Home Travel & Vaccination Requirements

Travel & Vaccination Requirements

Before you think about setting sail, it’s important to ensure you’re fully prepared. This guide provides important information on visa and vaccination requirements, along with vital travel guidance including safety measures, entry protocols, and health advisories for the destinations featured on your cruise itinerary.

Before booking, please ensure that you have read, understood, and agreed to all visa and vaccination requirements. Failing to obtain the correct documentation and health certifications may result in denial of boarding.

Important Travel Information

Cruise Line Passport Requirements

Please note that many cruise lines require a minimum of 6 months validity on British Citizen passports regardless of the destination’s policy. This applies to the date of departure from your final destination back to the UK.

If you’re unsure, please check the cruise line terms & conditions or contact them directly.

We are unable to advise on passport or visa requirements for holders of any other type of passport, including British Subject passports. If this applies to you, we strongly recommend contacting the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Medication

Please note that the legal status and regulation of certain medications may vary from the UK in other countries.

Read the recommended practices for traveling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Cruise Line Passport, Visa & Other Requirements

General Cruise Travel Health & Vaccination Guide

Planning a cruise is exciting — but it’s important to be prepared. Depending on where you’re cruising, there may be vaccination or health requirements you need to meet. Below is a simple guide to help you stay informed and safe while you explore the world.

General Recommendations for All Travellers

Before setting sail, we strongly recommend that all guests:

  • Are up to date with routine vaccines, including:
    • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
    • Polio
    • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
    • COVID-19 and seasonal Flu
    • Speak with a GP or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure for the latest destination-specific advice.
    • Bring any required vaccination certificates (such as Yellow Fever proof) when travelling to certain regions.

Health & Vaccine Advice by Region

Each region may have specific health requirements or vaccine recommendations based on where you’re travelling. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:

Africa

Common Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies, Diphtheria
Yellow Fever: Mandatory if travelling from a high-risk country.
Polio: May be required for extended stays.

Ports with Specific Health Requirements:
Algeria, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and more.

Asia

Common Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Diphtheria, Tetanus
Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from an affected country.
Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for extended stays or rural travel.

Ports to Watch:
India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Philippines, and more.

Australasia & Pacific Islands

Common Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Rabies
Yellow Fever: Proof required only if arriving from risk areas.
Key Destinations:
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu.

Caribbean

Common Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid
Yellow Fever: May be required if arriving from risk areas.

Popular Ports:
Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Antigua.

North & Central America

Common Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid
Yellow Fever: Required only if travelling from high-risk countries.

Included Destinations:
Mexico, Belize, Panama, USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras.

Europe

Common Vaccines: Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Rabies
Tick-borne Encephalitis: Consider for rural or forested areas in Eastern or Northern Europe.
Yellow Fever: Not required.

Frequent Ports:
Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Norway, UK, Turkey.

Middle East

Common Vaccines: Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid
Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from affected regions
Meningitis: Mandatory for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims.

Notable Destinations:
UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan.

South America & Antarctica

Common Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies
Yellow Fever: Strongly recommended for many parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and other countries.
Polio Certificate: May be needed for longer visits.

Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Falkland Islands, Antarctica.

Don't forget to...

Always Bring Your Documents

If your cruise visits a country that requires proof of vaccination (such as Yellow Fever), make sure you have your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP). This must be issued at least 10 days before travel.

Stay Safe and Plan Ahead

Vaccination and health requirements can change. Always:

  • Check with your GP or travel nurse
  • Look at country-specific government travel advice
  • Update all routine vaccinations
  • Keep your vaccination records handy when boarding

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