travel vaccinations oxfordshire

Your Expert  Travel Vaccination Centre in Oxford

" Amazing service, people, and location "

Your Trusted Travel Health Partner in Oxford

At the Oxford Travel Vaccination Centre, we are dedicated to ensuring your health and well-being as you embark on your global adventures. Our experienced healthcare professionals specialise in travel health and offer a wide range of vaccinations tailored to your specific destination and individual needs. With our comprehensive services and personalised approach, trust us to be your trusted destination for travel vaccination services.

Travel Health Services 

Comprehensive services for your travel vaccination & health needs, travel advice.

Stay protected with our comprehensive range of travel vaccinations tailored to your specific destination and individual needs.

Travel Vaccination

Our comprehensive travel vaccination services ensure your safe and enjoyable trip.

Corporate travel

Specialised services for corporate travellers, ensuring their health and well-being during business trips.

Travel Vaccinations

Stay protected on your journey.

Hajj & Umrah

Vaccinations for hajj & umrah pilgrimage.

As your trusted travel health partner, Oxford Vaccination Centre understands the importance of providing specialised care for Muslim patients attending the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We offer dedicated services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals embarking on this sacred journey.

Travel Health Vaccinations

At the Oxford Vaccination Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of standard travel vaccinations to ensure your health and well-being during your journey. Our experienced healthcare professionals provide expert advice tailored to your specific destination and individual needs. Some of the vaccinations we offer include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and more.

Book your vaccination today and travel with confidence knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to stay protected.

Complete your Pre-Consultation Questionnaire

The pre-consultation questionnaire is essential for our healthcare professionals to assess your specific travel requirements, address any concerns you may have, and educate you about potential health risks in your destination. Click here to complete your questionnaire prior to your appointment.

Not Sure What Vaccination You Need?

We understand that determining the right vaccinations for your travel plans can be confusing. For a comprehensive assessment of the vaccinations you may require for your travel plans, we recommend visiting the NHS Fit for Travel website. It provides detailed information and guidance tailored to specific destinations. Use this valuable resource to ensure you are well informed about the recommended vaccinations for your specific travel itinerary.

Flu Vaccination

Have you had your flu jab.

If you are 65 or over, Flu can be serious!

Don't put it off .

What Our Clients Say

Shivani Joshi

Thank you to everyone at Wheatley Pharmacy for getting my medication ahead of Christmas and my holidays. I had tried Boots and they were unable to get it to me before my holiday. I spoke to Jag who was able to get me my medication in the nick of time! Loving the festive vibes in the window!

Oxfordshire & Oxford Travel Clinics - CityDoc

Travel vaccination clinics near you

We have travel clinics in Oxfordshire for travel vaccines, pre-travel consultations, Anti-Malarials. Book online, same day & walk-in appointments available.

Find your nearest CityDoc

With over 150 clinics nationwide, there is a citydoc clinic to suit all of your travel needs, travel health enquiries.

For all travel health enquiries, simply contact us below.

Travel Vaccinations

Flu (influenza) vaccination, sexual health, find a clinic, welcome to citydoc.

Book an appointment

Patients are required to pay a base fee of £20 at their appointment (£10 for additional person), chargeable on your 1 st appointment visit. This fee covers your necessary face to face consultation, prior to any treatment being given and does not form part of your treatment cost.

Healthier Business Group Referrals

CityDoc is an exclusive partner to Healthier Business Group, providing both blood testing and vaccines to healthcare workers for over 15 years. Please select the service you have been recommended below.

All vaccines are subject to a medical consultation, stock availability and a travel risk assessment.

Helpful information about your travel

Which vaccinations do you require, sexual health services.

To book your appointment with our sexual health specialist in our private clinic, please select below.

There is a consultation fee applicable for all sexual health appointments.

Vaccinations

If you would like to book a travel vaccine or a general vaccine with our specialists, please continue below. No base fee is applied to Flu vaccinations.

Private GP Appointment (Wimpole St ONLY)

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our highly experienced private GP’s, please briefly describe what you would like to discuss in the box below. Please note, this is a private consultation and you will be charged.

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Travel vaccination advice

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever , typhoid and hepatitis A .

In the UK, the  NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you're:

• travelling in rural areas
• backpacking
• staying in hostels or camping
• on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

• Travel Health Pro
• NHS Fit for Travel

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Even if an ICVP is not required, it's still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad

Where do I get my travel vaccines?

