gomaddog31

Hi All:
Paranoid traveller here travelling to Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa in August. I've read conflicting things about yellow fever shots for South Africa and what countries are considered to be in the endemic zone. Before going to SA I will be spending a few days in Zambia. Can anyone tell me from their own experiences whether I will need to have a yellow fever certificate to enter SA? Is Zambia considered a yellow fever country? According to the CDC it's not, but I've read other things that say parts of it are. So confused! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

ShayTay

I've never had SA ask to see medical certificates for anything, including Yellow Fever. I've been on trips that returned to SA from Zambia and from Botswana, so you should have no problems.

ShayTay

matnikstym

no yellow fever shot required for Zambia.

mkhonzo

NO

safarilover

At the Johannesburg airport in February,I was asked for a certificate for yellow fever when entering SA from Tanzania.

sandi

If prior this August trip you have not previously (within 6-weeks, I believe) been in a malaria area, then you don't need proof of YF inoculation.

But as safarilover mentions, having before entering SA, been to Tanzania (or Kenya or many other countries), then proof of YF inoculation is required.

Patty

sandi,
I think you meant YF endemic zone, not malaria area

mkhonzo

correct, gomaddog asked about entering after Zambia and Botswana.

You will require the innoculation if you have been in any of WHO recognised countries wher YF is a problem

sandi

Patty -

For me at 6:30pm, I've been at work since 6:00am or earlier, so I can write anything (right or wrong). For you, 6:30pm is only half your day!

Thanks for catching that! Yes, if you've been in a YF endemic area.

gomaddog31

Thanks for all the info everyone.