Yellow fever vaccine: which countries?

Yellow fever occurs in areas of Africa and South America, but advice can differ within a country according to where you will stay and what you will do. Some destinations ask travellers to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate even when their own local risk is low, particularly after arrival from or transit through an affected area.

A country list found online may not match your individual journey. Land crossings, cruises, multi-country holidays, and airport connections can all change the question a travel-health clinician needs to answer.

Book a travel consultation with your passport, planned flight details, stopovers, and a list of each town or region you expect to visit. Mention previous yellow fever vaccination and any certificate you already hold. The clinician can assess suitability for vaccination and explain what documentation to carry.

Review the itinerary if it changes. A new transit country or an added side trip may alter the advice, so do not assume the original plan still applies.

Seek emergency care after vaccination for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, fainting, or a rapidly spreading rash. Arrange medical assessment promptly for unusual neurological symptoms, a severe illness, or worsening fever after vaccination. During or after travel, fever with yellow eyes or skin, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or severe weakness needs urgent assessment; report your travel locations to the healthcare team.

Ask which parts of your itinerary create a health recommendation and which create an entry requirement. Confirm whether transit changes the rules, whether your vaccine record is acceptable for travel, and what mosquito avoidance measures to use at your destination.