Considering Yellow Fever while travelling in Africa

Yellow fever, a viral illness, is transmitted by a specific type of mosquito found predominantly in the “yellow fever belt,” spanning regions of Africa and South America. A highly effective vaccination is accessible at authorized travel clinics.

It’s important to stay informed about the specific vaccination prerequisites for the countries on your itinerary. While efforts are made to keep information up to date, consulting your medical professional or healthcare provider prior to embarking on your journey is critical in ensuring you receive personalized guidance on yellow fever immunizations.

• Kenya, Uganda & The Republic of Congo, require all travellers to present a Yellow Fever Certificate on entry into the country.
• If you are in transit for more than 12 hours in a country where Yellow Fever is Endemic, you will require a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for your further travels.
• In Southern & East Africa (Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia), a Yellow Fever Vaccination is required if you live in a country or are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present. See the list of relevant countries here »

For example, if you have been in Kenya and then travel to Tanzania – you will need a Yellow Fever vaccination Certificate to enter Tanzania.

Your country of origin and other African countries like South Africa will deny re-entry without a vaccination certificate, after having visited a country with Yellow Fever.

For details, refer to the WHO International Travel and Health Country List »

All travellers over 1 year old require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travel to the specified countries above.

People older than 60 years, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women should speak to their doctor before visiting a travel clinic to receive a Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Should you not be able to get a Yellow Fever Vaccination, due to pregnancy, medical reasons, or age, you will be required to show an original letter from your Doctor stating such, on entry into the relevant countries.

When do I need to get a Yellow Fever Vaccination?
It is recommended to receive your yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to entering a yellow fever endemic area.

How long does a Yellow Fever Vaccination last?
One dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people.

Who can issue a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate?
Only authorized travel clinics are permitted to issue yellow fever certificates. Upon successful vaccination, an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (IVCP) will be provided by the travel clinic. This certificate serves as tangible evidence of your immunization and may be required for entry into certain countries. This certificate is valid for life.

Timeless Africa Safaris are not medical professionals. The above information was created with the sole purpose of sharing information and Timeless Africa Safaris assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, changes or omissions in the content of this site. 

Before you travel please consult with the World Health Organisation (WHO) or your local travel clinic as the WHO recurrently change their regulations and we urge you to confirm your requirements at the time of your travels.