Travel Health Advisory
Bilbao, Spain
Source Authority
CDC Travelers' Health
Vaccines and Medicines
Expert VerifiedCOVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information.
Hepatitis A
Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Spain. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Spain.
Measles
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according toCDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
Polio
In Spain poliovirus has been identified in the past year.Travelers to Spain are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.Vaccine recommendations: Adults traveling to Spain who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for anaccelerated vaccination schedule.
Rabies
Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Spain.If rabies exposures occur while in Spain, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.For more information, seecountry rabies status assessments.
Yellow Fever
CDC recommendations:Vaccine isnotrecommended.Country entry requirements:Vaccine isnotrequired.Updated April 23, 2025
Non-Vaccine Diseases
Leptospirosis
Avoid contaminated water and soilAvoid floodwater
Leishmaniasis
Avoid bug bites
Hantavirus
Avoid rodents and areas where they liveAvoid sick people
Parvovirus B19
Wash your handsoften with soap and waterAvoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouthAvoid sick peopleAvoid crowded areas where you may be unable to maintain physical distancePeople who have blood disorders (e.g. sickle cell or thalassemia), are immunocompromised, or arepregnantare athigher riskfor severe disease. If you are in these groups and are exposed to or contract parvovirus B-19, contact your healthcare provider.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Avoid sick people
General Travel Advice
- Be up to date on routine vaccinations.
- See a doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Carry a small first-aid kit.
"The information on this page is for general awareness. Please seek professional medical help for your specific travel needs."