Travel Vaccines and Advice for Western Europe
Western Europe is one of the most popular destinations for travellers throughout the world. The cuisine of Paris, history of Rome and beaches of Barcelona are just some of the draws. But, many travellers don’t realize the health risks that can occur as part of European travel.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Western Europe?
What Are the Entry Requirements in Western Europe?
Travelling to Another Destination?
Passport Health offers immunizations, medication and personalized healthcare for your trip to Western Europe and beyond. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.
Countries in this region include:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Western Europe?
The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Western Europe: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid 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.
Vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, mumps and pertussis have become increasingly more common in Western Europe. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before travel.
See the tables below for more vaccination information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Western 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 some travellers with specific itineraries. |
| Rabies | Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Recommended Routine Vaccinations for Western 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. |
What Are the Entry Requirements in Western Europe?
Currently, tourist visas are not required for any country in Western Europe. But, passport validity can vary by country. Make sure your passport has at least six months before expiring before leaving for your trip.
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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| Andorra |  |
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| Austria | |
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| Belgium | |
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| Denmark | |
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| Faroe Islands | |
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| Finland | |
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| France | |
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| Germany | |
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| Greece | |
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| Iceland | |
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| Ireland | |
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| Italy | |
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| Liechtenstein | |
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| Luxembourg | |
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| Monaco | |
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| Netherlands | |
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| Norway | |
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| Portugal | |
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| San Marino | |
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| Spain | |
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| Sweden | |
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| Switzerland | |
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| United Kingdom | |
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| Vatican | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Travelling to Another Destination?
Travelling outside of Western Europe? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
