Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (2024)

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (1)

We’ll help keep you safe at home or abroad. Book your visit online today!

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (2)

Nationwide Travel Health Services
Mosquito Prevention Options
Thailand Specific Advice
Travellers’ Diarrhea Kits Available

Thailand is a popular destination with its tropical climate, food, culture and seasides.

Thai is the official language of Thailand. But, other smaller languages spoken in rural areas. The primary religion of Thailand is Buddhism and is prevalent in many aspects of culture throughout Thailand. Islam is also practiced in Southern provinces.

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is also the largest city in the country. Bangkok is highly populated with congested streets, modern buildings and temples. It is most known for its nightlife.

Thailand’s other major cities include Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.

Do I Need Vaccines for Thailand?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Thailand. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Thailand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

  • Hepatitis A
    Food & Water
    Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
  • Hepatitis B
    Blood & Body Fluids
    Recommended for travellers to most regions.
  • Tetanus
    Wounds or Breaks in Skin
    Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
  • Typhoid
    Food & Water
    Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
  • Yellow Fever
    Mosquito
    Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
  • Japanese Encephalitis
    Mosquito
    Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October.
  • Rabies
    Saliva of Infected Animals
    High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

See the tables below for more information:

Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Thailand

VACCINEHOW DISEASE SPREADSDETAILS
Hepatitis A Food & Water Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
Hepatitis B Blood & Body Fluids Accelerated schedule available
Tetanus Wounds or Breaks in Skin Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
Typhoid Food & Water Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
Japanese Encephalitis Mosquito Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

Sources: NaTHNaC, WHO and ISTM

Various mosquito-borne diseases are present in Thailand. Malaria poses a threat to travellers to some regions of the country. Ensure you are protected with antimalarials.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya can also be found in Thailand. While there are no vaccines available for these diseases, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Be sure to use mosquito repellents, netting and wear proper clothing.

Medical treatment is adequate and common in urban areas. Healthcare is also available in rural areas, though the health care providers may not speak English.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or start booking online now.

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Thailand?

No visa is required for stays under 30 days in Thailand if arriving by air for tourism purposes. Other types of travellers may require a visa.
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Thailand Entry Requirements

Do I Need A…For My Trip to Thailand?
Passport Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (7)
Tourist VisaTravel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (8)
Business Visa Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (9)
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Thailand and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Thailand?

Thailand has a tropical climate, warm and humid with temperatures are around 30.

There are three seasons in Thailand: the cool season (November-February); the hot season (March-May); and the rainy season (June-October).

The most popular tourist times are between November and March, when weather is mild and enjoyable.

How Safe is Thailand?

In the past few years, there have been periodic terrorist attacks at popular tourist attractions in Thailand,. This remains a high-concern today. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Thailand.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has placed strict restrictions on media and have banned political gatherings. Tourists may be detained by the military for openly criticising the NCPO.

Pick-pocketing is common in Thailand as is sexual violence in bars and isolated areas.

Do not use your passport as collateral. Many rental places are scams.

In Southern Thailand (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla), martial law is still prevalent. Tourists are cautioned against travelling to these areas.

Temples in Thailand

There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand, making them popular tourist attractions. These temples range in age and architecture and many are still in use today.

Wat Pho, located in Bangkok, is one of the most popular due to its size and attractions within. It is one of the largest complexes in the country, holding many buildings. Wat Pho houses the largest reclining Buddha and largest collection of Buddha images.

The site is also headquarters for the teaching and preservation of Thai medicine. There, tourists can find two massage schools and pavilions.

You must take off your shoes to enter and you purchase coins to put into bowls for good luck. All the money goes towards renovating and upkeeping the site.

What Should I Take To Thailand?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Thailand:

  • Slip-on Shoes are best, especially if you’re planning to travel to many temples. You will need to take your shoes off quite frequently.
  • Insect spray to ward off mosquitoes that could be carrying disease.
  • Shops in Thailand have sun cream, but your options are limited.
  • If you’re planning on visiting temples, buy clothing items that cover your shoulders, knees and ankles.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Thailand

If you are in Thailand and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Bangkok
AIA Sathorn Tower, Floor 12A
11/1 South Sathorn Road,
Sathorn
Bangkok 10120
Thailand
Telephone: +66 (0) 2 305 8333
Emergency Phone: +66(0)2 305 8333
Fax: +66 (0) 2 255 9278
Contact Form: Click Here

If you have any questions about travelling to Thailand or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online now and protect yourself today.

