If you are traveling from several countries, but specifically Zambia, you require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter or even transit (regardless of length of transit) South Africa. The new requirement was issued on 30 May 2011. Fortunately I learned of this just one week before we are scheduled to travel.
The South African Department of Health has issued a statement that all returning travelers from South Africa to Zambia and travelers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required. All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.
South Africa Enforcing Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination
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Good heads up!
REMINDER, also
- Entry to South Africa from any of the sub-Sahara countries - Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, others - also required YF inoc and proof of same.
- Tanzania/Zanzibar/Pemba/Mafia, now requires ALL visitors to have YF inoc and proof of same for entry, even if arriving direct from Europe (US, Canada, Australia, etc).
- Kenya requires YF inoc and proof of same for entry from other sub-Saharan countries - Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, others.
--- As this is a live vaccine, there is a "waiver" allowed, for those travelers who may be allergic to eggs, due to age (over 60/years... see: www.cdc.gov/travel), or in contraindication with other meds one maybe taking... a letter to this effect on your doctor's letterhead is a "must."
A common route is JNB to Maun - travels in Botswana and then back to JNB through LVI. I wonder if the SA people show any flexibility for people in the midst of their travels when this enforcement was put in place. It would be most unwelcome to find out in LVI that you can't return to Jo'berg.
Anyone know how long a YF vaccination is good?
10 years.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/yellow-fever.aspx
Excellent info here significant risk especicially
in West Africa regulations are being enforced
more rigourously due to a new outbreak in Uganda.
For me international certificate of vaccination always wise.
There are contraindications most notably an allergy to eggs.
It is important to get the waiver for travel in that case.
mdtravelhealth.com Africa excellent health link for info.
Happy Travels,
<<10 years.>>
Thanks! Looks like I'm due!
Grcxx3
You are overdue
Percy - Just looked at my yellow card and you're right!
I have heard that the authorities at the airports have heard nothing about this and so you will probably get through if you're already travelling and haven't got the form. Best to enquire with the customs guys rather than the health dept folk.
I have heard that the authorities at the airports have heard nothing about this and so you will probably get through if you're already travelling and haven't got the form. Best to enquire with the customs guys rather than the health dept folk.
Ok folks I've found an official email from the South African Department of Health regarding yellow fever requirements http://www.mysafari.com/forum/clarification-yellow-fever-vaccination-requirements:-south-africa-269-view apparently the change in requirements is coming into effect end of June, although it is probably best to just get the jab anyway and be done with it for the next 10 years!
For anyone transiting home through Bangkok, last year all passengers arriving from Kenya had to show proof of YF before clearing immigration. No YF certificate...you got a shot right there. And it held up all of us over 45min as there was one person checking and injecting.