Which countries require the yellow fever vaccine for entry?

Yellow Fever Vaccine Country Requirements

Certain countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, and travelers arriving without valid documentation may face quarantine for up to 6 days or denial of entry. 1

Mandatory Country Entry Requirements

The yellow fever vaccine is required by specific countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR), though these requirements differ from CDC medical recommendations. 1

Key points about country requirements:

• Requirements are mandatory and intended primarily to prevent importation and transmission of yellow fever virus within a country. 1
• Some countries require evidence of vaccination from all entering travelers, including those arriving directly from the United States. 1
• Certain countries may require proof of vaccination even if you are only in transit and have visited any country thought to harbor yellow fever virus. 1
• Some countries do not require vaccination for infants younger than specific ages (e.g., <6 months, <9 months, or <1 year, depending on the country). 1

Geographic Distribution of Requirements

Endemic regions where vaccination is commonly required include:

• Sub-Saharan Africa: Multiple countries in this region require proof of vaccination, particularly during travel to the "meningitis belt" during dry season (December-June). 2
• Tropical South America: Countries in this region, including Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, have requirements based on endemic transmission risk. 2, 3
• Trinidad: Specifically for travel to forested areas. 2

Documentation Requirements

You must obtain proper documentation to satisfy country entry requirements:

• Yellow fever vaccines must be administered at an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Center in the United States, designated by state and territorial health departments. 1
• You must possess a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), validated with the provider's signature and official yellow fever vaccination center stamp. 1
• The certificate is valid beginning 10 days after vaccination and extends for 10 years. 1
• An incomplete or inaccurate ICVP is not valid and can result in quarantine, denied entry, or forced revaccination at the point of entry. 1

Medical Waivers

If vaccination is medically contraindicated, a physician may issue a waiver by completing the "Medical Contraindications to Vaccination" section of the ICVP with a signed, dated letter on letterhead stationery bearing the official yellow fever vaccination stamp. 1, 2 However, be aware that destination countries may not accept the medical waiver, and travelers should be informed of increased infection risk. 1

Critical Timing Considerations

• Vaccination must be received at least 10 days before travel to ensure immunity and for the certificate to be valid. 2, 4
• When a booster dose is administered within the 10-year validity period, the certificate is considered valid from the day of the most recent vaccination. 1
• Starting vaccinations 4-6 weeks before departure is recommended to ensure adequate time for all necessary doses. 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Insufficient lead time: Approximately 21.7% of travelers fail to comply with the 10-day advance vaccination requirement, with last-minute decisions being the most common reason. 6
• Incomplete documentation: Failure to secure proper validation with official stamps can cause serious travel disruptions. 1
• Assuming transit exemptions: Some countries require proof even for travelers only passing through. 1

Where to Find Current Requirements

Because country requirements change frequently, travelers should obtain updated information before each trip from the CDC travel website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) or state/local health departments. 1 The specific list of countries requiring yellow fever vaccination is maintained and updated regularly by the CDC. 1