On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Thailand?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Thailand?
What is the Climate Like in Thailand?
How Safe is Thailand?
Temples in Thailand
What Should I Take To Thailand?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Thailand

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (10)US – EnglishCA – EnglishCA – FrançaisUK – EnglishTravel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (14)Rest of World – English

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand (2024)

FAQs

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Thailand? ›

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

What vaccines should I get before going to Thailand? ›

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

Should I take malaria pills for Thailand? ›

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Thailand. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Do I need yellow fever vaccine for Thailand? ›

There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Thailand. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

What medicine should I take to Thailand? ›

Aspirin or Panadol - for pain or fever. Antihistamine - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites and stings or to help prevent motion sickness. Antibiotics - useful if you are traveling well off the beaten track but they must be prescribed.

How to avoid getting sick in Thailand? ›

Avoid Raw Fruits and Vegetables

If the bacteria isn't effectively cooked away, you could get sick. Make sure leafy greens are washed thoroughly with purified water before eating them and opt for steamed, grilled or boiled vegetables whenever possible.

Are mosquitoes bad in Thailand? ›

Mosquitos are a real nuisance whenever you encounter them, but the wet and warm climate of Bangkok – combined with plenty of dirty sewers and standing water – means that these pests are quite a problem.

What medication can you not take into Thailand? ›

Examples of narcotic drugs of Category 2 according to the Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 (1979), which is controlled under the Single convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961: Codeine, Dextropropoxyphene, Dihydrocodeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone, Pethidine.

Is Bangkok high risk for malaria? ›

While Malaria risk is present throughout the country, major urban areas are generally very low risk, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, phu*ket and Samui. The endemic areas are typically the hilly or forested areas. Most cases are from the border areas of Thailand especially Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodia border.

What are the odds of getting malaria? ›

The crude risk for travelers varied from 1 per 100,000 travelers to Central America and the Caribbean to 357 per 100,000 in central Africa.

Do US citizens need yellow fever vaccine? ›

Everyone ages 9 months through 59 years who plans to travel to parts of Africa or South America where yellow fever is a risk needs 1 dose of the yellow fever vaccine. If you plan to continue living in or traveling to that country, it's possible you'll need a booster shot every 10 years.

How common is yellow fever in Thailand? ›

Although yellow fever does not occur in Thailand, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.

What do you need to travel to Thailand? ›

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand
  1. Passport with at least six month validity.
  2. Visa or visa exemption qualification.
  3. Buy Thailand Travel Insurance.
  4. Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control.
  5. Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer.
  6. Note: Vaccination record no longer required.

Is ibuprofen legal in Thailand? ›

In Thailand, cetirizine and ibuprofen are classified as dangerous drugs which need to be kept behind the counter and dispensed by pharmacists. However, these two drugs are classified as general sale list drugs in the US and the UK, and can be sold by non-pharmacy retailers.

What not to bring to Thailand? ›

Prohibited Goods
  • Obscene objects/literature/pictures.
  • Obscene literature and p*rnographic materials.
  • Goods with an improper Thai flag design.
  • Narcotics*
  • Fake currency, bonds, or coins.
  • Fake Royal Seals/official seals.
  • IPR infringing goods e.g. musical tape, CD, VDO, computer software, etc.
  • Counterfeit trademark goods.

Can I take my vitamins to Thailand? ›

We took our vitamins with us in carry-on bags, no problem at all in Thailand or Singapore. And its not junk...we took vitamin B, C, probiotics plus our medication. Vitamin B does help repel mosquitoes.

What do I need to travel to Thailand? ›

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand
  1. Passport with at least six month validity.
  2. Visa or visa exemption qualification.
  3. Buy Thailand Travel Insurance.
  4. Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control.
  5. Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer.
  6. Note: Vaccination record no longer required.
Oct 26, 2023

How much are vaccinations for Thailand? ›

Recommended Vaccinations for Thailand

Here are all the reccomended travel vaccinations for Thailand: Typhoid £40 per dose. Hepatitis A £65 per dose. Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio £35 per dose.

How long before travel should you get yellow fever vaccine? ›

Yellow Fever Vaccine: Getting Vaccinated

Plan to get the vaccine at least 10 days before your travel since proof of vaccination is not valid until 10 days after getting the vaccine, the time needed to develop immunity to yellow fever virus.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 5870

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.