First, phone or visit the GP practice or practice nurse to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you have any records of your vaccinations, let the GP know what you have had previously.

The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area.

If the GP practice can give you the travel vaccines you need but they are not available on the NHS, ask for:

• written information on what vaccines are needed
• the cost of each dose or course
• any other charges you may have to pay, such as for some certificates of vaccination

You can also get travel vaccines from:

• private travel vaccination clinics
• pharmacies offering travel healthcare services

Which travel vaccines are free?

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

• polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )
• hepatitis A

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?

You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

• hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• tick-borne encephalitis
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres .

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

It's worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.

Other things to consider

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

• your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
• working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
• working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
• contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations.

But it's important to check that you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations available on the NHS.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to a GP before having any vaccinations if:

• you're pregnant
• you think you might be pregnant
• you're breastfeeding

In many cases, it's unlikely a vaccine given while you're pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby.

But the GP will be able to give you further advice about this.

People with immune deficiencies

For some people travelling overseas, vaccination against certain diseases may not be advised.

This may be the case if:

• you have a condition that affects your body's immune system, such as HIV or AIDS
• you're receiving treatment that affects your immune system, such as chemotherapy
• you have recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant

A GP can give you further advice about this.

Non-travel vaccines

As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, it's also a good opportunity to make sure your other vaccinations are up-to-date and have booster vaccines if necessary.

Although many routine NHS vaccinations are given during childhood, you can have some of them (such as the MMR vaccine ) as an adult if you missed getting vaccinated as a child.

There are also some extra NHS vaccinations for people at higher risk of certain illnesses, such as the flu vaccine , the hepatitis B vaccine and the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) .

Your GP can advise you about any NHS vaccinations you might need.

Find out about NHS vaccinations and when to have them

Page last reviewed: 16 March 2023 Next review due: 16 March 2026

Bank Holiday

There will be changes to delivery and our customer service hours over the Early May Bank Holiday. Stay up to date here .

Travel vaccinations and travel injection advice

It’s easy to find travel vaccinations and travel clinics near you, especially if you already know which vaccinations you need for your trip. Simply explore your booking options with our tailored travel service LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor . We’ll help you to get the right protection for your trip.

Online Doctor

Order malaria tablets or jet lag treatment online with a free online consultation. Our Online Doctor service is perfect for those aged 18 years or over. Through a confidential online assessment, you can receive malaria tablets or jet lag treatment if our clinical team confirm they’re suitable for you, without seeing a GP face-to-face. Our travel service is also ideal if you’re in need of treatment quickly – simply complete an online consultation and select next-day delivery.

Online Doctor travel health services

Jet lag tablets, antimalarial treatments, period delay, travel advice.

Surgery closing for May bank holiday

Closed from Friday 3 May at 6:30pm. Open again Tuesday 7 May at 8:00am.

Book travel vaccinations

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, the surgery can help with travel advice and information about vaccines for travel.

You must request travel advice at least 8 weeks before your departure date.

This is because some vaccines:

• need to be given in advance to let your body develop immunity
• involve a number of doses over weeks or months

The NHS is only able to provide specific vaccinations to its NHS patients for travel. These include:

• Hepatitis A
• Polio 

Contact the surgery by phone

You can contact the surgery to ask about what vaccinations you need and request your appointment.

See surgery contact details

Find out more

Check the latest guidance about NHS travel vaccinations .

Travel illnesses and vaccinations

• Water and food safety  
• Insect bites  
• Travellers' diarrhoea  
• Malaria  
• Dengue  
• HIV and STIs  
• Hepatitis A  
• Hepatitis B  
• Typhoid  
• Yellow fever  
• Meningitis  

Travel health experts advise preparing for a trip four to six weeks before you travel, especially if you need vaccinations .

"Vaccination is just one element of protecting yourself from infectious disease," says Professor David Hill, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

UK residents visiting their country of origin should also be vaccinated as any immunity they may have built up previously in their native country will have reduced over time .

Water and food safety abroad

Many infectious diseases are transmitted through contaminated food and water, and insect bites.

