Brady Collins
South Africa is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. Travellers to South Africa are generally advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and measles-mumps-rubella. There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, however, the country requires a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever for all travellers aged ≥1 year, travelling from or transiting through the airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. This requirement does not apply to travellers coming to South Africa directly from the UK or similar countries. Yellow fever is a virus spread by mosquitoes and is found in parts of Africa and South America. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever and headache to severe liver disease, bleeding, shock, organ failure, and sometimes death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is there a risk of yellow fever in South Africa? | No |
| Are there any compulsory vaccinations for South Africa? | No |
| Is there a need to prove yellow fever vaccination to enter South Africa? | Yes, for travellers from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever |
| Who are exempted from the yellow fever vaccination requirement? | Travellers coming directly from the UK and those presenting a medical waiver signed by a licensed healthcare provider |
| What is the recommended vaccination for South Africa? | All travellers to South Africa should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and measles-mumps-rubella |
| What is the risk of yellow fever in Africa? | Yellow fever is present in Africa, with 13 countries in the WHO African Region reporting probable or confirmed cases as of February 2024 |
| How many people in Africa have been vaccinated against yellow fever? | Approximately 66 million people, including 4 million in catch-up campaigns in Sudan |
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What You'll Learn
South Africa's entry requirements for yellow fever vaccination
As of July 2024, the only compulsory vaccination requirement for entering South Africa is for yellow fever. However, this only applies to travellers aged 1 year and above who are arriving from or have transited through the airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. South Africa considers a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine, properly documented with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), to be valid for life.
Yellow fever is a virus transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is found in parts of Africa and South America. Symptoms of the disease include mild fever, chills, headache, and vomiting. In more severe cases, it can lead to liver disease, bleeding, shock, organ failure, and jaundice. According to the World Health Organization, several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, and Nigeria, have reported yellow fever cases in 2024.
To prevent yellow fever, travellers are advised to get vaccinated at least ten days before their arrival in South Africa. The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong protection for most people. It is recommended for anyone travelling to or living in areas where yellow fever is present. Travellers should also take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellents and netting.
It is important to note that the requirement for a yellow fever certificate may not apply to travellers coming directly to South Africa from countries without a risk of yellow fever, such as the UK. However, if you are visiting other countries or transiting through any affected countries, it is essential to check the specific entry requirements for South Africa well in advance of your trip.
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Yellow fever risk in South Africa
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day, is the primary vector for the virus. The Haemagogus mosquito, commonly found in Central and South America, has also caused several yellow fever epidemics in those regions. The yellow fever virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever and headache to severe liver disease, bleeding, shock, organ failure, and sometimes death. There is no medication to treat or cure yellow fever.
Yellow fever is prevalent in several African countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the World Health Organization, as of February 2024, 13 countries in the WHO African Region have documented probable and confirmed cases of yellow fever. However, there is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa.
While South Africa does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, it does have requirements for travellers arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. South Africa mandates that travellers aged one year and above, arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours through a yellow fever-risk country, present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) documenting yellow fever vaccination at least ten days before entering the country. Failure to meet this requirement can result in denied entry or quarantine for up to six days.
It is important to note that the risk of yellow fever may vary within a country, and travellers should consult official sources for the most current information. Additionally, travellers should be aware of other recommended or compulsory vaccinations and take necessary precautions to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
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Recommended vaccinations for South Africa
There are several recommended vaccinations for South Africa, some of which are routine and others that are specific to the region. Firstly, it is important to note that there is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. However, if you are travelling from or transiting through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you must have proof of yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before arrival in South Africa. This is a requirement for travellers aged one year and above. Failure to comply may result in denied entry or quarantine for up to six days.
Routine vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to South Africa, including the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines. It is advised to ensure that your primary courses and boosters are up to date, including the seasonal flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine (if eligible), and any vaccines required for occupational risk, lifestyle risks, or underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, there are some region-specific vaccinations to consider. For example, if you plan to visit Kruger National Park, located in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, you should be aware that this area is considered endemic for malaria. Malaria chemoprophylaxis and mosquito bite precautions are recommended, as mosquito bites are the primary means of malaria transmission. The risk of malaria is highest from September to May, and it is important to note that malaria in South Africa is chloroquine-resistant. Consult a travel health specialist to determine the best antimalarial option for your trip.
Furthermore, sporadic cases of typhoid have been reported in South Africa, and typhoid vaccination is recommended, especially for those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. In recent years, there have also been cholera outbreaks outside of metropolitan areas, so cholera vaccination is advised for travel to regions with active cholera transmission. Rift Valley Fever, transmitted by mosquitoes and contact with infected animals, is another consideration, although there is no specific vaccination available for humans. Finally, if you are a healthcare worker or at higher risk of exposure, the hepatitis B vaccine is strongly recommended for protection against this liver infection.
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Yellow fever vaccination for South African residents
Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquito species, which is found worldwide, is a common vector for the yellow fever virus. The Haemagogus mosquito, commonly found in Central and South America, has also caused several yellow fever epidemics in those regions.
Yellow fever is not a risk in South Africa. However, the country has specific requirements for travellers entering the country, which may include South African residents returning from travel abroad. South Africa requires a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for all travellers aged one year and above, who are travelling from or transiting through the airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement may not apply to travellers coming directly from the UK or other countries without a yellow fever risk.
For South African residents travelling to or residing in areas where yellow fever is present, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is recommended and provides lifelong protection for most people. The vaccine is generally recommended for travellers to areas where yellow fever is endemic. Vaccination is also advised for those at increased risk of exposure to the virus due to prolonged travel, heavy exposure to mosquitoes, or inability to avoid mosquito bites.
It is important for South African residents to be aware of the latest travel advisories and entry requirements when travelling to or returning to South Africa. Consulting a travel health professional or a healthcare provider before travelling is recommended to understand specific vaccination requirements and health risks.
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Yellow fever vaccination for South African citizens travelling abroad
Yellow fever is a virus transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquito, in particular, is responsible for most mosquito-borne infections, including yellow fever, dengue, and Zika virus. The Haemagogus mosquito, commonly found in Central and South America, has also caused several yellow fever epidemics in those regions.
Yellow fever occurs in different regions of South America and Africa. There is no risk for yellow fever in South Africa. However, South Africa requires travellers from or transiting through a country with a risk for yellow fever virus transmission to have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) documenting yellow fever vaccination at least ten days before arrival. This requirement does not apply to travellers coming to South Africa directly from the UK or countries with no risk for yellow fever.
Travellers to South Africa should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and measles-mumps-rubella. They should also take precautions against mosquito bites, as mosquito avoidance is the first line of defence against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
South African citizens travelling to countries with a risk of yellow fever are advised to get vaccinated at least ten days before their trip. The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and offers protection for at least ten years, if not lifelong, for most people. It is recommended for travellers to or residents of areas where yellow fever is endemic or where there is a potential for exposure to the virus. Travellers should consult the latest information on the CDC Travelers' Health website and the websites of relevant embassies for their destination country.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. However, South Africa requires a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for all travellers aged 1 year and above, arriving from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Yellow fever is a virus spread by mosquitoes. It is found in parts of Africa and South America. The risk of contracting yellow fever varies across Africa, with some countries reporting more cases than others. As of February 2024, 13 countries in the WHO African Region have documented probable and confirmed cases.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is available and recommended for travellers to, or residents of, areas where yellow fever is present. A single dose of the vaccine typically provides lifelong protection.
Most individuals who contract yellow fever will show no symptoms. Some may experience mild symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, or vomiting. In more severe cases, symptoms include very high fever, jaundice, bleeding, shock, and organ failure.
