Tibet

Have a safe trip to Tibet with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Tibet Travel Vaccine, Health and Safety Advice

Journey to the heart of Tibet, a destination that beckons with its majestic landscapes and centuries-old heritage. Explore the sacred city of Lhasa, where monasteries and palaces stand as testaments to a culture deeply rooted in spirituality.

Potala Palace rises from the Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley at an altitude of 3,700 metres. As the winter palace of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century CE the complex symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet.

Tibet is the highest region on Earth and has been nicknamed ”the Roof of the World.” With an average elevation of over 4,500 meters, altitude sickness is common. Taking a train to Tibet is a good choice, as visitors get the chance to take in the incredible Tibetan landscapes and gradually acclimatize to the high altitudes en route.

The Tibetan New year, also known as Losar Festival, is the most important festival on the Tibetan calendar. Tibetan New Year offers the travelers a great opportunity to enjoy the annual festive occasion with local Tibetans.

A visit to Tibet is a pilgrimage to the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where ancient monasteries, majestic mountains, and strong traditions converge. Every corner of Tibet tells a story of spirituality, resilience, and unparalleled beauty.

Travel Immunizations for Tibet

What vaccinations do I need for Tibet? Get all the information and vaccine injections you need to minimize travel health risks in Tibet.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.  

  • Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.    
  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen. 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Health Problems in Tibet / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, typically above 8,000 feet (2400 m).   

  • The most common and mildest form of altitude sickness is acute mountain sickness (AMS) 

  • Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, typically above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) 

  • Rapid ascent to high altitudes without proper acclimatization is the primary risk factor. Other factors include a previous history of altitude sickness, genetic predisposition, respiratory conditions, and underlying cardiovascular diseases. 

  • Symptoms can include, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.   

Avian Influenza

  • Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings or infected bird saliva and/or mucous on them. 
  • Symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, red/watery eyes, or difficulty breathing. 

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.     

  • Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
    • Visitors to areas experiencing a JE outbreak should also consider vaccination.

    • Risk increases for individuals engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitoes.

  • Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume contaminated unpasteurized milk products. 

    • Symptoms are similar to the flu, including, fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea and or vomiting. 

    • In the second phase, the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is affected. The severity of the illness can increase with age. 

    • In more severe cases, complications during the second phase may cause long-term brain, spine, or nerve damage. 

  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache. 
  • Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: typically transmitted through the bite of an infected tick but also can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids and blood of infected animal or human.
    • Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes, and light sensitivity.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Tibet

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

How Good is Healthcare in Tibet? Medical Services and Facilities in Tibet

  • Medical care is widely available in urban areas but not in remote areas. Ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment. Medical care in clinics offering international standard services to foreigners is much more expensive. Payment is expected at the time of service.
  • Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
  • Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consulate Assistance in Tibet

Street Address: 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, 100600 Beijing 100600, China

Telephone: 86 (10) 5139-4000

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-China

Street Address: Room 1705, Metropolitan Tower, Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing 400010, China

Telephone: 86 (23) 6373-8007

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-China

Street Address: 26/F, TaiKoo Hui Tower 1, 385 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510620, China

Telephone: 86 (20) 8611-6100

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-China

Street Address: ECO City Building, 8th floor, 1788 Nanjing Xi Lu – Jing An District, Shanghai, 200040, China

Telephone: N/A

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-China

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

In case of emergency, dial:
  • 110 for Police
  • 119 for Firefighters
  • 120 for Medical Assistance
  • 112 for Roadside Assistance

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