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Travel health · sourced from ITM Antwerp

Japan

The vaccines usually advised for Japan when departing from Belgium, with the lead times to respect, based on the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM).

Yellow feverNot requiredMalariaNo risk
emmunity editorial team · sourced & datedLast updated 17 August 2026

Overview

Japan needs no vaccine to enter from Belgium and is malaria-free. The one thing to discuss with a doctor is Japanese encephalitis for rural stays (mainly June to October); otherwise the standard travel vaccines cover it.

Recommended vaccines

VaccineCategoryWhen
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTPa)Recommendedkeep the booster current (every 10 years)
PolioRecommendedbooster for 16+ to Asia/Africa; sometimes compulsory (long stays)
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommendedbe up to date (2 doses) before departure
Japanese encephalitisConsider2 doses to complete before departure (long rural stays)
Hepatitis BConsiderstart early (multi-week schedule)

Other health risks

Lyme disease
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease; cover up and check for ticks after outdoor activity.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is possible above about 2,500 m, for example when climbing Mount Fuji.

Prepare your trip

8 weeks
Book a travel clinic
10 days
Yellow fever (if required)
Departure
Certificates & reminders ready

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 Japan?

No vaccine is required for entry. The vaccines on this page are recommended, not required.

Is there a malaria risk?

Malaria: no risk.

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.

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Our sources

Last updated 17 August 2026

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.

Entry formalities: see FPS Foreign Affairs ↗

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