10 Destinations Where UK Tourists Should Be Most Careful About Their Health

Save to Find It Later!

Millions of UK tourists travel to these destinations every year without any problems at all. But that doesn’t mean they’re without genuine health risks — and a little awareness before you go makes a real difference. Here are the ten destinations where being prepared matters most, and what to actually watch out for.

1. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for UK tourists and its private hospitals — particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai — are genuinely excellent. The risks, though, are real. Dengue fever is present year-round and cases have risen significantly in recent years. Travellers’ diarrhoea is extremely common, particularly in street food areas. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the country — use bottled water even for brushing teeth, avoid ice in drinks unless you’re certain it was made from purified water, and apply a good DEET insect repellent every single day. Road accidents involving hired mopeds are also one of the leading causes of tourist injury; many travel insurance policies don’t cover you if you’re riding without a valid UK motorcycle licence.

2. Egypt

Gastric illness is by far the most common health issue for UK tourists in Egypt, and the risk is significant even at well-rated hotels. The rule about tap water applies absolutely here — bottled water for everything, including brushing teeth, and no ice unless you’re certain of its source. Be particularly cautious with salads, unpeeled fruit and anything that may have been washed in tap water. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. If you’re visiting in summer, heat-related illness is also a serious risk — temperatures routinely exceed 40°C in Luxor and Aswan, and heat exhaustion can develop faster than people expect.

3. India

India has some of the world’s best private hospitals in its major cities, but it also presents a wider range of health risks than almost any other popular tourist destination. Travellers’ diarrhoea is so common it has its own nickname — Delhi belly — and can strike regardless of how careful you are. Hepatitis A, typhoid and, depending on your specific itinerary, malaria vaccinations are recommended. Mosquito-borne illness including dengue is present in many regions. Water safety is a serious concern across the country. Bring a comprehensive first aid kit, make sure you’re vaccinated at least eight weeks in advance, and carry oral rehydration sachets as a given.

4. Mexico

Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts draw huge numbers of UK tourists every year, and the all-inclusive resort model creates a false sense of security around food and water safety. Travellers’ diarrhoea — colloquially known as Montezuma’s revenge — is common even in well-run resorts. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the country. Mosquito-borne illness including dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya are present, so insect repellent is essential particularly at dawn and dusk. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, check the current Zika situation for your specific destination before booking — guidance changes and varies by region.

5. The Gambia

The Gambia is a small, relatively affordable destination that attracts a significant number of UK tourists, many of them older travellers who may be more vulnerable to serious illness. Malaria risk is significant and present year-round — anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all visitors, not just those venturing outside tourist areas. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are also recommended. Tap water is not safe. The rainy season (June to October) brings a higher risk of waterborne illness and should be factored into your preparation. Make sure your travel insurance includes full medical evacuation cover, as specialist care is limited.

6. Kenya

Kenya is a spectacular destination and its safari industry is well developed, but the health considerations are significant. Malaria is present across much of the country, including in Nairobi at certain times of year — discuss anti-malarials with a travel health specialist before you go rather than assuming you don’t need them. Typhoid, hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccinations are recommended (yellow fever may be required, not just recommended, depending on your arrival country). Altitude sickness is a genuine risk for anyone climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting high-altitude areas. Tap water should be treated as unsafe throughout the country.

7. Indonesia — Including Bali

Bali belly is as common as its reputation suggests, and even experienced travellers who are careful about food and water still sometimes succumb. The water safety rules apply strictly here. The rabies risk from monkeys and stray dogs is a genuine concern that many tourists underestimate — any animal bite or scratch needs urgent medical attention within 24 hours, as rabies is fatal without treatment and post-exposure vaccine courses can be difficult to complete in some parts of Indonesia. Dengue fever is present year-round. The private hospitals in Denpasar and Kuta are adequate for most issues, but medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended for more remote areas.

8. The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive resort strip along the Punta Cana coast is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Caribbean, and it looks after the basics reasonably well. But food and water-borne illness does occur, mosquito-borne infections including dengue, Zika and malaria are present in some areas, and heat-related illness is a significant and underestimated risk — particularly for older travellers who may not realise how quickly heat exhaustion can develop in high humidity. Check the current malaria risk for your specific destination, as it varies significantly by region within the country.

9. Cuba

Cuba is a genuinely rewarding destination for UK tourists, but its healthcare system outside Havana can be very limited. The tourist healthcare clinics — Servimed — are available in major tourist areas and are generally adequate for minor illness, but for anything serious, the standard of care can be significantly below what you’d expect at home. Medical evacuation insurance is more important here than in almost any other Caribbean destination. Tap water quality varies and bottled water is the safe default. Food hygiene standards can be inconsistent even in good hotels, and travellers’ diarrhoea is common.

10. Turkey

Turkey is a relatively safe destination from a health perspective, but a few things are worth knowing. Food poisoning incidents at all-inclusive resorts are more common than the industry likes to admit, and the combination of buffet dining, high temperatures and varying hygiene standards creates real risk. In summer, heat-related illness is a significant concern — temperatures in coastal areas can reach 40°C and beyond, and sun exposure during the middle of the day genuinely warrants caution. The FCDO regularly updates its travel advice for certain regions of Turkey, particularly in the east of the country, so checking the current guidance at GOV.UK before you travel is always worthwhile.