Where it's required, why it matters, and where to get it in Australia.
Yellow Fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. It can cause fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), organ failure, and death. There is no specific treatment — prevention through vaccination is essential.
Some countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination as a legal condition of entry. This is enforced through the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly called a "Yellow Card." Countries that require it for all travellers include Ghana, Uganda, and Bolivia, among others.
Many more countries require the certificate only if you're arriving from (or transiting through) a country with Yellow Fever risk. This includes most of Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and parts of Africa. Even a transit stop in a Yellow Fever country can trigger the requirement.
Countries where Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all travellers include parts of Africa (Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and others) and South America (Bolivia, French Guiana). Countries that require it for arrivals from risk areas include Thailand, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, and many others.
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is a small yellow booklet issued when you receive the vaccination. A single dose provides lifetime protection — the certificate is valid for life (updated from the previous 10-year rule by WHO in 2016). Keep it with your passport when travelling.
Yellow Fever vaccine can only be administered at approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. Not all GPs or travel clinics can give it. Major providers include Travel Doctor TMVC, Travelvax, and Travel Vaccination Healthcare — check our clinic finder for approved centres in your state.
The vaccine costs approximately $90-$120 in Australia. You'll need to book in advance as some clinics require the vaccine to be specially ordered.
Find a Yellow Fever approved clinic →
The Yellow Fever vaccine is generally safe. Common side effects include mild fever, headache, and muscle pain. Serious reactions are rare. The vaccine is NOT recommended for infants under 9 months, people with severe egg allergy, people who are immunocompromised, or pregnant women. If you can't receive the vaccine, your doctor can issue a medical exemption letter — but some countries may not accept exemptions.
Last updated: April 2026