Countries That Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination is required or recommended for entry into certain countries, primarily in Africa and South America, where yellow fever is endemic. Here’s a guide to where you might need a yellow fever vaccine:

1. Africa

In Africa, yellow fever is common in tropical and subtropical areas, and many countries require proof of vaccination if you’re entering from another country where yellow fever exists. Here are key areas:

• Required for Entry: Countries like Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry.
• Recommended Vaccination: For many others, such as Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, vaccination is highly recommended due to the risk of yellow fever.

2. South America

South America also has regions with yellow fever, particularly in tropical forested areas:

• Required for Entry: Countries such as French Guiana require proof of vaccination.
• Recommended Vaccination: Countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and parts of Argentina strongly recommend the vaccine if you’re traveling to areas with higher risks.

3. Countries Requiring Proof If Transiting

Some countries don’t have yellow fever but still require proof of vaccination if you’re traveling from a high-risk area or transiting through one. Panama, Thailand, Australia, and some Caribbean nations have these requirements, especially if you’ve recently been in a country where yellow fever exists.

Important Considerations

• Check with the Destination: Some requirements can change, so it’s always best to consult an official source or health authority for the latest entry requirements.
• Exemption Certificates: Travelers who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons may obtain a waiver or exemption certificate, though this may impact entry to some countries.

Yellow fever vaccination requirements vary by country and are based on the risk of yellow fever transmission. Here are some countries that require yellow fever vaccination:

Countries with High Risk of Yellow Fever Transmission

- Angola: If you're traveling from or through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission ¹.
- Argentina: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation, excluding the provinces of Santa Fe and Buenos Aires.
- Benin: Required for all travelers.
- Bolivia: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation.
- Brazil: Required for travelers visiting areas below 2,300 meters in elevation, excluding the states of Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Fe.
- Burkina Faso: Required for all travelers.
- Burundi: Required for all travelers.
- Cameroon: Required for all travelers.
- Central African Republic: Required for all travelers.
- Colombia: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation.
- Côte d'Ivoire: Required for all travelers.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: Required for all travelers.
- Ecuador: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation.
- Equatorial Guinea: Required for all travelers.
- French Guiana: Required for all travelers.
- Gabon: Required for all travelers.
- Ghana: Required for all travelers.
- Guinea: Required for all travelers.
- Guinea-Bissau: Required for all travelers.
- Kenya: If you're traveling from or through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Liberia: Required for all travelers.
- Mali: Required for all travelers.
- Mauritania: Required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Nigeria: Required for all travelers.
- Panama: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation.
- Paraguay: If you're traveling from or through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Peru: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation.
- Rwanda: Required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- São Tomé and Principe: Required for all travelers.
- Senegal: Required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Sierra Leone: Required for all travelers.
- South Sudan: Required for all travelers.
- Suriname: Required for all travelers.
- Tanzania: If you're traveling from or through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Togo: Required for all travelers.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Uganda: Required for all travelers.
- Venezuela: If you're traveling to areas below 2,300 meters in elevation.

Please note that vaccination requirements can change, so it's essential to check with your local health authority or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date information before traveling ¹.