Complete Vaccination Guide Nepal 2026

Required vs Recommended Vaccinations

No vaccination is legally required to enter Nepal in 2026 unless you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (primarily sub-Saharan Africa and South America), in which case a Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory. All other vaccinations are strongly recommended but not legally enforced.

Begin your vaccination planning at least six weeks before departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks. A travel medicine clinic will assess your personal risk profile — itinerary, accommodation type, duration, and activities — and provide personalised recommendations.

Core Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A is the single most important vaccine for Nepal travellers. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, and Nepal's water infrastructure makes exposure risk significant even at better teahouses. Two doses provide protection for 20-25 years. The second dose is given six to twelve months after the first — even a single dose provides substantial short-term protection.

Hepatitis B is recommended for stays over four weeks or for anyone who may receive medical treatment in Nepal. Standard three-dose schedule over six months, or an accelerated schedule over 21 days for last-minute travellers.

Typhoid is strongly recommended. The oral live vaccine (four capsules over seven days) or the injectable Vi polysaccharide vaccine (single dose, valid three years) both provide protection. Oral vaccine requires no damaged capsules and must be refrigerated.

Rabies is recommended for trekkers going to remote areas, children, and anyone likely to interact with dogs or monkeys. Nepal has a significant stray dog population, and monkey bites at Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath temples occur regularly. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination (three doses over 21 days) does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment but buys critical time and simplifies the post-exposure protocol.

Routine Vaccinations to Update

Check that you are current on tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) — a booster every ten years is standard. Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) should be up to date with two lifetime doses. Influenza vaccination is worth considering as crowded teahouses and international airports increase exposure risk.

Japanese Encephalitis is generally not recommended for short trekking trips but is relevant for extended stays in rural areas of the Terai lowlands (Chitwan, Bardia) during transmission season (June-October).

In-Country Medical Resources

CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center in Kathmandu is the gold standard medical facility for travellers and can provide some vaccinations on arrival, though this is not ideal planning. Most prescription medications (antibiotics, Diamox, anti-malarials) are available without prescription at Kathmandu pharmacies at a fraction of Western prices.

Sajilo provides transport connections to medical facilities across Kathmandu, making clinic visits straightforward even on short pre-trek schedules.

FAQ

Q: Is malaria a risk on Nepal treks?
A: Malaria risk is present in Terai lowlands below 1,500 metres, particularly in Chitwan and Bardia areas during and after monsoon. Standard trekking routes (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang) above 2,000 metres carry negligible malaria risk. Consult a travel medicine specialist based on your specific itinerary.

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Nepal?
A: As of 2026, Nepal does not require proof of COVID vaccination for entry. Requirements can change — verify with the Nepal Embassy or official government sources within two weeks of travel.

Q: Can I get vaccinations in Nepal if I forgot them at home?
A: CIWEC Clinic and other Kathmandu travel medicine centres provide most standard travel vaccines. However, vaccine cold chain reliability is a concern for some live vaccines. Where possible, complete vaccination before departure.