Understanding Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements

There have been questions about whether or not travellers need Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate before arriving in Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa. We have put together some information to help you understand where the disease is found, and which countries require visitors to have the Yellow Fever certificate.

Where is Yellow Fever Found?

The Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) occurs in the following countries:

For some of these countries, YFV does not occur in all regions of the country, but it is still considered a high risk country. Therefore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that people travelling to these countries get a Yellow Fever vaccination for prevention. Please see EXEMPTIONS below.

What About Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa?

When you are entering Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa, you will only need a Yellow Fever Certificate if you have travelled or lived in any of the countries that are considered high risk area (see list above and map below). South Africa used to require visitors who had been to Zambia to provide the certificate, but since February 2015, this rule no longer applies. Read about it here.

African countries considered as yellow fever zones

South American countries considered as yellow fever zones

What If I've Been in Transit in a Yellow Fever Area?

If you have been or are going to be in transit in a YFV risk area for more than 12 hours (10 hours in some countries), you will need to get a Yellow Fever certificate. For more country-specific requirements, click here.

When Else Will I Need a Yellow Fever Certificate?

The countries listed below will require a traveller to carry a Yellow Fever certificate only if they have travelled to or if they reside in any of the countries listed in the table above.

Generally, it is advisable to get vaccinated and obtain a valid Yellow Fever certificate at least 10 days before your travel if you are visiting or passing through a country where YFV occurs. The certificate is valid for a lifetime. To learn about prevention of other mosquito-related diseases, visit our malaria page.

How Long is a Yellow Fever Certificate Valid?

The vaccination and certificate are now valid for a lifetime (as of July 2016). Booster doses and new vaccination certificates used to be recommended every 10 years for people who continued to be at risk of the infection, but this is no longer necessary in most cases.

Children

Generally, yellow fever vaccinations may be given to children from the age of 9 months, but if you are unsure or not comfortable with this please consult with your doctor as to the possible side effects.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Exemptions

Yellow fever vaccination exemptions apply to individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, such as severe allergies to vaccine components (e.g., eggs or gelatin), immune system disorders, or certain chronic illnesses.

Infants under six months old and adults over 60, particularly those with underlying health conditions, may also be exempt.

Travelers who qualify for an exemption should obtain an official medical waiver or exemption certificate from a licensed healthcare provider, as some countries may still require proof of exemption when entering from a yellow fever-endemic area. However, entry requirements vary, so it's essential to check with the relevant authorities before traveling.

Yellow Fever is a viral disease which occurs in most the tropical regions of Africa and the Americas. It is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes which thrive in these regions. To find out more about Yellow Fever, visit the World Health Organisation’s page here.

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Last checked: 25/ 03/ 2025

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