Question 1

Do I need a yellow fever certificate?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your destination and where you're travelling from. Some countries require a yellow fever certificate (ICVP) from all arriving travellers, others only require one if you're arriving from — or have transited — a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, and many don't require one at all. Use the checker above to see the rule for your trip, then confirm it on an official source.

Question 2

What is the difference between a certificate being 'required' and the vaccine being 'recommended'?

Accepted Answer

They're two separate things. A certificate is a legal entry condition set by a country to stop yellow fever being carried across borders — it doesn't always reflect your personal health risk. A recommendation means there is actual risk of yellow fever where you're going, so the vaccine protects your health. A country can require a certificate without you being at risk, and can pose a risk without requiring a certificate.

Question 3

When does a yellow fever certificate become valid, and how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

An International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Since 11 July 2016 it is valid for the life of the person vaccinated — boosters or revaccination cannot be required for entry, and a certificate cannot be rejected for being more than 10 years old.

Question 4

Is there a minimum age for the yellow fever certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certificate requirements generally apply to travellers aged 9 months or 1 year and older, depending on the country. Infants below the relevant age are usually exempt, but you should carry their documentation and confirm at check-in.

Question 5

What if I can't have the yellow fever vaccine for medical reasons?

Accepted Answer

If vaccination is medically unsuitable for you — for example certain immune conditions, or infants under 6 months — a clinician can issue a Medical Letter of Exemption (MLoE), which receiving countries should take into account. Speak to us before you travel so this can be arranged.

Question 6

Does transiting through an airport count?

Accepted Answer

It can. For many countries that require a certificate from travellers arriving from a risk country, a layover counts too — some count any airport transit, others only transits over 4, 12 or 24 hours. The checker flags this for your destination, but always confirm the specifics before travelling.

Question 7

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for India?

Accepted Answer

Only if you arrive from — or transit through — a country with a risk of yellow fever, in which case India requires a certificate for travellers aged 9 months or older. Importantly, India counts ANY airport transit through a risk country, however brief — so even a short layover in a country like Nigeria, Kenya or Brazil triggers the requirement. Travelling direct from the UK, you don't need one.

Question 8

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa require a certificate from travellers aged 1 year and older who arrive from a yellow-fever risk country. Kenya itself has a risk of transmission in parts of the country, so the vaccine may also be recommended for your health. Use the checker above with your full route to get a precise answer.

Question 9

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Brazil or Argentina?

Accepted Answer

Brazil and Argentina do not require a certificate for entry, but both have a risk of yellow fever transmission in certain areas — so the vaccine is often recommended for your own protection depending on where you're going. The certificate requirement and the health recommendation are separate; the checker shows both.

Question 10

From what age can you have the yellow fever vaccine?

Accepted Answer

The yellow fever vaccine can be given from 9 months of age, and we vaccinate from 9 months at our registered Yellow Fever centre in Timperley, Manchester. The certificate requirement for most countries also starts at 9 months. For infants aged 6–9 months travelling to a high-risk area, vaccination is only considered on specialist advice — speak to us and we'll assess your child's trip.

Question 11

Where can I get a yellow fever vaccine and certificate near Manchester?

Accepted Answer

Altrincham Travel Clinic is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre in Timperley, between Altrincham and Manchester. We administer the vaccine — from 9 months of age — and issue the official ICVP certificate, with evening and weekend appointments available.

Yellow Fever Certificate Checker

Required vs recommended — the key distinction

Yellow fever certificate rules for popular destinations

Yellow fever certificates — your questions answered

Need the vaccine and certificate?