Countries That Require a Yellow Fever Certificate for Entry

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Countries That Require a Yellow Fever Certificate for Entry

24 / Apr

When planning international travel, especially to tropical regions, it’s easy to focus on visas, flights, and packing lists—but one essential document many travellers overlook is the yellow fever certificate. At Eltham Pharmacy Travel Clinic, we’re an official Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, and we regularly support travellers with the vaccination and certification they need for entry into affected countries.

If you’re heading to Africa or South America—or even transiting through certain high-risk countries—you may need proof of yellow fever vaccination to be allowed entry. Here’s everything you need to know, including where it’s required, current World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, and how to make sure you’re covered.

What is a Yellow Fever Certificate?

The yellow fever certificate, officially known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), is a WHO-recognised document proving you’ve been vaccinated against yellow fever—a serious viral infection transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

The vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong protection in most cases. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, which is why we recommend travellers book their appointment well in advance of their trip.

As of 2016, the WHO confirmed that yellow fever vaccination provides lifelong immunity, so the certificate no longer expires after 10 years (as it previously did). However, some countries may still have outdated information or apply additional rules—so it’s always wise to check the latest entry requirements before you travel.

Get your vaccine and yellow fever certificate in London.

Countries That Require a Yellow Fever Certificate

1. Countries Requiring Proof Regardless of Travel Route

These countries require all visitors to present a valid yellow fever certificate, regardless of whether they are arriving from a risk area:

  • –> Angola

  • –> Burundi

  • –> Central African Republic

  • –> Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • –> French Guiana

  • –> Gabon

  • –> Ghana

  • –> Liberia

  • –> Mali

  • –> Rwanda

  • –> Sierra Leone

  • –> South Sudan

  • –> Uganda

2. Countries Requiring Proof If Travelling From or Transiting Through a Risk Area

Many countries do not pose a yellow fever risk themselves but require a yellow fever certificate if you have visited or transited through a yellow fever-endemic country (even for a few hours). This list includes:

  • –> India

  • –> China

  • –> Australia

  • –> Indonesia

  • –> Thailand

  • –> United Arab Emirates (including transit in Dubai)

  • –> Saudi Arabia

  • –> Malaysia

  • –> Panama

  • –> Paraguay

  • –> Trinidad & Tobago

This is especially important for travellers taking multi-leg journeys or flying via airports in Africa or South America. Even short layovers can trigger the certificate requirement, so always check your full route.

3. Countries with Yellow Fever Risk Where Vaccination is Strongly Recommended

Some destinations have yellow fever transmission risk, and while vaccination isn’t always a formal entry requirement, it’s strongly advised for personal protection. These include:

  • –> Brazil

  • –> Kenya

  • –> Peru

  • –> Ethiopia

  • –> Bolivia

  • –> Niger

  • –> Chad

If you’re travelling to rural areas or spending extended periods in nature reserves or jungle environments, vaccination is especially important due to the higher risk of mosquito bites.

How do I get a yellow fever certificate to prove I have been vaccinated?

Travelling Without a Certificate: What Are the Risks?

If you arrive at your destination without a valid yellow fever certificate (when it’s required), immigration authorities may refuse you entry into the country, quarantine you for up to 6 days, and/or place you under medical observation.

Some countries may refuse boarding on connecting flights if you lack a valid yellow fever certificate. This is a common oversight among travellers who don’t require vaccination for their final destination but are transiting through a country where proof of vaccination is mandatory.

This could not only disrupt your travel plans but also result in significant costs and inconvenience.

Get Vaccinated at Eltham Pharmacy

As a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, Eltham Pharmacy provides official yellow fever vaccination and WHO-approved certification – following a full travel health consultation to assess all your vaccine needs.

We also offer convenient appointment times, including last-minute availability where possible, as well as expert guidance on other travel health risks and how to stay protected abroad. Get in touch with our team to access the care you need.

Plan Ahead and Travel with Confidence

The yellow fever certificate may be one of the most important documents you take on your trip—just as essential as your passport and boarding pass. Whether you’re heading to Ghana, transiting through Nairobi, or exploring the Amazon, getting vaccinated at our travel clinic ensures your journey is smooth and your health protected.

Book your yellow fever vaccine appointment at Eltham Pharmacy today and prepare for a safer, stress-free travel experience.

This blog was written on behalf of Eltham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

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