Travel Vaccines and Advice for Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is a home to history, new and old. Ancient sites dating back to the early years A.C. and new building from after the fall of the USSR dot the landscape. This still relatively undiscovered region by travlers has tons to offer. Just make sure you travel safely.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Eastern Europe?
Are There Other Health Concerns in Eastern Europe?
What Are the Entry Requirements in Eastern Europe?
Travelling to Another Destination?
Passport Health offers vaccinations, medications and personalized healthcare for your trip to Eastern Europe. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.
Countries in this region include:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Eastern Europe?
The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Eastern Europe: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies.
Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, meningitis and polio.
Isolated polio cases have been identified in the last decade in the region. A single dose booster for adults is recommended.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.
See the tables below for more vaccination information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Eastern Europe |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for most travellers to all regions. |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
Recommended for most travellers to all regions. |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne | May be required for some itineraries. |
| Rabies | Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Recommended Routine Vaccinations for Eastern Europe |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) | Wounds or Airborne |
One adult booster of pertussis recommended for most travellers. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Generally recommended for all travellers. Vaccine components change annually. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact or Airborne |
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Recommended for individuals 50+. Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | All individuals 65+ or immunocompromised should receive this vaccine. |
| Meningitis | Airborne or Direct Contact |
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Contaminated Food or Water |
Generally considered a routine vaccination. Single adult booster recommended. |
Are There Other Health Concerns in Eastern Europe?
Mosqutio-borne infections are not as common in Eastern Europe as other regions. But, there are a few other infections that are prevalent.
Tuberculosis is common in some areas. The respiratory disease can be fatal. If you believe you may be exposed during your trip or feel you were exposed while away, schedule a TB test at your local Passport Health.
Tickborne encephalitis is found in most countries of Eastern Europe. Most cases are in forested areas between April and November. Insect repellents are the best form of protection.
Travellers’ diarrhea is a risk for all travellers. Up to 70 percent of international travellers will suffer from this illness at some point during their trip. Make sure to bring a travellers’ diarrhea kit as part of your packing list.
What Are the Entry Requirements in Eastern Europe?
Visas are only required for a few countries in Eastern Europe including Russia and Belarus. Travel document requirements may be different based on your type of travel. For example, cruise travellers may not need a visa for some regions.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for My Trip? |
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| Passport | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Required Vaccinations |
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| Albania |  |
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| Belarus | |
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| Bosnia and Herzegovina | |
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| Bulgaria | |
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| Croatia | |
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| Czech Republic (Czechia) | |
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| Estonia | |
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| Gibraltar | |
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| Hungary | |
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| Latvia | |
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| Lithuania | |
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| North Macedonia | |
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| Malta | |
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| Moldova | |
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| Montenegro | |
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| Poland | |
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| Romania | |
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| Russia | |
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| Serbia | |
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| Slovakia | |
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| Slovenia | |
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| Ukraine | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Travelling to Another Destination?
Travelling outside of Eastern Europe? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
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