You can reduce your risk of these diseases by following some basic guidelines:

• Don't drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth in countries with poor sanitation. Use filtered or bottled water instead.
• Don't put ice in drinks. Bottled fizzy drinks with an intact seal are usually safe, and so are boiled water and hot drinks made with boiled water.
• Don't eat salads, uncooked fruits and vegetables unless you've washed and peeled them yourself.
• Don't eat food that has been kept at room temperature in warm environments or has been exposed to flies.
• Don't consume unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products, or raw or undercooked seafood.

"You should only eat freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served piping hot," says Professor Hill .

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Avoiding insect bites

• Try not to go to areas that are highly infested with biting insects. 
• Malaria mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn, so being indoors during these hours can reduce the number of bites.
• Research shows products containing the chemical DEET are the most effective insect repellents and are safe when used correctly.
• Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so wear loose-fitting long trousers and long sleeves in the evenings in malaria hotspots.
• Sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten at night. Carry a small sewing kit so you can repair any holes that develop . 

Travellers' diarrhoea (TD)

Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common illness in people travelling from the UK to developing countries. It is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Foods most likely to cause TD are those that have not been thoroughly heated or have been left out at room temperature.

You can reduce your risk of TD by following good food and water hygiene practices. If you develop TD, drink regularly to avoid dehydration. In most cases, TD will only last a few days, but you may want to pack medication. 

Find  out more about preventing diarrhoea .

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is common in tropical countries. It is spread by night-biting female mosquitoes carrying a parasite called plasmodium. About 1,750 people a year return to the UK with malaria. Most of them catch it because they didn't take any tablets or didn't take the right ones for the areas they visited.

See your GP or go to a travel clinic for specific advice and the correct tablets for the country you're visiting before you travel. Avoiding mosquito bites will also reduce your risk.

Traveller Alex Cheatle tells how he learned the hard way when he decided to stop taking his malaria tablets during a round-the-world trip. Read Alex's story .

Find  out more about  preventing malaria .

Dengue is a virus spread by an infected Aedes mosquito, which usually bites during the day. Dengue is a risk in areas such as southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and, in some cases, a rash. The illness usually lasts a few days and serious complications are uncommon. There is no specific anti-viral treatment. Symptoms such as fever and headache can be treated individually.

Find  out more about  dengue .

HIV and STIs

Unsafe sexual behaviour can expose travellers to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or syphilis. Drinking too much alcohol may decrease your inhibitions and make you more likely to have unsafe sex. 

Avoid sex with a new or unknown partner, and always use condoms. The condoms you can buy in developing countries may not be reliable, so buy them in the UK and take them with you.

Find  out more about STIs .

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus. It is caught through food or water that has been contaminated by human faeces. Foods that grow close to the ground, such as strawberries and lettuce, are particularly risky. Crustaceans that feed on the seabed, such as oysters and clams, are also a risk.

Infected people can pass on the virus if they don't follow proper hygiene practices. Early symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and fever, followed by the onset of jaundice. Highly effective hepatitis A vaccines are available and should be considered by most travellers.

Find  out more about  preventing Hepatitis A .

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by one of the most common viruses worldwide. It is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Symptoms include flu-like complaints, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pains and jaundice.

The virus is spread through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, contaminated needles (including tattoo needles) and poorly sterilised medical and dental equipment. High-risk regions include sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. A vaccine is available for those at risk of hepatitis B.

Find  out more about  hepatitis B .

Typhoid is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. It is acquired through contaminated food or water in areas with poor sanitation. The Indian subcontinent has the highest incidence of typhoid.

Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting high-risk areas.

Find  out more about  preventing typhoid .

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Early symptoms include aching, fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, this can lead to organ failure and death. The disease is preventable by vaccination and is rare in travellers. Some countries require you to be vaccinated against yellow fever as a condition for entry.

Find  out more about  preventing yellow fever .

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. When it reaches the brain, it causes swelling, inflammation and death. The virus is found in the saliva of infected animals, including dogs and bats, and is passed to humans by bites or scratches.

Africa, Asia and South America are rabies risk areas. Vaccination is advised before you travel to high-risk areas. If you get a bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal, wash the wound with soap and water and seek urgent medical care.

Find  out more about  preventing rabies .

Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, which is caused by different types of germs. Early symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, just like many mild illnesses. The germs, which are present in the nose and throat, can be passed from person to person by close and regular contact through coughing, sneezing and kissing.

Meningitis risk areas include sub-Saharan Africa, where there are annual outbreaks. Vaccines are available to travellers visiting high-risk zones , although the risk of meningitis for tourists is low. Vaccination against meningitis is a requirement for pilgrims attending the Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Find out more about  preventing meningitis .

