Travelling somewhere with a malaria risk? Malaria risk depends heavily on your specific destination, region, altitude, season, itinerary and personal medical history, so antimalarial recommendations are always assessed on an individual basis. Book a pre-travel consultation so we can check current NaTHNaC and UK Health Security Agency guidance for your trip and discuss whether antimalarial medication is appropriate for you.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease spread by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is present in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and parts of the Middle East. There is no vaccine routinely available for malaria for most travellers, so prevention relies on a combination of antimalarial medication, where recommended, and avoiding mosquito bites.
Do I Need Antimalarial Tablets?
Whether antimalarial tablets are recommended depends on where you are going, the specific regions and altitude you will visit, the time of year, the length of your stay, your planned activities and accommodation, and your own medical history. Some destinations carry no meaningful malaria risk, while others require careful consideration of the most appropriate antimalarial regimen. A pre-travel consultation is the best way to get advice that reflects your actual itinerary rather than generic destination-level guidance.
Types of Antimalarial Medication
Several antimalarial medications are used for travellers, including atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine, among others. Each has a different dosing schedule, starting time relative to travel, duration after return, suitability for certain groups (such as children, pregnant travellers or people with particular medical conditions), and possible side effects. A travel health professional can help identify which option, if any, is most suitable for your circumstances.
Insect Bite Avoidance
Alongside any antimalarial medication, reducing mosquito bites is an important part of malaria prevention. This can include using a suitable insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting clothing in the evening, sleeping under treated bed nets where appropriate, and staying in accommodation with adequate screening or air conditioning where possible.
When to Start Taking Antimalarials
Depending on the medication recommended, antimalarials are usually started anywhere from one to two days up to two to three weeks before travel, and continued for a set period after leaving the malaria risk area. Because timing varies by medication, it’s best to book your consultation well before departure wherever possible, although advice can still be given close to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need malaria tablets for my destination?
This depends on your specific itinerary, region, season and personal health. Book a consultation so we can check current guidance for your exact trip.
Can children or pregnant travellers take antimalarial tablets?
Some antimalarials are not suitable for young children or during pregnancy, while others may be considered. This should always be discussed individually with a travel health professional.
Are antimalarial tablets available on the NHS?
Antimalarial medication for travel is not routinely available free on the NHS and is usually provided on a private prescription basis. Speak to our team for current details.
What else can I do to avoid malaria?
Alongside any antimalarial medication, consistent insect bite avoidance measures are one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.
Sources and Further Reading
Clinically reviewed by Abrar Gill, MPharm, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 8 August 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
