Before jetting off to Europe this summer, consider what vaccinations are recommended for your destination
Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
07:00, 17 May 2025
Countless Brits are likely jetting off this summer to bathe in some overdue sunshine(Image: Getty Images)
With summer almost here, countless Brits will likely jet off to far-flung destinations hoping to catch some much-overdue sunshine. But before boarding that plane, it’s crucial to know the latest health and safety guidance.
While vaccination certificates aren’t mandatory to enter European hotspots like Spain, Italy and Greece, you may be surprised that a few are recommended for personal safety. In light of this, we’ve gathered some tips from the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s Travel Health Pro and the Government’s Foreign Office to ensure you can stay well abroad.
Spain
Right now, specific vaccination certificates are not required to enter Spain under International Health Regulations. However, Travel Health Pro has encouraged tourists to ensure they are up-to-date with routine jabs recommended in the UK.
This includes both the diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines. Tetanus is a life-threatening condition caused by bacteria entering a wound.
The infection is prevalent worldwide and usually occurs when an open wound is exposed to dirt or manure. With that in mind, travellers are encouraged to clean any injuries thoroughly and seek medical attention for ‘animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil’.
Beyond this, it is also worth acknowledging the rabies risk in the African territories of Ceuta and Melilla in Spain. The remainder of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, is understood to have no or little risk.
Albeit rare, rabies is a severe infection that’s usually transmitted when an infected animal bites or scratches you. The NHS has stressed that it is ‘almost always fatal once symptoms appear’, but a vaccination and early treatment can prevent it.
Therefore, some tourists to Ceuta and Melilla are advised to have pre-exposure rabies vaccinations. This mainly includes people planning ‘higher risk activities’ like cycling or running.
The Foreign Office has also encouraged travellers to check Spain’s latest vaccination advice at least eight weeks before a trip. If they fall ill while on holiday, they can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
“Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment,” the Foreign Office has said.
Some tourists are cautioned to be aware of tick-borne infections while in Italy (stock image)(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Italy
Like Spain, Italy does not currently enforce vaccination certificate requirements for tourists. Yet, Brits are once again encouraged to keep up with their routine jabs, including the MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines.
Some travellers are encouraged to stay alert to tick-borne encephalitis, too. This viral infection, which is found in the UK, parts of Europe, and Asia, is spread through tick bites.
After getting bitten, people may experience a high temperature, tiredness, and nausea, which can escalate to more severe symptoms within weeks or even days. Infected ticks are especially prevalent in woodland, farmland, and even urban parks, so getting vaccinated can help slash this risk.
“All travellers should avoid tick bites during outdoor activities, apply insect repellent frequently and follow tick bite avoidance advice,” Travel Health Pro has explained. “Travellers should check their skin and clothes regularly for ticks and remove them as soon as possible with a recommended technique. Wearing light-coloured clothes makes it easier to spot ticks.
“Travellers should not eat or drink any unpasteurised milk products.” Although rare, the guidance site also drew attention to the threat of bat lyssaviruses, or bat rabies.
Fortunately, the risk to most travellers is low, though anyone partaking in more adventure-style activities, like caving, may be at an increased risk. Pre-exposure vaccines are therefore recommended for certain visitors.
The Foreign Office has encouraged tourists to check Italy’s latest vaccination advice at least eight weeks before a trip. If they fall ill while on holiday, they can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Greece
British tourists are once again encouraged to keep up-to-date with their recommended vaccinations in the UK, even though certificates are not a requirement for holidaying in Greece. Others at an increased risk of infectious disease due to their lifestyle choices, specific underlying health issues, or work requirements may then be recommended further jabs.
Travel Health Pro outlined that ‘most’ travellers should stay alert to tetanus, caused by bacteria prevalent in the soil, while ‘some’ should be mindful of bat lyssaviruses. Vaccinations are available in the UK to prevent the risks associated with both health issues.
Advice from the UK Foreign Office has also stressed: “Treatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and aftercare, particularly in the state sector, is not to the usual standard of the UK. The public ambulance service is basic. There are serious shortages of ambulances on some islands.
“If you are uninsured, you may not be able to get medical treatment or diagnostic tests from private doctors in Greece, only from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres.”
In an emergency, tourists in Greece may dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance.