European Vaccine Requirements: What You Need in 2026

When you're traveling abroad, it's important to think about your health and safety. It's also important to think about entry requirements that other countries have.

Countries can choose to require things like specific vaccinations, proof of accommodations, or even travel insurance for third-country nationals (foreigners, essentially)

When it comes to vaccines for Europe, each country imposes its own rules about what is required and what isn't. On top of that, the recommendations for travelers can vary too.

Which vaccines are required for Europe

The European Union, US, and UK governments all recommend that travelers are fully up-to-date on their routine vaccinations before heading to any European country.

For Europe, according to the CDC, routine vaccinations typically include:

• COVID-19
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td)
• Flu (Influenza)
• Hepititus A
• Hepititis B
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

There is a helpful tool that allows you to look up the requirements and recommendations by country. When looking at countries in the EU/Schengen area, the recommendations are typically the list above.

Currently, there aren't any vaccine requirements for foreigners visiting countries in the EU or Schengen area.

That doesn't mean these countries don't have vaccine requirements at all for their citizens and residents. In fact, many of them do. Countries like France, Italy, Bulgaria, Latvia, and many others require children to be vaccinated according to an official schedule.

However, it isn't required for travelers visiting from abroad.

It is highly recommended to have your routine vaccinations up-to-date before traveling abroad.

The UK Government has similar recommendations for travelers heading to mainland Europe.

The NHC Vaccine Schedule lists which vaccinations should be received and the schedule that they should be given on.

Recommended vaccinations include the "6-in-1" (diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib, polio, tetanus, and whooping cough), MenB, rotavirus, Pneumococcal, MMRV, HPV, and others.

For Britons, annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended based on age group, typically for seniors.

Before traveling, the UK Government advises its citizens to be up-to-date with all routine NHS vaccines.

The World Health Organization suggests checking with a local healthcare provider before traveling and asking them specifically about the country or countries that you're planning to go to. They also list routine vaccinations and useful resources about them.

Travelers should always glean information from official government websites and consult with their physicians about which preventive and treatment measures are appropriate for them.

Other recommended vaccines for select travelers

People travel for all kinds of reasons, and sometimes those reasons can put them at higher risk for specific viruses and diseases.

Rabies

While rabies isn't common in most European countries, it doesn't mean the risk is 0 percent. Depending on why you're traveling and what you're planning to do on your trip, you might be advised to get a preventative rabies vaccination. For instance, if you're going to regularly be in close contact with animals, or may come across wild animals regularly.

This tool can help you learn more about the presence of rabies in your destination. Again, consult with a medical professional to see if this is something they'd recommend for you.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Another vaccination that some travelers may need to consider is tick-borne encephalitis. As the name suggests, this is a disease carried and spread through ticks and tick bites.

If you're heading to an area where tick-borne encephalitis is present, and you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors (camping, hiking, etc.), it may be something your medical professional recommends for you.

Tick-borne encephalitis, according to the CDC, is more prevalent in eastern Europe than western, but can be found in many popular destinations. While it may be present in a country, it doesn't necessarily mean it is found everywhere in that country. It can be more prevalent in some areas or regions than others.

Before traveling, check areas at risk here, and talk it through with your physician if it's something you're concerned about.

The global measles outbreak

Currently, there is a measles outbreak happening worldwide. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily among those who aren't vaccinated against it.

The US Government recommends that all travelers, regardless of where they're traveling, be fully vaccinated against measles at least 2 weeks before traveling.

This means that updated measles vaccinations are also recommended before traveling to European countries.

Preparing for your travels

It's important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you're not sure if you're up-to-date or not with your immunizations. The CDC recommends that this appointment take place at least 4-6 weeks before you leave on your trip overseas.

During your appointment, you can talk to your doctor about where you're traveling to, your immunization history, and which vaccines might be a good idea for you to consider.

Some vaccinations have to be given in doses, so it's better to start the process earlier rather than later to ensure you're able to finish the series in time for your trip.

Additionally, some vaccines need to be readministered throughout adulthood. Vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) are typically recommended every 10 years for adults. Flu shots change annually based on the current strains. If you're pregnant, you may also need to consider specific vaccinations.

Most of the time, routine vaccinations can be administered by your physician/nurse.

If you're in the UK, some are free on the NHS. Either way, make sure you have a discussion with your healthcare provider to ensure you're protected before you head abroad.

When you travel

Both the US and UK Governments recommend traveling with your immunization records just in case. While you likely won't be asked to provide them, they could come in especially handy if an accident or emergency occurs.

Make sure you have digital copies saved, too. This way, you can access your records via wifi, such as in a Google Drive or email account.

Travel Vaccines: FAQs

Are there any vaccine requirements for Europe?

Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for Europe?

Which vaccines do I need for Europe?