Health Information

IMPORTANT: The information provided on this page should not replace the advice of a trained medical professional. After reviewing the information presented here, Gate 1 Travel highly recommends you consult with a health care provider. All travelers are responsible to ensure they meet the entry requirements for the countries they visit and are physically prepared for the activity level of their itinerary.

Resources for U.S. Passport Holders

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The United States CDC is the national public health agency tasked with protecting the public health of Americans. They provide information to the public about disease outbreaks, vaccine information, and prevention and treatment recommendations. Among these tasks, the CDC also regularly issues health advisories to travelers. Click here for more information.

U.N. World Health Organization (WHO): The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides information and guidance for all nations to protect international public health. This can be a helpful resource for understanding the public health situation of a country you plan to visit. Click here for more information.

Travel Protection Plan for Gate 1 Travel Customers: We strongly recommend travelers purchase travel insurance for their trip. Customers of Gate 1 Travel can purchase a special Arch Insurance Travel Protection plan that covers all services purchased through Gate 1. This insurance plan includes medical coverage for illnesses, injuries, and emergency medical evacuation. Click here for more information.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Waiver Benefit: Cancel for Any Reason is a benefit offered by Gate 1 Travel that allows travelers to cancel their reservation up to 72 hours before their scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered by the purchased travel protection. Click here for more information.

Access to Pharmacies and Medical Facilities: Some destinations, especially remote locations, may lack easy access to a local pharmacy or a medical facility. Some common medications may also not be available. We strongly recommend that travelers bring basic medications with them. This may include over-the-counter medication for motion sickness, cough drops or suppressants, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, pain and fever medicine, and sleep aids. All motor coaches on your tour will be equipped with a fully stocked first aid kit.

For travelers that require special storage of medications: If you have medication that requires special storage, such as being in a cold location or needing distilled water for a CPAP machine, please contact our Service Department prior to departure.

Smoking: No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Gate 1. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device. Furthermore, some countries heavily regulate the public use and possession of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) which could include their complete ban. Please check the regulations for the destinations you plan on traveling to prior to departure.

Travel Styles and Activity Levels: For each package, Gate 1 Travel assigns a travel style to give travelers an idea of what to expect in their destination. Additionally, each package has a "Is This Trip Right for You?" section on the highlights page that provides further information on the destinations visited and expectations for conditions and activity levels. Click here for more information.

Walking Tours: Please be aware that our Walking Tours are our most physically intensive hiking programs. Pay special attention to the activity levels for each day and consult with a health care provider prior to booking. After your deposit is received, travelers will receive an email with a recommended training guide to help prepare for the hikes.

Common Ailments to Consider:

Ebola, Marburg and Mpox (previously called Monkeypox): These are viral illnesses that spread through contact with the fluids of an infected person, animal, or object. Travelers can protect themselves by avoiding contact with infected people, animals, their fluids, objects, and by practicing good personal hygiene. For Mpox, travelers should consult with a health care provider prior to departure to see if they are eligible to be vaccinated.

Outbreaks have occurred in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the recent past.

Malaria: This disease is caused by parasites in mosquito bites. Travelers should consult a health care provider to see if they are eligible for medication before departure.

Dengue Fever: A viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. Travelers are recommended to bring and use mosquito repellant to avoid infection.

Outbreaks have occurred in Central America, South America and Southeast Asia.

Rabies: This is a virus that primarily spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals. Travelers should consult with a health care provider to see if a rabies vaccine is recommended for them. Travelers should avoid direct contact with wild animals and, if bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately after washing the affected area.

Zika: This is a virus the spreads primarily through mosquito bites that can lead to severe birth defects if pregnant travelers are infected. Zika can be found in mosquitos in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Travelers should avoid mosquito bites and seek medical attention if they believe they have become infected. All travelers are recommended to bring and use mosquito repellent to avoid infection. Pregnant travelers should consult with a health care provider prior to booking.

Routine Vaccines: These are those recommended to all Americans by a health care provider to protect against common ailments and diseases. This may include those to protect against Chickenpox, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, Measles and Mumps, and Polio. Travelers should consult with a health care provider to make sure they are up to date on recommended routine vaccinations.

