Spain, Italy, and Greece Urge Key Vaccinations Are Holidaymakers Truly Prepared for Health Risks Before Their European Getaway? Here’s All You Need to Know About New Travel Trends

Emergency Measures and On-the-Ground Realities in Greece

It had been noted that the UK Foreign Office urged travellers to Greece to familiarise themselves with the latest vaccination guidance at least eight weeks before departure. While vaccination certificates were not required to enter Greece, maintaining up-to-date routine jabs had still been recommended. These included the MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines.

Authorities advised that treatment facilities on the mainland were generally reliable. However, healthcare services on the islands were said to be limited, with nursing and aftercare standards, especially in the state sector, reportedly falling short of UK expectations. The public ambulance service in Greece had also been described as basic, with serious shortages of ambulances on some islands.

Uninsured visitors might not be able to access private diagnostics or treatment, being left with public hospitals and primary healthcare centres as their only options. In emergencies, visitors could call 112 or 166 to request an ambulance. The public had also been made aware of potential threats from bat lyssaviruses (bat rabies) and tetanus, for which vaccinations are available in the UK.

Vaccination Concerns for Italy: Ticks and Travel Safety

For Italy, authorities emphasized that no vaccination certificates were currently mandatory for visitors. However, British tourists were urged to ensure their routine vaccinations—especially MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio—were up to date.

Authorities had further highlighted a viral infection risk: tick-borne encephalitis, found in the UK, Europe, and Asia. This infection is transmitted via tick bites, and initial symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and nausea could worsen within days or weeks. Ticks were said to be prevalent in woodlands, farmland, and even urban parks.

Travel Health Pro issued the following advice:

Avoid tick bites during outdoor activities.
Apply insect repellent frequently.
Check skin and clothes regularly for ticks.
Use a recommended removal technique.
Wear light-coloured clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
Avoid unpasteurised milk products.

They also noted the rare presence of bat lyssaviruses, especially relevant to those undertaking adventure activities like caving. In such cases, pre-exposure rabies vaccines were encouraged. Travellers were advised to check Italy’s official vaccination guidelines at least eight weeks prior to travel, and emergencies could be handled by dialling 112.

Spain’s Rabies and Tetanus Warnings: A Closer Look

It had been reported that Spain did not mandate vaccination certificates under International Health Regulations, but visitors were strongly advised to be up to date with UK-recommended routine jabs such as diphtheria-tetanus-polio and MMR.

Tetanus had been singled out as a particularly dangerous condition, especially when bacteria from dirt or manure entered a wound. Tourists were encouraged to clean all injuries thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing animal bites, scratches, burns, or any wounds contaminated with soil.

Though rabies was reportedly of little or no risk in most of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, some areas like Ceuta and Melilla in African territories were flagged for higher risk. In these areas, pre-exposure rabies vaccinations were strongly recommended—particularly for those planning high-risk activities like cycling or running.

Visitors were reminded to check Spain’s latest health guidance at least eight weeks before their trip. In emergencies, dialling 112 would connect travellers to ambulance services. The guidance urged people to notify insurance or medical assistance providers immediately upon referral to a medical facility.

Global Impact: What This Means for Tourists Worldwide

These vaccination updates for Spain, Italy, and Greece were expected to have global implications for travel in summer 2025. With millions of tourists, especially British holidaymakers, heading to Southern Europe each year, ensuring health safety through proactive vaccination could significantly reduce healthcare strain, local outbreaks, and emergency incidents.

This shift in health-conscious travel is likely to:

Encourage early travel planning with medical appointments weeks ahead.
Influence insurance policy requirements, potentially including vaccination clauses.
Trigger more awareness among global travellers about local health risks in even the most popular destinations.

While vaccination certificates were not required to enter these European nations, the push for personal preparedness had grown stronger. With rising interest in outdoor adventures, from woodland walks in Italy to cycling in Spanish territories, the demand for specialised vaccinations such as those for rabies and tick-borne illnesses was predicted to increase.

The message across the board had become clear: routine vaccinations were not just a formality—they had become a crucial step in travel safety planning, particularly in an era of global health vigilance.

Travel Ready Means Health Ready

The advisory landscape for travel to Spain, Italy, and Greece highlighted the growing need for health-conscious tourism. The absence of formal certificate requirements should not deter travellers from reviewing and receiving recommended vaccinations—not only to protect themselves but to contribute to safer international travel ecosystems. The summer of 2025 may set a precedent for preventive health preparedness among global travellers, reinforcing the vital link between tourism and public health.