What is a yellow fever certificate and when is it required?
A yellow fever certificate (ICVP) proves you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and is required for entry into many African and South American countries.
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What the yellow fever certificate is
The yellow fever certificate is a small yellow booklet issued by certified yellow fever vaccination centers and authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is officially called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), and you may also hear it called the 'yellow card'.
You receive it after a single yellow fever vaccination - and that vaccination is now valid for life under WHO rules.
When you need a yellow fever certificate
- Entering many African countries in the yellow fever zone. Some, such as Angola, Cameroon, DR Congo and Ghana, require it from all arriving travelers, while others, such as Kenya and Nigeria, require it only if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Entering some South American countries. Venezuela requires it from travelers arriving from Brazil, while Brazil, Peru and Argentina recommend the vaccine for some regions but do not require a certificate for entry.
- Re-entering some countries (like India, Thailand, or South Africa) if you have recently visited a yellow fever zone.
- Layovers in certain airports (12+ hours) in yellow fever risk countries.
How to get the vaccination and certificate
Yellow fever vaccinations are only available at WHO-approved travel clinics and yellow fever vaccination centers, not at standard pharmacies. The vaccine is a single shot, typically costing USD 100-300.
Get vaccinated at least 10 days before traveling - the certificate is not valid until 10 days after the shot. Some destinations strictly enforce this.
Who should not get the yellow fever vaccine
Babies under 6 months, immunocompromised people and those with severe egg allergies should not have the yellow fever vaccine, and for babies aged 6 to 8 months, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people aged 60 and over, a doctor weighs the risks first. A doctor can issue a medical exemption letter, but some countries may not accept it, so check with the destination's embassy before you travel.
What is a yellow fever certificate and when is it required - FAQ
It is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), a small yellow booklet often called the yellow card, which proves you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Since 2016 a single dose gives a certificate valid for life, but it only becomes valid 10 days after the vaccination, so plan the shot well before you travel.
You get it at the same appointment as the vaccine, from a clinic authorised to give yellow fever shots. In the United States only registered yellow fever vaccination centres can vaccinate and stamp the certificate, and the CDC has an online search tool to find one. Book at least 10 days before departure, because the certificate is not valid until then.
Some countries, such as Angola, Cameroon, DR Congo and Ghana, require it from all arriving travellers above a minimum age. Many more, including Kenya, Nigeria, India, Thailand and South Africa, require it only if you arrive from a yellow fever risk country, sometimes including long airport transits there. Rules are the same whatever your passport, so check the CDC destination page.
Because it is a live vaccine that some people should not have. The CDC says it should not be given to infants under 6 months, people allergic to a vaccine component such as egg, or people with weakened immune systems, and that pregnancy, breastfeeding and age 60 or over need a doctor's judgement. A doctor can issue a medical waiver, but some countries may not accept it.
If the country requires one, you can be refused entry or held until officials are satisfied. India, for example, can isolate travellers who arrive from a risk country without a valid certificate for up to six days. Airlines may also refuse to board you, so get vaccinated at least 10 days before you fly.