United Kingdom

Northern Europe · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Global Polio

Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus, and poliovirus has been identified in the UK in the past year. Make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines before international travel.

Current alert — Global Measles

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.

The United Kingdom is a low-risk destination, and beyond routine vaccines CDC does not list specific vaccines for most travellers. Depending on your plans, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies may be worth considering for some travellers. CDC also notes a global polio advisory, so make sure your polio vaccination is up to date. A travel health check 4–6 weeks before departure is still a good idea, especially to confirm routine immunisations.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to United Kingdom from most countries.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Food & water safety

Moderate risk

Exercise food and water precautions, particularly in rural areas and budget accommodation. Bottled or treated water is advisable. Avoid raw shellfish and salads washed in tap water. Choose cooked food served hot.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

The United Kingdom is an industrialised destination, but standard precautions still apply for food, water and insect bites. Leptospirosis, hantavirus and tuberculosis are present but are managed through routine precautions.

Also in Northern Europe

DenmarkEstoniaFaroe IslandsFinland

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — United Kingdom.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.