Low riskAntarctica · AntarcticaAntarctica Travel Health Guide
Low risk
Antarctica carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19.
Overall risk
Low risk
Malaria
None
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
All travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccines including MMR, DTP, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot due to increased risk from close quarters with international travelers on cruise ships.
COVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Disease risks
Antarctica travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Antarctica?▼
For travel to Antarctica, Routine Vaccines and COVID-19 are recommended. 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 Antarctica?▼
No — Antarctica is not considered a malaria-risk destination, so antimalarial medication is not routinely needed. Basic insect-bite precautions are still sensible.
Is it safe to travel to Antarctica?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Antarctica is currently rated low risk. Antarctica carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19.
More country guides
Bouvet IslandLow riskBouvet Island carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
French Southern TerritoriesLow riskFrench Southern Territories carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Heard Island and McDonald IslandsLow riskHeard Island and McDonald Islands carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Measles. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed if traveling directly from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
Plan your Antarctica trip
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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.