Travel vaccinations for Nepal: recommendations, rabies and trekking

No vaccinations are required for direct travel from Germany to Nepal. The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination for all travellers, along with up-to-date routine vaccinations under the STIKO schedule, Germany’s national immunisation guidance, particularly measles. For longer stays or particular exposure, hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis are added, and the Foreign Office gives rabies vaccination special weight for Nepal. Malaria only plays a minor role in the lowlands, while altitude is a risk factor of its own for trekkers.

Entry rules and yellow fever

According to the WHO, yellow fever is not transmitted in Nepal, and no vaccination is required for direct entry from Germany. The Federal Foreign Office states that anyone aged 9 months or over arriving from a yellow fever endemic area must show valid proof of vaccination. The WHO list also mentions transit stays of more than 12 hours in such areas. If your trip takes you through Africa or South America, check the rules with the Nepalese embassy in advance. More in our guide to yellow fever vaccination.

Recommended vaccinations by type of trip

Nepal is above all a destination for trekking in the Himalayas, along with cultural trips to Kathmandu and Pokhara and safaris in Chitwan National Park. Many travellers combine several of these. The overview table on this page shows how the Federal Foreign Office classifies each vaccination.

For all travellers

Hepatitis A and typhoid are spread through contaminated food and water. The Federal Foreign Office recommends both vaccinations for any trip to Nepal. Check your vaccination record for routine vaccinations as well; the Foreign Office specifically highlights protection against measles.

For long stays or particular exposure

The Federal Foreign Office recommends hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccination for longer stays or particular exposure. Japanese encephalitis occurs in all provinces, with most cases in the south and occasional cases in the Kathmandu Valley. Cholera vaccination is only very rarely indicated, for example when working with cholera patients. For a first orientation, try the travel vaccine check.

Rabies when trekking

The Federal Foreign Office places clear emphasis on rabies for Nepal: preventive vaccination is particularly important here because treatment after a bite is not always available locally. On remote trekking routes, the nearest suitable clinic may be a long way off. Do not feed monkeys, avoid stray dogs and keep your distance from animals in villages and at temples. After a bite, a scratch or an animal licking broken skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help straight away, even if you are vaccinated. More in our guide to rabies and travel.

Altitude and trekking

Acute altitude sickness is possible when trekking at high altitude, and there is often not enough time for gradual acclimatisation. The Federal Foreign Office advises seeking altitude medicine advice before tours above 2,300 metres. Allow enough time to acclimatise and make sure your insurance covers helicopter rescue. If you have a pre-existing condition, go through your planned route with your doctor.

Malaria and dengue

According to the 2026 DTG country table and the Federal Foreign Office, there is a low year-round malaria risk below 2,500 metres, mainly in the Terai districts near the Indian border, including Chitwan and Bardia national parks. Kathmandu, Pokhara and areas above 2,500 metres are considered malaria-free. Protect yourself consistently against mosquito bites at dusk and at night. Our guide to malaria prevention has more detail.

Dengue is transmitted nationwide, including in Kathmandu, and increasingly affects travellers. The mosquitoes bite during the day, so pack repellent even for a cultural trip. STIKO currently recommends dengue vaccination only for people aged four and over who have had a laboratory-confirmed dengue infection in the past.

Water, hygiene and air quality

Diarrhoeal illness is common in Nepal. Drink only water from a safe source, never tap water, and pay attention to food hygiene. During the dry months from November to May, forest fires affect air quality, which particularly matters for people with lung conditions.

Medical care in Nepal

According to the Federal Foreign Office, adequate basic care is available in Kathmandu, at tourist destinations and along the main trekking routes, but elsewhere it is often insufficient. Medicines are not always reliable, so bring your own travel health kit.

When to book your consultation

According to STIKO and the DTG, travel vaccinations should be completed at least two weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require several appointments, so start early, see our travel vaccination timeline. If you are combining Nepal with India, it is best to discuss both countries in one appointment. Find a practice in our travel clinics directory.