Preparing to travel overseas: health info and precautions
When planning a trip overseas, think about your health.
Ahead of your journey, consult with your healthcare provider, understand the risks and be prepared.
Immunisation
Get any recommended or required immunisations. Seek advice early, as many vaccines involve multiple doses over several weeks or months, and some take time to produce a protective effect.
Protection against rabies
Are you planning to travel, live or work in a country where rabies is known to be a risk? Speak to your medical practitioner before you leave about whether you should be vaccinated against rabies, and read about what to do if exposure occurs.
Avoid mosquito bites
The best way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.
Food and water-borne disease
Follow food safety and hygiene advice—be aware of the potential risks with food and water-borne disease.
Smartraveller
The Australian Government provides extensive information for Australians travelling overseas, including advice about:
- travelling with prescription medicines
- staying healthy overseas
- travel insurance.
You will also find travel advice for specific countries you are visiting.
More information
Additional advice and resources for what to do before you leave, while you travel, and when you return can be found from Travel health | Australian Government.