Overview
India needs no vaccine to enter from Belgium, but it is large enough that risk varies sharply by region. Malaria is highest in the east and northeast below 2,500 m and on the Nicobar Islands, while the Himalayan foothills above 2,500 m (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim) are malaria-free. Japanese encephalitis circulates nationwide year-round, with the north at highest risk from May to November.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
In the risk zones, mosquito-bite protection is the basis, with preventive tablets advised in the higher-risk east and northeast and for more vulnerable travellers elsewhere. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
The east and northeast below 2,500 m, plus the Nicobar Islands: bite protection and preventive tablets are advised.
The rest of the country below 2,500 m, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Rajasthan and the Andaman Islands: bite protection, with tablets for higher-risk travellers.
Above 2,500 m in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim.
Other health risks
Risks by region
North and the Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim)
Above 2,500 m and malaria-free; altitude sickness is the main risk to plan for on treks.
East and northeast
India's highest malaria-risk zone, and where Japanese encephalitis peaks from May to November.
The plains and major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Rajasthan)
Low malaria risk; standard mosquito-bite protection is enough for most visits.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Malaria risk is present here too, from low on Andaman to higher on the Nicobar Islands; check current advice before island-hopping.
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for India?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. In the risk zones, mosquito-bite protection is the basis, with preventive tablets advised in the higher-risk east and northeast and for more vulnerable travellers elsewhere. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.