Yellow Fever Certificate (ICVP)
The Yellow Fever Certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis — ICVP) is a yellow vaccination booklet proving you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever, required for entry to many African and some South American countries.
What It Means
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, endemic in parts of Africa and South America. Many countries in these regions require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination as a mandatory entry requirement — not just a recommendation. The proof comes in the form of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly called a 'Yellow Book' due to its yellow cover. The certificate is issued only after vaccination at an authorized Yellow Fever vaccination center. The vaccine takes 10 days to become effective, so vaccination must happen at least 10 days before travel. The vaccine provides lifelong protection after a single dose (previously it required boosters every 10 years).
What This Means for Indian Travelers
For Indian travelers heading to Africa — Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and others — the Yellow Fever certificate is a mandatory entry requirement, not optional. Airlines can deny boarding without it. Immigration can deny entry without it. The certificate is issued by authorized government hospitals and clinics in India. In major cities, government hospitals like AIIMS (Delhi), KEM (Mumbai), and Safdarjung Hospital are authorized centers. The vaccine costs approximately ₹300-500 at government centers. You must carry the original yellow booklet (photocopies not accepted) at all times when traveling in Africa.
Examples
- 1Kenya — Yellow Fever certificate mandatory for ALL visitors
- 2Rwanda — Yellow Fever certificate mandatory for entry
- 3Tanzania — Required if arriving from or through a Yellow Fever endemic country
- 4Uganda — Mandatory for all international arrivals
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get the Yellow Fever vaccine in India?
At authorized Yellow Fever vaccination centers — government hospitals like AIIMS Delhi, KEM Mumbai, Safdarjung Hospital, and many state government hospitals. Look for WHO-authorized centers. Cost: ₹300-500 typically. Private travel clinics also offer it at higher cost.
How long before travel should I get the Yellow Fever vaccine?
At least 10 days before departure. The vaccine takes 10 days to become effective, and your certificate is only valid after those 10 days. Do NOT leave it to the last minute.
How long is the Yellow Fever certificate valid?
A single Yellow Fever vaccination now provides LIFELONG immunity (changed from the previous 10-year rule in 2016). Your certificate is valid for life after a single properly administered dose.
Pro Tips
- Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before Africa travel — 10 days for effectiveness + buffer
- Only carry the ORIGINAL yellow booklet — photocopies and digital copies are NOT accepted
- Keep your ICVP booklet SEPARATE from your passport in case of loss
- Some countries require YF vaccination even for transit through African airports
- Government hospitals are cheapest — private travel clinics are more convenient but expensive
- The lifelong protection means your certificate is valid forever — no need for boosters
Related Terms
eVisa (Electronic Visa)
An eVisa is a digital visa that you apply for and receive entirely online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Transit Visa
A transit visa allows you to pass through a country's airport or territory on your way to another destination, without entering that country for tourism.
Travel Insurance (Visa Travel Insurance)
Travel insurance is a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other risks while traveling abroad. It's mandatory for many visa applications.
Biometrics (Visa Biometrics)
Biometrics in the visa process means providing your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application center, used for identity verification.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.