Moderate riskAsia · Southern AsiaNepal 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
Nepal travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Nepal?▼
For travel to Nepal, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Chikungunya, Cholera, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Nepal?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Nepal. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Nepal?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Nepal is currently rated 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.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Nepal?▼
Key emergency numbers in Nepal are Police 100, Medical / Ambulance 102, Fire 101, Tourist Police 1144 and U.S. Embassy +977-1-423-4000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
AfghanistanModerate riskAfghanistan 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.
BangladeshModerate riskBangladesh 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.
BhutanModerate riskBhutan 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.