South America-Health & Vaccinations
This overview covers the sovereign states of South America with brief information on vaccination recommendations and health risks. It does not replace individual travel-medicine advice. Entry requirements, malaria risk, outbreaks and recommendations depend on itinerary, season, length of stay, age and medical history.
Important notice
Review routine vaccinations, destination-specific vaccines and, where appropriate, malaria prevention 4–8 weeks before departure. All links open in a new tab and lead to the Tropical Institute’s country information on vaccinations, malaria, mosquito protection and health risks.
Country index
General resources
- Tropical Institute: vaccination, malaria and health information by destination
- Tropical Institute: vaccinations A–Z
- Tropical Institute: insect protection for risk areas
Argentina
Review routine vaccines and hepatitis A. Mosquito protection can be important in northern regions because of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases; consider altitude and long distances for Andean travel.
Bolivia
Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever by region and malaria in lowland areas may be relevant. Altitude illness is a key issue for Andean itineraries.
Brazil
Hepatitis A, rabies, and regional yellow fever or malaria may be relevant. Mosquito protection matters for dengue, Zika, chikungunya and other infections; risk varies widely by state.
Chile
Review routine vaccines and hepatitis A. In remote and high-altitude areas, plan for cold, altitude, sun exposure and access to medical care; mosquito risk can vary by region.
Colombia
Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, regional yellow fever and malaria may be relevant. Plan consistent mosquito protection against dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Ecuador
Review hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, regional yellow fever and malaria. Health risks differ greatly between the coast, Amazon lowlands, Andes and Galápagos.
Guyana
Yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis A, typhoid and mosquito protection are often relevant. Medical infrastructure may be limited in remote areas.
Paraguay
Review routine vaccines and hepatitis A. Yellow fever, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases may be relevant in certain areas; consider heat and water hygiene.
Peru
Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and malaria may be relevant depending on region. Plan for altitude illness in the Andes and consistent mosquito protection in Amazon areas.
Suriname
Yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis A, typhoid and mosquito protection are important advisory topics. For interior travel, consider medical access and evacuation cover.
Uruguay
Review routine vaccines and hepatitis A. Mosquito protection is sensible during seasonal dengue risk; consider sun, heat, food and water hygiene.
Venezuela
Yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis A, typhoid and mosquito protection can be relevant depending on region and itinerary. Limited medical care makes medication and insurance planning important.