Yellow fever vaccination for compulsory countries

An entry rule is separate from your personal health risk. Border authorities may ask for an international vaccination certificate because of where you have been, including a transit stop, rather than only your final destination. Requirements can change and may differ according to your itinerary, nationality, age, and route of travel.

Yellow fever vaccination uses a live attenuated vaccine. A travel clinician considers whether it suits your medical history as well as whether a certificate is needed.

Check the official entry guidance for every country on your route before booking or departing. Bring your itinerary, including airport transits, to a travel-health appointment. If vaccination is appropriate, keep the certificate with your passport and make a copy in case the original is misplaced.

Tell the clinician about previous vaccine reactions, immune-system medicines, pregnancy, and any health condition that affects vaccination decisions.

Arrange travel-health advice promptly if departure is approaching or if you are unsure whether a transit country affects your certificate. Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing, facial swelling, widespread hives, fainting, or severe illness after any vaccination.

Ask whether each stop on your itinerary creates an entry requirement, whether your existing certificate is acceptable, and whether your medicines or health history change the vaccination plan. Ask what documents you should carry if vaccination is not suitable for you.