Article provided by NHS Choices

See original on NHS Choices

External Links

• The benefits and risks of vaccinations
• Travel jabs on the NHS
• Vaccinations guide
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office: travel advice
• National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)

Record managed by Oxfordshire Family Information Service

Page last reviewed: 06/03/2017

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Banbury Store in OX16 5UN

Opening times, clinic details.

Get ready for your trip with Superdrug Travel Clinic Banbury. If you are planning your holidays and think you might need to get some travel vaccinations or anti-malaria tablets, our nurse can help you.

We also offer Occupational Health injections and Sexual Health services in this store, and a range of blood tests and health checks to help you to understand your health.

The Banbury Clinic is based on Castle Street in Castle Quay Shopping Centre.

Make an appointment with our nurse of phlebotomist.

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Vaccine programme hits road with health on the move mobile clinics.

Vans will help bring jabs closer to where people live and work and promote other public health services, including the winter flu campaign, smoking cessation and health checks in due course.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme is hitting the road across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and parts of Berkshire to bring jabs closer to where people live and work.

Two roving NHS vaccine vans will be offering Health on the Move mobile clinics and supporting pop-up clinics to make it easier for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination to get one.

Nearly 1.8 million vaccinations have already been delivered across the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System (BOB ICS) since the vaccination roll-out began in December 2020.

Great progress has been made in ensuring people in priority groups from all communities and locations have received at least one jab.

We are now working to ensure everyone over 18 who wants a jab has one before July 19.

With our Health on the Move vans, we will go further with the ability to offer 240 jabs a day seven days a week.

The vans will be staffed by Oxford Health clinicians but are the result of partnership working between health and local authorities across the BOB ICS. There are still some places where uptake of the vaccinations has been slower: among some ethnic groups or because of rurality and geography, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, isolation, underlying health conditions, access to transport and hours of work.

Health on the Move will aim to serve these groups, as well as promote other public health services, including the winter flu campaign, smoking cessation and health checks in due course.

Dr James Kent, Executive Lead for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System, said: “This is an important initiative to build on the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme and a great example of partnership and system working across health and local authority colleagues.”

Oxford Health’s COVID Operations Director, Tehmeena Ajmal said: “We are delighted to support the two new Health on the Move vans, which have been designed and funded through our partnerships in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and West Berkshire with health and local authority colleagues. These two vehicles will allow us to take vaccines to our residents, and to reach a wider population for health messaging and health checks. Look out for a pop-up clinic near you.”

Robert Majilton, deputy Chief Officer, at Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The rollout of COVID-19 vaccination needs to reach everyone with the vaccination offer, ensuring they have the best protection possible from the virus. We know that the Health on the Move vans are a great way to provide access to those who may have otherwise been left behind. Buckinghamshire CCG, alongside our partners in Oxfordshire and Berkshire West, continue to work innovatively to ensure our residents get the best health care and support possible.”

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Published: 22 June 2021

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• Covid-19 vaccination programme

Getting vaccinated is crucial in the country’s continued strategy against the virus. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging everyone to keep their vaccinations up to date and to book an appointment as soon as possible if you have yet to receive any.

See the latest NHS information here on how to book or manage your vaccination appointment or see if you’re eligible for a booster.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the United Kingdom. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the United Kingdom.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

the United Kingdom is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the United Kingdom, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although the United Kingdom is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the United Kingdom include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the United Kingdom’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the United Kingdom, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for United Kingdom for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Travel Insurance

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Travel Insurance For South Africa: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

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Do I Need Travel Insurance for South Africa?

What does travel insurance for south africa cover, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Tourism is on the rise in South Africa according to the local government , with more than four million tourists visiting the nation in the first half of 2023 alone. Australians form a sizable chunk of those numbers, with an estimated 125,000 Australians touring the country each year pre-pandemic.

With travel still high on the agenda for many Australians, that figure is expected to rise in the coming years.

If you’re considering a trip to South Africa, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance. Our guide explains everything you need to know.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Yes, Australians should purchase travel insurance for South Africa. While not a legal requirement to enter the country, it is highly recommended from the Australian government—especially for medical care.

The standard of medical facilities in South Africa can vary by region, but medical facilities are generally of a much lower standard than Australia. In fact, many regional hospitals only provide basic facilities, meaning you may have to be relocated in order to receive the right medical attention.

