Legal entry requirement
A country may require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination as an immigration-health condition. That legal rule is different from a medical recommendation for personal protection.
Africa travel health
Africa Vaccination Requirements: Yellow Fever, Travel Vaccines and Malaria Prevention
Plan health documents for all 54 African destinations. Compare Yellow Fever certificate rules, understand transit triggers, prepare your Yellow Card, and discuss itinerary-specific vaccines and malaria prevention with a qualified clinician.
Important correction: Africa does not split neatly into only “all arrivals” and “risk-country arrivals.” Some countries report no general Yellow Fever certificate requirement, and transit thresholds vary. This guide preserves those distinctions.
Certificate timing
A first certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Under the International Health Regulations, its validity extends for the life of the vaccinated person.
Itinerary matters
Origin country, airport transit, transit duration, age and travel route can change whether proof is required. Check every destination and connection.
54-country directory
Yellow Fever certificate rules by African destination
This table summarizes the WHO International Travel and Health country list revised on 3 January 2023. Because national rules can change, verify the current requirement with the destination authority, embassy and airline before travel.
| Country | Rule category | Practical meaning | Minimum age in source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Angola | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Benin | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Botswana | Manual verification required | Manual verification required with the destination authority before travel. | 1 year or over arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Burkina Faso | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Burundi | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Cabo Verde | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Cameroon | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 1 year or over |
| Central African Republic | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Chad | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Comoros | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Republic of the Congo | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Côte d'Ivoire | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Djibouti | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Egypt | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Equatorial Guinea | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Eritrea | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Eswatini | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Ethiopia | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Gabon | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| The Gambia | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Ghana | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Guinea | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Guinea-Bissau | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 1 year or over |
| Kenya | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Lesotho | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Liberia | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Libya | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Madagascar | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Malawi | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Mali | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Mauritania | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Mauritius | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Morocco | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Mozambique | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Namibia | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Niger | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Nigeria | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Rwanda | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Senegal | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Seychelles | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Sierra Leone | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | Not stated |
| Somalia | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| South Africa | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| South Sudan | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Sudan | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Tanzania | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Togo | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 9 months or over |
| Tunisia | No general certificate rule listed | No general yellow-fever certificate requirement was reported in the WHO country list used for this guide. | Not stated |
| Uganda | All-arrivals certificate rule | Certificate required for all travellers above the stated minimum age in the source country rule. | 1 year or over |
| Zambia | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Zimbabwe | Risk-country / transit rule | Certificate required when arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Transit through a risk country may also trigger the rule; the threshold varies by destination. | 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission |
Yellow Card
How the International Certificate works
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is the official paper record commonly called the Yellow Card. It should be completed by an authorized vaccination centre. Carry the original when the destination requires proof; a phone image is useful as a backup but may not replace the original.
Before departure
- Receive the vaccine at least 10 days before the first journey for which proof is required.
- Check that your name and passport details match your travel document.
- Review every transit airport, not only the final destination.
- Ask the destination embassy about medical-waiver acceptance if vaccination is contraindicated.
Travel vaccines
Vaccines commonly discussed before African travel
Routine vaccination review
Review age-appropriate routine vaccines, including measles-containing vaccines, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, polio, influenza and other nationally recommended doses.
Food and water exposure
Hepatitis A and typhoid are often discussed for destinations where food and water exposure is possible. The need depends on itinerary, accommodation and traveler health.
Long stays and special activities
Hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal disease, cholera and other vaccines may be considered for specific routes, seasons, occupations or activities.
Malaria
Malaria prevention is itinerary-specific
Malaria risk varies greatly within Africa and within individual countries. Adult international travelers generally rely on mosquito-bite prevention and, where indicated, prescription chemoprophylaxis selected for the exact destination and medical profile.
Do not select medication from a generic continent-wide list. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine and other options differ in contraindications, timing and geographic suitability. A clinician should make the choice.
FAQ
Africa vaccination and Yellow Fever questions
Is Yellow Fever the only routine vaccine certificate that African borders may require?
Under the International Health Regulations, yellow-fever vaccination is the disease-specific certificate most commonly used as a condition of entry. Temporary requirements for other diseases can be introduced during public-health emergencies, so travelers must still check current official notices.
When does the Yellow Card become valid?
A first yellow-fever vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Under the International Health Regulations, the certificate remains valid for the lifetime of the vaccinated person.
Does every African country require a Yellow Fever certificate?
No. Some countries require it from all travelers above a minimum age, some require it only after arrival from or transit through a yellow-fever-risk country, and some report no general certificate requirement. The itinerary matters.
Does a 12-hour airport transit always trigger the rule?
No. Many countries use a more-than-12-hour threshold, some apply a different threshold, and a few may count transit regardless of duration. Check the exact rule for every destination and connection.
Can a medical waiver replace vaccination?
Some authorities may consider an official medical waiver when vaccination is contraindicated, but acceptance is not guaranteed. Travelers should contact the destination embassy and airline before departure.
Are routine vaccines still important when no certificate is required?
Yes. Travelers should review routine vaccinations and destination-specific recommendations with a qualified travel-health professional.
Should every adult traveler take malaria medicine in Africa?
No single regimen applies to the entire continent. Malaria risk varies by country, altitude, season and itinerary. A clinician should choose prophylaxis based on the exact route and traveler health profile.
Is there a malaria vaccine for adult tourists?
WHO recommends malaria vaccines primarily for children living in endemic settings. Adult international travelers generally rely on itinerary-specific chemoprophylaxis and mosquito-bite prevention.
What should I carry at the border?
Carry the original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis when required, plus a digital copy. The original paper certificate is normally the decisive document.
How soon before travel should I seek medical advice?
Ideally several weeks before departure, especially when a first yellow-fever dose, multi-dose vaccine series, or malaria prescription may be needed.
Editorial and source information
Source-led travel-health guidance
Prepared by the AfricaTourVisa Travel Health Editorial Team. Last reviewed 5 August 2026. The country table is based on the WHO International Travel and Health country list revised 3 January 2023 and should be rechecked against current destination notices.
- WHO country requirements and recommendations
- WHO lifetime certificate validity
- CDC country-specific Yellow Fever and malaria information
- WHO malaria guidance for international travel
AfricaTourVisa is an independent travel and visa-support agency. It is not a medical provider, vaccination centre, embassy, immigration authority or government agency. This page does not replace medical advice.