Is yellow fever vaccination required for a Zambia visa?

No, yellow fever vaccination is not required for all travelers. However, it is mandatory for those arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. It is important to understand these rules to ensure smooth entry into Zambia. This article explains when the vaccine is needed, who is exempt, and how to prepare before your trip.

Yellow fever risk in Zambia

Zambia is not considered a yellow fever area. This suggests that the nation is a non-endemic country of yellow fever. You will not need the vaccine as long as you are coming in directly out of a country that is not at risk of yellow fever (like Europe, the United States or Canada).

This however changes where you are coming in or passing through a country where yellow fever exists.

When is the yellow fever vaccine required?

You should provide evidence of yellow fever vaccination in case you are travelling or passing through a yellow fever endemic country. Such countries are:

• Angola
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Uganda
• Kenya
• Ethiopia
• Brazil
• Colombia and many others in South America and Africa

Even after staying more than 12 hours in a Yellow Fever country, you might be requested to present proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon arrival in Zambia.

The vaccine was supposed to be taken 10 days before traveling. After receiving a single dose, the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) acts as confirmation and is lifelong.

Notes: Refer to the official WHO list of yellow fever endemic countries. This includes many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, such as Angola, DRC, Kenya, and Brazil.

Who does not need the vaccine?

You do not need yellow fever vaccination for Zambia if:

• You are traveling directly from a non-endemic country
• You did not transit through a yellow fever country
• You are under 9 months old (vaccine not recommended)
• You have a medical exemption with official documentation

In these cases, the Zambian immigration authorities will not ask for your yellow fever certificate.

What happens if you don’t have proof?

If you arrive from a yellow fever zone without valid proof of vaccination, you may:

• Be denied entry
• Be quarantined
• Be offered the vaccine in the airport (In rare cases, vaccination may be offered at entry points, but this service is not guaranteed and travelers may be denied entry without proof of vaccination)

The best way to prevent such issues is to ensure your route and get vaccinated prior to travel, in case it is necessary.

Where to get the vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine may be obtained at certified travel clinics or hospitals in your home country. Do not forget to request the yellow fever certificate. Carry it together with a passport.

Final advice for travelers

So, should I undergo yellow fever immunization upon getting a visa to Zambia? This is unless you are traveling or transit in a country that is endemic to yellow fever. Always ensure that before you fly to Zambia you have checked your whole route. This will avoid delays or health issues at the crossing.

A yellow fever certificate is a document that should be carried with you in case of need, as it will turn your journey into a successful and stress-free experience.

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