These African countries require yellow fever vaccination
For 13 African countries, a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory upon entry. Not a recommendation, but a hard requirement. Without a valid vaccination certificate, you will be refused entry at the border, or at worst vaccinated on the spot under poor conditions. In this blog you can read which countries require a yellow fever vaccination, what you need to know about the international vaccination certificate (the yellow booklet) and how to arrange this quickly and easily via Vaccinatiepunt.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection caused by the yellow fever virus, transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes (Aedes or Haemagogus). The mosquitoes are mainly active during the day in tropical forest and savannah areas.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever and severe headache
- Muscle pain, nausea and vomiting
- Yellow discolouration of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- In severe cases: haemorrhage, liver and kidney failure
- There is no specific treatment. Prevention, through vaccination, is therefore the only effective protection.
Why is a yellow fever certificate required on entry?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) allows countries to require a yellow fever certificate on entry as part of international health regulations. This international vaccination certificate is officially called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) - or colloquially: the yellow book.
The certificate may only be issued by an authorised vaccination centre. Vaccination centre is LCR-registered and authorised to provide this evidence.
⚠️ Note that the entry requirement may also apply if you are travelling through a mandatory country without stopping. Always check the current requirements for your specific itinerary.
13 African countries requiring yellow fever vaccination
The following countries require a valid yellow fever certificate from all incoming travellers on entry, regardless of which country you are departing from:
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Central African Republic
- Congo
- Ghana
- Ivory Coast
- Cameroon
- Niger
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Uganda
The yellow fever vaccination: what you need to know
- The vaccine offers more than 95% protection and works as single injection
- Protection begins 10 days after vaccination, so plan this well in advance
- The ICVP is lifelong; a repeat vaccination is not necessary
- The certificate is valid only if issued by a accredited, LCR-registered centre
- Always take the yellow booklet original paper form along, digital copies will not be accepted
- Children under 6 months may not be vaccinated
- Pregnant women and travellers over 60 years old consult with a travel doctor first
Cost of yellow fever vaccination
The cost of the yellow fever vaccination is € 72.50, including the international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet). Many supplementary health insurers reimburse (part of) the cost of travel vaccinations.
Additional tips for safe travel to Africa
- Schedule your appointment at least 4-6 weeks before departure, so there is enough time for all the necessary vaccinations
- Get full travel advice: in addition to yellow fever, many African destinations also have hepatitis A, typhoid fever, DTP and malaria prophylaxis relevant
- Use additional insect repellent (DEET) and sleep under a mosquito net
- Consult the current travel advice from RIVM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your destination
Frequently asked questions about yellow fever vaccination for African countries
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory for all countries in Africa?
No, not for all countries. But 13 countries require a valid yellow fever certificate upon entry. Outside these countries, however, vaccination is often strongly recommended due to the risk of infection present.
When is my yellow fever certificate valid after vaccination?
The ICVP becomes valid only 10 days after vaccination. Many countries check this at border control. So plan your appointment well in advance, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
How long is a yellow fever vaccination valid?
The yellow fever vaccination offers lifelong protection. So you only need to vaccinate once. The international certificate is also valid for life.
What happens if I travel to a mandatory country without yellow fever certificate?
You may be refused entry at the border or forced to vaccinate locally, often in substandard conditions. Some countries send travellers back immediately without a certificate. Always ensure timely vaccination before departure.
Can I get my yellow fever certificate from Vaccination Point?
Yes. Vaccination Point is LCR-registered and officially recognised to issue the international vaccination certificate. After your vaccination, you will immediately receive the yellow booklet you need for entry.