There is no shared healthcare agreement between Australia and South Africa, which makes travel insurance even more essential. If you need to be transferred by air evacuation to a major city in order to receive treatment, and you don’t have travel insurance, you’ll likely face a hefty bill out of your own pocket.

As Smartraveller advises all Australians, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Vaccinations to Consider for Your Trip to South Africa

There is a high risk of certain diseases in South Africa, so it is worth making sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel and taking any preventative measures with you, such as medications.

This can help reduce your chances of needing to seek medical attention.

There is a risk of Hepatitis A and B throughout South Africa, so vaccinations for Australian travellers are recommended. There is also a moderate risk for most travellers of typhoid, so a vaccination is also recommended if you are travelling to smaller cities, villages and rural areas.

Malaria is present throughout the country, so it could be a good idea to equip yourself with malaria tablets before you travel.

It is essential that you consult a medical practitioner regarding your need for vaccinations before you travel to South Africa, especially as some medical conditions can predispose travellers to certain infections.

When purchasing a travel insurance policy for South Africa, you will have the option to choose a basic policy or a comprehensive policy. A basic policy is cheaper , but may turn out to be more expensive in the long run if you aren’t covered for the things you need.

While a basic policy will usually cover medical needs, it may not provide cover for things such as lost luggage and cancellations (or, if it does, will provide it at a much lower claim level).

That’s why a comprehensive policy is highly recommended for travel to South Africa, as you will receive cover for stolen items, lost luggage, delays and more, in addition to medical and emergency dental care.

Smartraveller asks Australians to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of violent crime in South Africa, which includes robbery and carjacking.

The government website warns that opportunistic criminals will target travellers at the approaches to tourist-hotspot Kruger National Park, at well-known resorts, and on public transport.

Additionally, as ATM and credit card fraud are common crimes in South Africa, a comprehensive policy can be the more financially sound choice to give you peace of mind.

Going on a Safari?

South Africa is a popular tourist region for many reasons, including wildlife safaris. If you wish to partake in a safari or a game walk—walking with wild animals and a professional guide—you will need to ensure that these activities are covered in your policy’s list of included sports and activities.

If they are not, you will not receive cover for anything that occurs during the safari.

However, your policy may offer the option for you to choose an ‘adventure pack’ at an additional cost, which can include many activities that aren’t covered in the standard offering.

This can also include hiking or trekking to certain altitudes.

It’s important to consider which activities you may be participating in during your trip to South Africa in order to ensure you have the appropriate coverage, and purchase an additional add-on if necessary.

What Travel Insurance Won’t Cover

Your travel insurance policy won’t cover anything that is set out in its exclusions, as per the product disclosure statement (PDS). This could include certain sports and activities (such as a safari), or travel to certain regions in South Africa due to safety.

While each travel insurance policy differs on the fine-print, it is standard for most policies not to cover:

• Cancellations due to ‘disinclination to travel’, being if you change your mind about your holiday;
• Accidents or injuries that occur when not following the appropriate safety guidance or official guidelines;
• Intoxicated behaviour, including recreational drugs;
• Any illegal activity.

Be sure to carefully read the PDS of your policy so you know exactly what you can and cannot claim on your trip to South Africa.

Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

Smartraveller recommends that Australians exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa, due to the threat of violent crime. This includes armed robbery, mugging, carjacking, credit card theft, and more.

There is a higher risk of violent crime in major cities after dark, or during “rolling blackout” periods.

For these reasons (and more), Smartraveller urges Australians to take out a travel insurance policy before travelling to South Africa.

Do Australians need a visa for South Africa?

No, Australians do not need a visa for South Africa if they are visiting for tourism for stays of up to 90 days.

Where can I buy travel insurance for South Africa?

Most Australian travel insurance providers will cover Aussies wanting to head abroad to South Africa. When shopping around for a policy, you will be able to choose your destination when you request a quote. If there is no option to choose South Africa, this would be a clear indicator that the insurance provider does not provide policies to this region.

At the time of writing, a few of our top picks for comprehensive travel insurance cover South Africa, including Allianz and Cover-More .

Travel insurance providers can revoke the issuing of new policies to certain destinations at any time, especially if Smartraveller changes the alert warning for a country to ‘Do Not Travel’.

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.