Air Quality: As wildfires become an increasing problem around the world, air quality can be greatly impacted. Travelers with asthma and other respiratory conditions should consult a health care provider prior to travel.

Destinations that pose a greater risk to poor air quality include China, Honduras, India, Indonesia, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Altitude Sickness: Regions located at high elevations can be colder and have lower air pressure, which can cause health problems for those who are not prepared for the change. Itineraries are designed in a way that gradually acclimates travelers to large elevation changes and tour managers will be able to assist in finding medications and treatments for those affected by altitude sickness. Travelers should also consult a health care provider prior to travel.

Destinations with extremely high elevations include Argentina, Bhutan, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, and Tibet.

Typhoid, Cholera, and other Food and Water-Related Illnesses: Various illnesses can be contracted by consuming raw meat, food that is unwashed or was washed with tap water or drinking tap water. Vaccines against cholera and typhoid fever may be available to travelers prior to departure.

Entry Health Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

Non-U.S. Citizens: All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.

Countries listed below require specific vaccines and/or other entry documentation in addition to a U.S. passport. All other countries (not listed) do not require extra entry forms but may have extra visa requirements. For passport and visa entry requirements, click here.

Click a box below to view entry requirements:

Entry Forms: Travelers must complete and submit a medical evaluation form to Hurtigruten prior to departure. An email will be sent with further information.
Entry Forms: Travelers must complete and submit a medical evaluation form to Swan Hellenic before departure. An email will be sent with further information.
Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection primarily contracted through unsafe food or water. The best way to avoid cholera is with good personal hygiene and choosing safe foods. Travelers should avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that may be washed with contaminated water, raw meats and seafood, and street food that is not prepared up to restaurant standards. Travelers should avoid drinking tap water in certain regions. Although showering is safe, swallowing unsafe water could carry the bacteria.
Vaccine Requirements: Although not required, a Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended for travelers entering Kenya. Travelers should present their "Yellow Card" to authorities on arrival. The U.S. Center for Disease Control reports that the Yellow Fever vaccine is currently in short supply and distributed at only certain locations in the USA. To find an approved vaccine clinic, click here.

Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection primarily contracted through unsafe food or water. The best way to avoid cholera is with good personal hygiene and choosing safe foods. Travelers should avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that may be washed with contaminated water, raw meats and seafood, and street food that is not prepared up to restaurant standards. Travelers should avoid drinking tap water in certain regions. Although showering is safe, swallowing unsafe water could carry the bacteria.
Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection primarily contracted through unsafe food or water. The best way to avoid cholera is with good personal hygiene and choosing safe foods. Travelers should avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that may be washed with contaminated water, raw meats and seafood, and street food that is not prepared up to restaurant standards. Travelers should avoid drinking tap water in certain regions. Although showering is safe, swallowing unsafe water could carry the bacteria.
Insurance Requirements: Health insurance is required for entry. The Arch Insurance available through Gate 1 Travel is accepted as valid.
Entry Forms: An electronic Immigration and Health eTravel Form must be completed up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Once completed, print the form and accompanying QR code. This will be checked on arrival. For more information and to complete the form, click here.

Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection primarily contracted through unsafe food or water. The best way to avoid cholera is with good personal hygiene and choosing safe foods. Travelers should avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that may be washed with contaminated water, raw meats and seafood, and street food that is not prepared up to restaurant standards. Travelers should avoid drinking tap water in certain regions. Although showering is safe, swallowing unsafe water could carry the bacteria.
Insurance Requirements: Health insurance is required for entry. The Arch Insurance available through Gate 1 Travel is accepted as valid.
Vaccine Requirements: A Yellow Fever vaccine is required for travelers entering Tanzania or Zanzibar from Kenya. Travelers should present their "Yellow Card" to authorities on arrival. The U.S. Center for Disease Control reports that the Yellow Fever vaccine is currently in short supply and distributed at only certain locations in the USA. To find an approved vaccine clinic, click here.

Entry Forms: Travelers entering Zanzibar must complete an electronic Health Surveillance Form before departure. This form will be completed in destination on all itineraries.

Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection primarily contracted through unsafe food or water. The best way to avoid cholera is with good personal hygiene and choosing safe foods. Travelers should avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that may be washed with contaminated water, raw meats and seafood, and street food that is not prepared up to restaurant standards.