Health tips for travellers

Planning a trip abroad? Make sure you’re well informed about any potential health risks before your departure. This page offers plenty of useful travel tips to help you stay healthy, whether your destination is nearby or across the globe, and no matter how long you’ll be staying. Have a safe trip!

Current notices

Measles cases are on the rise in several regions across the globe, including multiple provinces in Canada and states within the United States.
If you are planning to travel, ensure that your measles vaccination is up to date. Adults born in 1970 or later need to have received two doses of vaccine to be considered adequately protected. For children, verify that they are following a current immunization schedule. For certain destinations, the vaccine may be administered as early as six months of age.
The measles vaccine is free of charge to all residents of Quebec, including individuals without a Quebec health insurance card, such as international students, asylum seekers, and others.

An increase in yellow fever cases has been reported in South America, with ongoing outbreaks in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The primary means of prevention is vaccination against yellow fever, complemented by protective measures against mosquito bites (refer to the Mosquitoes section below). 

Important note: Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries. However, even in several South American countries where vaccination is not mandated, the risk of yellow fever remains significant. Vaccination is therefore strongly recommended for travellers planning to visit at-risk regions, such as the Amazon. It is advised to consult a travel health professional prior to departure to obtain appropriate advice and the required vaccinations.

Consult a travel health clinic for medical advice and the required vaccination prior to departing for Umrah or Hajj. This year, an outbreak of meningococcal infections has been linked to Umrah. Meningococcal meningitis is a severe and potentially fatal illness, transmitted through contact with the nasal or throat secretions of an infected individual. Vaccination against this disease is mandatory for participation in the pilgrimage. For more information regarding health risks and preventive measures during the pilgrimage, please visit the Government of Canada website.

The majority of dengue cases acquired abroad by travellers from Quebec in 2024 and 2025 originated in the French West Indies, particularly in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that causes flu-like symptoms, and, in some cases, can lead to severe illness involving major bleeding. See the Mosquitoes section below to learn more about how to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

Cuban public health authorities have issued an alert to tourists following an increase in hepatitis A cases in recent months. Some travellers from Quebec have also contracted the disease during recent stays in Cuba. Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A, along with the preventive measures outlined in the Food and Water section below. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Human cases of rabies have been reported following animal bites in public areas across the country. Rabies is a fatal disease, primarily transmitted through exposure to the saliva of infected animals. The Dominican Republic, popular with travellers from Quebec, remains a high-risk destination for rabies. See the Animals section below to learn more about how to protect yourself, or discuss this risk with a healthcare professional during your pre-travel consultation.

Oropouche fever is on the rise in some South American countries (mainly Brazil, but also Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru) and on certain Caribbean islands (including Cuba and the Dominican Republic). Several travellers have contracted the disease while visiting Cuba. Transmitted by mosquitoes and midges, Oropouche fever can cause fever, as well as symptoms such as headaches and generalized pain. Be sure to take preventive measures against mosquito bites while staying in these countries. Pregnant individuals should take extra precautions and seek a pre-travel health consultation.

How should I prepare for my trip?

  • For most destinations, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional experienced in travel medicine, ideally six weeks prior to departure. This specialist can:
    • Check that your basic vaccinations are up to date
    • Determine whether any specific vaccinations are recommended for your destination and planned activities
    • Advise you on how to protect yourself against illnesses
    • Prescribe preventive medications, or medications to take in case of illness acquired while travelling (e.g., traveller's diarrhea)
  • To find a travel health clinic in your region, ask your family doctor or local CIUSSS or search “travel health clinic” and your region in your web browser.
  • At your appointment, be sure to have your travel itinerary, vaccination record, a list of your medications, and any other relevant health information.
  • Make sure to obtain travel insurance that includes medical repatriation coverage.
  • If you are taking prescription medications on your trip, ensure they are in their original containers with pharmacy labels, and carry a copy of the prescription that includes both the generic and trade names of the medications.
  • Refer to the Government of Canada’s Travel advice and advisories by destination and Travel health kit web pages to prepare for a worry-free journey.

  Mosquitoes

Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise in several countries. 
Tips to stay safe:

  Food and water

No destination is completely free from the risk of food- and water-borne diseases. 
Here are key tips for safely consuming food and water during your trip:

  • Wash your hands with soapy water or a 70% alcohol-based solution before preparing or eating food.
  • Only eat foods that have been properly cooked, boiled, or peeled.
  • Drink water that has been boiled or treated, or bottled (for most destinations).
  • Refer to the Eat and drink safely abroad page on Travel.gc.ca for more information.

  Animals

While activities involving animals are popular with tourists, many diseases can be transmitted by animals (monkeys, dogs, birds, bats, camels, etc.) and can be fatal if left untreated. 
Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:

  • Avoid all contact with animals, especially stray and wild animals, and places where they are sold or slaughtered.
  • Supervise your children whenever in the presence of an animal.
  • If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then disinfect it with a virucidal agent (such as providone-iodine, iodine, ethanol, chlorhexidine).
  • In bitten by a mammal, in addition to the above measures, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours) to assess the risk of rabies. Rabies is fatal if not treated quickly.

 Sexually transmitted infections

Infections primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact are steadily increasing worldwide. For example, since 2022, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has been spreading through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, particularly when lesions are present. To lower your risk of mpox and other sexually transmitted infections and to travel with greater peace of mind, take the following precautions:

  • Use protection during sexual activity.
  • Ensure that you are up to date on the vaccinations you are eligible for, including those against mpoxHPVhepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
  • If you’re living with HIV, check whether your destination has any specific travel restrictions, and refer to the COCQ-SIDA website to help ensure a safe and healthy trip.

 Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections (COVID-19, flu, measles, etc.) can quickly derail your trip. 
Here are some tips to protect yourself and others:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soapy water or a 70% alcohol-based solution.
  • Wear a mask if you have symptoms of a cold or are visiting crowded places.
  • Ensure that your vaccinations for these illnesses are up to date.

Important note

The Guide d’intervention santé-voyage on the Institut national de santé publique du Québec’s website is designed as a resource for healthcare professionals. While this guide is publicly accessible and may offer useful information, it is not a substitute for a medical consultation with a healthcare professional.

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