Equatorial Guinea and smallpox?
Apr 5, 2015 | 8:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern Nevada
Programs: DL,EK
Posts: 1,653
Equatorial Guinea and smallpox?
The Embassy of Equatorial Guinea say US citizens do not need visas but:
A post on the Lonely Planet site from 8 months ago says:
Does anyone have current information? I don't know where one could even get a smallpox vaccine here in the US (Nevada).
As American citizens enter the country, they should expect to present a valid passport and proof of smallpox, yellow fever and cholera immunization to the immigration officers.
Flew into Malabo on a US passport. The US is the only country that gives you visa free access to EG. (But see below). Some sites on the web suggest you need a smallpox and cholera vaccination as well as bank statements in addition to your US passport. My hosts assured me you needed none of that and they were right. I wasn't even asked to show my yellow fever shot. All you need is an immigration card the airline will give you.
Apr 5, 2015 | 7:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,589
I was there (Malabo/SSG) last fall. I had my yellow fever card tucked into my passport (where it "lives"). I think they looked at it...but, frankly, there was virtually a complete focus on Ebloa, which was raging then. Immigration docs asked where I was staying and when I was leaving. Mine was a volunteer gig, so I didn't get any more questions. Sorry, wish I could help.
Apr 17, 2015 | 2:59 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
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Posts: 8,616
I thought Smallpox had been eradicated (i.e. no longer exists in the world, outside a couple of select laborotories)?
Jan 3, 2016 | 1:18 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 648
Just wanted to say thanks for the replies in this thread. I've wondered for almost ever about those cholera vaccines, and if they were really required. I'll add that the current information on the DC embassy website now only lists a required proof of yellow fever. State department site, however, still lists cholera. So, great to hear first-hand experience saying this isn't really needed.