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Travel vaccinations: What do you need and when do you need them?

24.04.2026 By Ida Høgheim In Nyheter

Travel vaccinations: What do you need and when do you need them?

If you are travelling for work or an assignment, passports and tickets are not the only things you need to have in order. For many destinations, vaccinations are an important part of your preparations, both to protect your health and to meet entry requirements.

But which travel vaccinations do you need, and how far in advance should you start preparing?

Vaccination requirements vary by destination

Some parts of the world have a higher risk of infectious diseases than we are used to in Norway. If you are travelling to certain areas of South America, Africa or Asia, specific vaccinations may be recommended and, in some cases, required.

These may include vaccinations against:

  • Yellow feber
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid fever
  • Diphtheria and tetanus (booster dose)

The vaccinations you need depend not only on the country you are travelling to, but also on:

  • how long you will be staying
  • the type of work you will be doing
  • the areas you will be visiting or staying in

In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to travel vaccinations.

Start your preparations early

A common mistake is waiting too long before checking which vaccination are needed. Several travel vaccines must be administered well before departure to provide full protection, and some require multiple doses over a period.

We recommend that you:

  • contact a healthcare provider at least 4-8 weeks before departure
  • allow enough time for any follow-up doses
  • make sure your vaccination status is up to date

The earlier you start, the easier it is to ensure that you have the appropriate protection in place before you travel.

What determines which vaccinations you need?

  • Destination (country and region)
  • Length of stay
  • Type of work (office-based vs. fieldwork)
  • Access to healthcare services
  • Previous vaccination history

A comprehensive assessment

Travel heath is about more than vaccinations. During a consultation, you may also receive advice on:

  • preventing infections during your stay
  • whether you need malaria prevention medication
  • general health precautions tailored to your destination

This is especially important if you will be staying or working in areas with a higher risk of infectious disease and limited healthcare provision.

Get ready for your trip with us

At Legekontoret for Sjømenn, we provide travel health advice and vaccinations before departure. You will receive an individual assessment based on your destination and the nature of your assignment, so you know which recommendations and requirements apply to you.

We make sure you are properly prepared and protected before you travel.

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Frequently asked questions about travel vaccinations

Ideally, you should get vaccinated 4–8 weeks before departure. However, you should still contact us even if your trip is coming up sooner.

The cost depends on which vaccinations you need and how many doses are required.

Some countries require proof of vaccination. For example, certain countries in Africa, South America and Central America require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

In many cases, several vaccines can be given at the same time, but this will be assessed individually.

Yes, vaccinations may still be recommended even for short stays. The level of risk depends not only on the length of your trip, but also on your destination and the activities you will be taking part in.

Most people experience only mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious side effects are rare.

It varies depending on the vaccine. Some provide lifelong protection, while others require booster doses after a certain number of years.