require for travelling to India.

Recommended Medication for Travelling to India

MedicationAdditional Information
Acetazolamide/DexamethasoneRecommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness
Azithromycin/SupraxAntibiotic in case of traveller’s diarrhea
Malarone, Doxycycline or MefloquineRecommended anti-malaria medication

Medical Care in India

In the cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore, you will find medical centres providing care equal to Western standards. This list of services includes Apollo HospitalsWoodlands Medical Center and Fortis Hospital. Well-equipped hospitals are not limited to these cities, however, as India offers many competent doctors. For instance, the Wellesley Medicenter in Kolkata is dedicated to travelers.

Most local pharmacies seem to be well supplied, yet it is always worth bringing a personal medical kit. For the use of private ambulance, you will have the choice between the emergency services of the Hinduja National Hospital (2445-2575), the Apollo Gleneagles Hospital (1066) or the Woodlands Medical Center

However, for public emergency assistance, you will need to contact 102.

Is India Safe for Travel?

Safety and Security Descriptive
Jammu and Kashmir AVOID ALL TRAVEL (high terrorist activity)
Terrorism Risk present
Demonstrations, large gatherings and unrest Risk of violence
Insurgency Frequent bombings from Maoist extremist groups
Crime Risk present
Women’s safety Serious risk of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners Dress conservatively
Trekking/mountaineering/hiking Click the link below for precautions
Fraud Stay wary of items such as jewels, carpets, or those offered by taxi drivers
Road safety Poorly maintained roads and traffic congestion
Public transportation Poorly maintained; Rail accidents are common
Maritime transportation Poor safety practices; Marine accidents are common
Piracy Risk present
Health Zika virus and Dengue fever warning
Risk level High degree of caution
Please click here for more information.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit India?

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Both, a visa (or an e-Tourist Visa) and a passport are required to enter India. The passport must be valid 6 months beyond the date of entry.

Please click here for more information.

Embassy of Canada In India information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

  • A legal problem
  • A lost passport
  • The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian High Commission to India (NEW DELHI)
Street Address:
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021, India

Tel.: +91 11 4178 2000
Fax: +91 11 4178 2023

Email: [email protected]

Canadian Consulate to India (CHANDIGARH)
Street Address:
C413-C416, 4th Floor, Elante Office Complex, Plot No. 178-178A,
Industrial & Business Park, Phase 1, Chandigarh 160002, India

Tel.: +91 172 505 0300
Fax: +91 172 505 0323

Email: [email protected]

Canadian Consulate to India (NEW DELHI)
Street Address:
Duncan House, 31 Netaji Subhas Road,
Kolkata 700 001, India

Tel.: +91 33 2242 6820
Fax: +91 33 2242 6828

Email: [email protected]

Canadian Consulate to India (MUMBAI)
Street Address:
Indiabulls Financial Centre, Tower 2, 21st Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg,
Elphinstone Road West, Mumbai 400 013, India

Tel.: +91 22 6749 4444
Fax: +91 22 6749 4454

Email: [email protected]

Click here to access the embassy’s website