Going to African Country, Need a "Yellow Card"?
Apr 29, 2009, 3:21 am
#3
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
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Posts: 13,611
The Scottish NHS have a great site on travel immunisation recommendations and requirements, if that helps.
Apr 29, 2009, 3:38 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: A number, but no status no more
Posts: 3,049
Hi,
In my experience, having been to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa, some countries can require the following:
- Yellow fever vacation
- An international vaccination booklet (issued where you get vaccinated, not by WHO), certifying that you have had a yellow fever shot.
IIRC, Zambia actually asked to see my vaccination booklet, the others did not. The booklet does not need to carry any other information.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
In my experience, having been to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa, some countries can require the following:
- Yellow fever vacation
- An international vaccination booklet (issued where you get vaccinated, not by WHO), certifying that you have had a yellow fever shot.
IIRC, Zambia actually asked to see my vaccination booklet, the others did not. The booklet does not need to carry any other information.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
Apr 29, 2009, 4:33 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,653
The only African countries that have required to see my yellow fever innoculation papers upon arrival have been Angola, South Africa and Egypt - although in the latter two cases this is due to the fact that I was arriving from a yellow fever zone.
Outside of Africa, the only place that religiously checks my vaccinations is India. If the immigration officers see evidence of recent travel to a yellow fever zone, they will ask to see your paperwork.
Outside of Africa, the only place that religiously checks my vaccinations is India. If the immigration officers see evidence of recent travel to a yellow fever zone, they will ask to see your paperwork.
Apr 29, 2009, 6:16 am
#7
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: BA blue, LH Senator, KQ (FB) gold
Posts: 8,215
I would also check whether you need a Yellow Fever vaccination regardless of the card. It is one of the world's most dangerous diseases. It is endemic throughout central Africa, basically any of the countries south of those that border the Mediterranean and north of Namibia.
There is a reason why it is the one disease that many countries require proof of vaccination if you are traveling from an endemic country.
There is a reason why it is the one disease that many countries require proof of vaccination if you are traveling from an endemic country.
Apr 29, 2009, 6:30 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
I have been asked for a yellow fever certificate on entering Mozambique. I have not been asked on entering South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Morroco, Algeria or Egypt.
YMMV
YMMV
Apr 29, 2009, 6:43 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: united, american, alaska
Posts: 1,782
Best thing to do is check with the embassy of the country or countries you are going to about entry requirements. While it is true that many which require it may not actually check on entry, you don't want to take the chance.
I've had mine checked in Malawi, Ghana, and Togo. It's usually checked entering Zambia from Malawi, but the health officer was out sick the day I crossed that border.
I've had mine checked in Malawi, Ghana, and Togo. It's usually checked entering Zambia from Malawi, but the health officer was out sick the day I crossed that border.
Apr 29, 2009, 9:24 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,653
Apr 29, 2009, 9:26 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
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Here's a question: how does one go about getting a yellow card? Buy one online somewhere and have a doctor fill it out? Or just ask my primary-care physician?
Apr 29, 2009, 10:19 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, Marriot Lifetime Gold
Posts: 9,534
Generally your primary care physician won't have access to the Yellow Fever vaccine. I got my vaccine at the state travel clinic (I'm in CA) and they provided the card when I got vaccinated. Google "yellow fever vaccine" and your locality to find out where you can get it
Apr 29, 2009, 12:03 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: united, american, alaska
Posts: 1,782
Apr 29, 2009, 12:06 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: united, american, alaska
Posts: 1,782
The certificate is good for 10 years. You need the vacination at least 10 days before entering the country which requires it.
