Nepal Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Nepal carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Nepal below 2,000m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Nepal. However, it's required for entry if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are current before traveling, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Nepal who haven't been vaccinated. Even infants 6-11 months should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended if you're moving to Nepal, staying a month or longer, or doing high-risk activities like rural travel or camping. Not recommended for short urban trips.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel, including infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Nepal, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with friends and relatives.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Cholera
Cholera is actively spreading in Nepal but is rare in travelers. Vaccination may be considered for some people. Focus on safe food and water practices.
Rabies
Rabid dogs are commonly found in Nepal. Consider getting rabies vaccine before travel if you'll be around animals or in remote areas, as treatment may only be available in larger medical facilities.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Nepal. However, it's required for entry if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Nepal below 2,000m elevation. Highest risk is in Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces where prevention medication is recommended. No risk in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or typical Himalayan treks.
Altitude Sickness
Everest Base Camp (5,400m), Annapurna Circuit (>5,000m); ~30% AMS on treks; ascend <500m/day above 3,000m.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas below 2,000m; high risk in Terai region.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Nepal below 2,000m elevation. Highest risk is in Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces where prevention medication is recommended. No risk in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or typical Himalayan treks.
Emergency numbers
Police
100
Medical / Ambulance
102
Fire
101
Tourist Police
1144
U.S. Embassy
+977-1-423-4000
More country guides
Afghanistan carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500 meters elevation from April to December. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Bangladesh carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in specific areas of Bangladesh but not in Dhaka. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Bhutan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Bhutan. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.