Skip to search
List
7 nights

What jabs do I need for India?

Find out what travel vaccinations you need for India.
If you're travelling to India, you'll usually be advised to have travel vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid and a Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio booster. Exactly which jabs you'll need depends on your health and the kind of holiday you've got planned, so it's worth booking an appointment with your GP before you fly.

Then you can get to the exciting part – planning beach days in Goa, which colourful markets to browse and the best place to watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea.

Got your answer already? Check out our India holiday deals or keep reading for more info.

What vaccines do I need?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on where you're going, how long you're staying and what you've got planned. A week unwinding on Goa's beaches, for example, calls for different advice to a three-week tour around India's best bits.

For most people, your GP or a travel clinic will check you're up to date with routine vaccines before advising whether you should have travel jabs like:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Polio

If you're heading beyond the beach resorts, your GP may recommend vaccines like Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis or Cholera.

A busy market in India.

When should I get vaccinated?

Aim to book an appointment with your GP or a travel clinic at least eight weeks before you fly. That'll give you plenty of time to arrange any booster jabs or additional vaccinations. And if you've snapped up a last-minute deal, don't skip the appointment – it's still worth getting advice.

Looking for more pre-travel tips? Our India travel advice page covers everything from visas and passports to the best time to visit.

Are travel vaccinations free?

Some travel vaccinations are available on the NHS, while others you'll need to pay for. Your GP or travel clinic will let you know which ones are recommended for your trip, so there'll be no surprises.

Do I need malaria tablets?

Avoiding mosquito bites is usually the focus rather than taking malaria tablets when holidaying in Goa. Our top tips? Pack a good insect repellent, cover up in the evenings where you can and sleep in an air-conditioned room. If your trip includes travelling beyond Goa or you've got any health concerns, your GP or travel clinic can advise whether malaria tablets are right for you.
A palm-fringed beach with canoes by the sea.

What else can I do to stay healthy?

A few simple habits can go a long way – stick to bottled water, choose food that's freshly cooked and remember to wash your hands before eating. It's also worth packing plenty of insect repellent and making sure you've got travel insurance sorted before you go.
An Indian meal on a white square plate featuring curry with green beans and meat, naan bread, a fried pakora, and rice.

Now for the fun part...

With the practical bits ticked off, you can get on with planning the good stuff. The biggest decision? Whether North or South Goa is more your vibe – here's what sets them apart.

North Goa is where the action is, with busy markets, beach bars and lively nightlife in places like Baga. If you're after a slower pace, South Goa swaps the buzz for white-sand beaches, quieter resorts and a more laid-back pace.

Browse our North Goa or South Goa holiday deals and get going for less.
Mangeshi Temple in Old Goa.
Ready for the exciting part?

Check out our India holidays and start planning your Goa getaway.

Or, if you need more inspo, find out the best time to visit India, uncover the best hotels in Goa and learn more about the food in Goa.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Conor Braniff

Last updated: 08.09.2026

Holiday Type

Destination

Show more