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Vaccines for Travel to Europe in 2025

  • Apr 16
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 23

What Vaccines Do You Need for Travel to Europe in 2025?


As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, travel to Europe continues to be a popular choice for tourists, business professionals, and students alike. Whether you're visiting iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Berlin, or exploring the rural landscapes of Eastern Europe, it’s crucial to stay informed about health risks and vaccination requirements. In 2025, travelers to Europe will still need to consider certain vaccinations before embarking on their journey. While most European countries have excellent healthcare systems, some regions may still have specific health concerns that require preventative measures.


This article will explore the vaccine requirements and recommendations for travel to Europe, addressing what vaccines are mandatory, what are recommended based on the destination, and how travelers can ensure they are prepared for a safe and healthy trip. Vaccination needs can vary based on personal health, travel itinerary, and current health situations. Always consult a healthcare professional or a travel clinic before making vaccination decisions. Updated on April 2025.

Vaccines for travel to Europe in 20205

Vaccine Requirements for Travel to Europe

When it comes to vaccinations for travel, Europe is generally considered a region with robust healthcare infrastructure, meaning that many vaccines required for entry are less stringent compared to developing countries. However, there are still some countries and regions within Europe where vaccines may be required or strongly recommended due to localized outbreaks, health risks, or international health regulations.


1. COVID-19 Vaccination: Current Status

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many countries worldwide implemented travel restrictions and vaccine requirements to curb the spread of the virus. Although Europe has made significant progress in managing the pandemic, COVID-19-related travel requirements may still be in place in 2025, especially for travelers coming from countries where the virus remains a public health threat.


Requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination:

  • European Union (EU) countries and the European Economic Area (EEA) have typically allowed entry during the pandemia for travelers who have been fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, especially if they have received the European Medicines Agency (EMA)-authorized vaccines (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen).

  • The CDC still reccomends renewing the vaccine in vulnerable populations.


Recommendations:

  • EU countries will not ask you for a vaccination certificate, but remember that the COVID-19 situation is fluid so entry requirements can change.


2. Yellow Fever

While yellow fever is rare in Europe, it is a disease that is still a concern for travelers who may have visited countries with ongoing yellow fever transmission. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, travelers to certain European countries may need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from a country with an active yellow fever outbreak.


Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirement:

  • Mandatory for travelers coming from yellow fever endemic countries: If you are traveling from certain regions in Africa or South America, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter some European countries. This is especially true for France, which has overseas territories in the Caribbean (French Guiana), where yellow fever is endemic.


Recommendations:

  • If traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country, make sure to get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip to ensure the vaccine has time to become effective.

  • The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) is required for proof of vaccination.

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3. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver and can be contracted through contaminated food, water, or blood. While they are not as common in Western European countries, they may still pose a risk in certain areas or among specific populations.


vaccinations prior to a trip to Italy

Hepatitis A:

  • Recommended for all travelers, particularly if you plan to visit rural areas or eat local street food. The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, so ensuring food safety is crucial.

  • In countries like Spain, Greece, and Portugal, Hepatitis A is generally less of a concern in urban areas but may still be a risk in less-developed regions.

Hepatitis B:

  • Recommended for travelers with potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids (e.g., medical professionals, travelers who plan to undergo medical treatments, or those engaging in high-risk behaviors like unprotected sex).

  • While Hepatitis B is less common in Europe, it can still be transmitted in medical or sexual settings.

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4. Tetanus and Diphtheria

Both tetanus and diphtheria are bacterial infections that can result in serious health complications. While tetanus is not transmitted from person to person, it is contracted through wounds or cuts. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and nose.


Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine:

  • Recommended for travelers, particularly those planning to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or camping, where injuries may occur.

  • Many travelers to Europe are up-to-date on their routine immunizations, but it is essential to check your tetanus and diphtheria vaccination history, especially if you have not received a booster shot in the last 10 years.

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5. Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR)

The MMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles, and rubella, all of which are highly contagious viral diseases. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of measles in Europe, particularly in areas where vaccination rates have dropped below the required threshold for herd immunity.


MMR Vaccine Requirement:

  • Recommended for all travelers who are not fully vaccinated or those who lack immunity (especially if born after 1957). This is crucial for children and young adults who may not have received full immunization.

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6. Polio (Poliomyelitis)

Polio remains a concern in certain regions of the world, but Europe is generally considered polio-free. However, vaccination for polio is still important for travelers who may have visited regions where the disease remains active.


Polio Vaccine Requirement:

  • Recommended for travelers who are at increased risk, especially those visiting Eastern Europe or countries with lower vaccination rates.

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7. Influenza Vaccine

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all travelers, particularly those visiting Europe during the winter months when flu outbreaks are more common. Influenza viruses circulate year-round, but they peak in colder months, particularly in Northern Europe.


Flu Vaccine Requirement:

  • Highly recommended for all travelers, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

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8. Other Region-Specific Recommendations

Some regions in Europe have specific health risks, including:


vaccination in travelers

  • Rabies: Travelers to rural parts of Eastern Europe may need to consider the rabies vaccine if they plan to engage with animals, such as hiking or volunteering with wildlife.

  • Tuberculosis (TB): While TB is less common in Europe, travelers visiting countries with high TB rates (such as parts of Eastern Europe or Romania) may benefit from getting a TB test or vaccination.

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Conclusion

When preparing for travel to Europe, it’s crucial to be aware of both required and recommended vaccinations to ensure a safe and healthy trip. While many European countries do not have strict vaccination entry requirements, health risks such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, yellow fever, and COVID-19 can still pose threats depending on your destination and activities. By staying up-to-date with vaccinations and seeking advice from a healthcare provider or travel clinic, you can significantly reduce your risk of illness.

Remember, vaccination guidelines can change, so always consult trusted sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest travel health recommendations.


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Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information on vaccine recommendations and requirements for travelers to Europe. Vaccination needs can vary based on personal health, travel itinerary, and current health situations. Always consult a healthcare professional or a travel clinic before making vaccination decisions. The information provided here is accurate as of the publication date but may be subject to change

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