A practical guide for Australian travellers on preparing for a healthy trip overseas.
Travelling overseas exposes you to diseases that aren't common in Australia. Many countries have health risks — from mosquito-borne illnesses to food and waterborne diseases — that your body hasn't built immunity against. Travel vaccinations are your first line of defence.
Some vaccinations are legally required for entry into certain countries (like Yellow Fever), while others are strongly recommended based on your destination, activities, and health status.
Required vaccinations are mandated by a country's government as a condition of entry. The most common is Yellow Fever — many African and South American countries require proof of vaccination. Some countries also require proof of Polio vaccination. Without the certificate, you may be denied entry or quarantined on arrival.
Recommended vaccinations aren't mandatory for entry but are advised by health authorities based on disease risks in your destination. These include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Cholera, among others. Your travel health doctor will recommend which ones you need based on where you're going, what you'll be doing, and how long you're staying.
Before worrying about travel-specific vaccines, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. These include Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTap), Polio, and your annual Influenza vaccine. Check your immunisation history — many Australians are due for boosters they don't realise they need.
Book a travel health appointment at least 6-8 weeks before your departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks, so last-minute appointments may mean incomplete protection. Bring your itinerary, passport, and any previous vaccination records (your Australian Immunisation Register record is available through myGov).
You have two main options in Australia: a dedicated travel health clinic (like Travel Doctor TMVC, Travelvax, or Travel Vaccination Healthcare) or your regular GP. Travel clinics specialise in destination-specific advice and carry a wider range of vaccines. Yellow Fever can only be administered at approved Yellow Fever vaccination centres.
Find a travel vaccination clinic near you →
Most travel vaccinations are not covered by Medicare or the PBS. Some routine vaccines (like the flu shot) may be covered if you're in an eligible group. Expect to pay the full cost of travel-specific vaccines out of pocket. Check with your travel clinic or GP about current pricing — costs can vary between clinics.
See our full vaccination cost guide →
Last updated: April 2026