Guidance, built from the WHO, the CDC Yellow Book and the Spanish Ministry of Health.
It does NOT replace a travel health consultation. Vaccines and malaria prophylaxis need a prescription and an individual assessment, at least 4-6 weeks before you travel. Where that consultation happens has a different name in each country — a travel clinic, a yellow fever centre, your own GP practice. See the clinical content policy.
Tell us about the trip
1. Where are you going?
days
4. Conditions and special needs (optional)
Official sources
TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC)Country-by-country advice for UK travellers
OMS — Travel adviceInternational recommendations
CDC Yellow BookDetailed advice, country by country
Foreign travel adviceUK FCDO. Travelling on another passport? Use your own foreign ministry — Spain’s is exteriores.gob.es, the US State Department’s is travel.state.gov
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I see a travel clinic?
At least 4-6 weeks before travelling to a risk area. Some vaccines (yellow fever, a full hepatitis B course, Japanese encephalitis) need several doses to work, and a yellow fever certificate only becomes valid 10 days after the jab.
Is malaria prophylaxis compulsory?
It is essential in sub-Saharan Africa and strongly advised in endemic parts of Asia and Latin America. It must ALWAYS be prescribed by a doctor who knows exactly where you are going: atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are the usual choices.
What health cover do I actually have abroad?
It depends where you are from and where you are going. A UK GHIC covers state healthcare in the EU, but not the US or the rest of the world. Travellers from outside Europe usually have no reciprocal cover at all. Wherever there is a gap — and in the United States there almost always is — private travel insurance with medical cover is not optional.
Can I take my usual medicines into any country?
Generally yes, but some countries (the UAE, Singapore, Japan) restrict psychotropics, opioids and amphetamine derivatives. Always carry medicines in their original packaging, with the prescription, and a doctor’s letter in English if it might be questioned.
What if I am travelling with a baby or a small child?
See a paediatrician before you go. Some antimalarials are contraindicated under 5 kg, yellow fever vaccine under 9 months, and many live vaccines under a year old. Hydration and a paediatric repellent are the foundation.