International travel and health

New 2007 edition

This report provides information on the main health risks for travellers.

International travel can pose various risks to health, depending on the characteristics of both the traveller and the travel. Travellers may encounter sudden and significant changes in altitude, humidity, microbes and temperature, which can result in ill-health. In addition, serious health risks may arise in areas where accommodation is of poor quality, hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, medical services are not well developed and clean water is unavailable. Full version [pdf 3Mb] | Order publication

All people planning travel should become informed about the potential hazards of the countries they are travelling to and learn how to minimize any risk to their health.

Forward planning, appropriate preventive measures and careful precautions can substantially reduce the risks of adverse health consequences. Although the medical profession and the travel industry can provide a great deal of help and advice, it is the traveller’s responsibility to ask for information, to understand the risks involved, and to take the necessary precautions for the journey.

Download the chapters

- Preface

- Chapter 1 [pdf 153kb]
Health risks and precautions: general considerations

- Chapter 2 [pdf 152kb]
Mode of travel: health consideration

- Chapter 3 [pdf 290kb]
Environmental health risks

- Chapter 4 [pdf 100kb]
Injuries and violence

- Chapter 5 [pdf 1.8mb]
Infectious diseases of potential risk for travellers

- Chapter 6 [pdf 425kb]
Vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines

- Chapter 7 [pdf 290kb]
Malaria

- Chapter 8 [pdf 154kb]
Exposure to blood or other body fluids

- Chapter 9 [99k]
Special groups of travellers

- Country list [pdf 240kb]
Vaccination requirements and malaria situation

- Annexes [pdf 100kb]

- Acknowledgements