When tours visit remote areas or developing countries we normally recommend immunisation against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Parts of East Africa and South America ask for a Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Malarial prophylaxis should be taken in many areas.
We stress that the following information is intended for quick reference only. A summary of requirements is listed here.
Y = YES, visa required.
R = Immunisation/protection normally recommended.
R* = Protection recommended for travel to some areas – please check with your healthcare provider.
F = Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever required only if coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
M = Meningitis. Immunisation may be recommended depending on area visited and time of year.
D = Diphtheria. Immunisation recommended in some circumstances, seek medical advice.
For more information on the subject of vaccinations and health protection, check your individual Trip Notes or consult your booking agent. Further information can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. For country-specific advice contact www.nathnac.org/travel – an excellent source of information on health risks. Ask your medical practitioner for the latest information and allow time to obtain the appropriate vaccinations. Cholera vaccinations are not officially required by any country. However, in practice, a cholera vaccination certificate may be asked for by border officials when arriving from, or travelling into, an infected area: especially at land borders. Please see Trip Notes for details. The UK Department of Health recommends immunisation against tetanus and polio for all countries.
Vaccinations:
Please note that some inoculation programmes require two injections, administered four weeks apart. You should leave plenty of time for this. As a general rule, please note that health requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the current requirements in good time before departure. For holidays in the EU / EEA you should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) before departure, from the Department of Health. This is available by telephone (0870 1555455) or online at www.dh.gov.uk. An EHIC is not, however, a substitute for appropriate travel insurance. Please check vaccination requirements with a GP or Vaccination Centre at least two months before travelling.
Special notes
(1) Visa issued on arrival, subject to authorisation from Bhutan government. (2) Visa issued on arrival if arriving and departing as part of a group. Passport details required minimum 10 days before departure. (3) Visa may also be obtained on arrival. (4) Visa issued subject to authorisation from the relevant Government. Sensitive occupations such as journalist, photographer or defence related occupations may be refused entry. (5) Immigration does not accept any passport with an Israeli stamp (it is possible to request for the Israeli stamp not to be placed on the pages of the passport), or showing Israel as place of birth, nor do they accept any passport which has only an exit stamp from Jordan/Egypt (implying that entry was made via Israel). (6) Visas should be obtained before travel. Biometric data must be provided in addition to an Arabic transcript. See relevant Trip Notes for details. (7) Visa not required if holding Tourist Card issued by authorised airlines. (8) Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever required if arriving after transiting infected/endemic area or if visiting Pto Maldonado – Tour Refs. PSA, PEA, PBA, PMA, HTA, PQA, AMZ & BQ. (9) For the Azores and Madeira only. (10) If you intend to travel to China after visiting Tibet, note that any China visa already obtained will have been cancelled on entering Tibet (OE & TB tours). (11) Visas not required provided entering by sea or air on a carrier participating in the Visa Waiver Program. From Jan 12th 2009 onwards, it will be compulsory for all travellers to the US to provide their personal details online using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) well in advance of travel (and not less than 72hrs before travel) at a cost of $14 (£9). (12) Visa not required if holding tourist card issued by Explore or Cuban Consul. (13) Group permit issued in Kathmandu (Tour Ref. OE & TB) or Xian (RTB); passport details required in advance. (14) Electronic Visa (ETA) may be issued in conjunction with your international air ticket. Please check with your travel agent. (15) Passport must have 2 clear blank pages for entry stamp. (16) Yellow fever certificate is mandatory. (17) Visa fee (on arrival) waived if passport details sent by Explore to local immigration service (passport details needed min 10 days in advance). (18) Visa fee waived if arriving & departing as part of a group (passport details needed min 10 days in advance) otherwise visa issued on arrival. (19) Visitors to Spain must now provide Explore with Advance Passenger Information (API) in order to be allowed boarding point of origin. API requires DOB, Nationality and Passport number. Please have these details available when booking. (20) Nationals of Canada, Greece, Portugal and USA must buy a tourist card (currently 10US$) on arrival valid for 30 days from entry.
Visa & Vaccination Requirements Chart for Group (Adult) Adventures
Visa & Vaccination Requirements Chart for Family Adventures
Special notes
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