What should you know about countries that need yellow fever vaccine?

A country can recommend vaccination to protect travellers from local transmission, require proof to limit the chance of infection being brought across a border, or do both. The rule may apply only to particular regions or to travellers arriving from another affected area. A short airport transit can sometimes matter. The correct answer therefore depends on the complete itinerary rather than the holiday’s main destination.

Vaccination is a medical decision as well as a travel-document issue. Previous doses, immune conditions, pregnancy, age, allergies, and medicines may affect whether a clinician advises vaccination or an alternative document.

Book a travel appointment early and bring your full route, transit details, departure date, vaccination history, and relevant medical information. Ask about [Yellow Fever Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/yellow-fever-vaccination/), proof of vaccination, and mosquito-bite prevention. Keep the certificate with your travel documents if vaccination is advised or required. Use repellent and clothing that covers exposed skin because vaccination planning does not remove the need to avoid bites.

Seek medical advice after travel if fever, headache, vomiting, jaundice, unusual bleeding, confusion, or profound weakness develops. Mention all countries and transit points. Go to urgent care for collapse, seizures, breathing difficulty, severe confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Before vaccination, ask for clinical review if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, seriously unwell, or have had a serious vaccine reaction.

Ask whether your route requires proof or only a recommendation, whether your medical history changes the advice, when vaccination should be arranged, and what document you should carry.