Travel Vaccines and Advice for Montserrat
Montserrat is an British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean.
Mayotte’s population is small and varies year-to-year based on volcanic threats.
The majority of the population is of African and Irish descent. Other ethnicities represented include Creole and Mulatto. The official language of Montserrat is English.
There are various settlements throughout the island. But, more than half of these settlements have been abandoned due to volcanic activity.
The capital of Montserrat is Plymouth, but it has been abandoned. The largest and most populated city is Brades.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Montserrat?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Montserrat
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Montserrat?
What Is the Climate Like in Montserrat?
How Safe Is Montserrat?
Volcanoes in Montserrat
What Should I Take to Montserrat?
Canadian Consular Services in Montserrat
Do I Need Vaccines for Montserrat?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Montserrat. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Montserrat: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Montserrat |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Montserrat |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when travelling to endemic areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Recent tests show Montserrat’s water may be contaminated. Be sure to bring a travellers’ diarrhea kit.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Montserrat
Prevent Bug Bites in Montserrat
To ward off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Montserrat
Safeguard your health while abroad by consuming cooked and hot foods, opting for bottled or sealed drinks, and practicing proper hand-washing. Limit your exposure to risky local dishes. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain these precautions: eat carefully prepared foods, avoid untreated water, sanitize your hands, consider probiotics, and exercise caution with unfamiliar cuisine.
Infections To Be Aware of in Montserrat
- African Tick-Bite Fever – In sub-Saharan Africa, African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is transmitted by ticks. Stay safe by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever and pain. The PHAC emphasizes prevention through avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration, avoiding certain pain relievers that can worsen bleeding risks.
- Zika – Zika, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, can have severe consequences, especially for pregnant women. Prevention measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Montserrat?
While visas are generally not required for Montserrat, there is an embarkation tax upon leaving the country. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required.
Montserrat Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Montserrat? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Montserrat and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Montserrat?
Montserrat is a tropical island in the Caribbean with warm temperatures throughout the year and high humidity. There is a rainy season from June to November, and occasional tropical storms and hurricanes during that time.
Little Bay is known for its white sand beach and has warm and sunny weather with occasional showers. Plymouth, the former capital, is warm and humid throughout the year and known for its historic ruins. The Soufriere Hills volcano is in the southern part of the island and can be cooler and windier due to the higher elevation.
The island’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you travel there. It’s important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
If you’re visiting during hurricane season, make sure you pay attention to weather alerts and follow any evacuation orders given by local authorities.
How Safe Is Montserrat?
Europe is currently vulnerable to potential terrorist attacks. Remain vigilant and conscious of personal security while travelling.
Crime is low in Montserrat, though violent and petty crimes such as murder and pick-pocketing do occur. Never leave your valuables unattended in public areas or left behind in unsecured rooms.
If you are planning to take part in water activities, never go out alone. Only do those that match your athletic abilities.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Volcanoes in Montserrat
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Montserrat is most known for its geographical terrain and green landscapes. One of the most famous features of Montserrat include its volcanoes.
Due to this, there is an exclusion zone that covers a large majority of the island.
One volcanic range that is inside the safe zone and where tourists are able to visit is the Silver Hills. The Silver Hills are the oldest volcanic range on the island. The Silver Hills has not been an active volcano for millions of years and is safe to travel to.
Another volcanic complex that is safe to travel to in Montserrat are the Katy Hills.
To learn more about the exclusion zone, contact the Canadian Embassy whose information is listed below.
What Should I Take to Montserrat?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Montserrat:
- Insect repellent is vital due to the presence of dengue in Montserrat. Always protect yourself. Bring spray, nets, and clothing.
- Filtered water bottle or water sanitation tablets to protect against contaminated water.
- Lightweight clothing that you can layer as the temperatures change from day to night.
- Bring a light rain jacket, even during the dry months.
Canadian Embassy in Montserrat
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Montserrat, but it is served by the embassy in Barbados.
Canadian Embassy in Bridgetown
Bishop’s Court Hill,
St. Michael, P.O. Box 404,
Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113
Telephone: (246) 629-3550
Email: bdgtn-cs@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Montserrat or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Montserrat
“Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. I felt like they did a good job tailoring the information to my experience and needs in Montserrat. Love the customized booklet loaded with pertinent info and that I can go to one place to get recommended vaccines.”
“The clinic was very responsive and knowledgeable about Montserrat. The day of the appointment, the nurse was prompt, professional and knowledgeable of our travel needs and questions. She was helpful but did not pressure and provided options. Received the assistance we needed.”
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