About Yellow Fever
Yellow fever entry requirements and health regulations are determined by local governments and can change at short notice, sometimes without prior warning. This information is correct as of February 2026.
Yellow Fever & Vaccination Requirements
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness present in parts of Africa and South America. If you are travelling to or from a country where yellow fever transmission occurs, vaccination is strongly recommended.
The vaccine must be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination clinic at least 10 days prior to travel. You will be issued an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVC) at the time of vaccination, which may be required for entry into certain countries.
Many countries require proof of vaccination if you are arriving from, or have recently spent time in, a yellow fever risk country — even if only in transit.
Ecuador – Recent Policy Update
From 28 August 2025, Ecuador removed the mandatory requirement to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Vaccination is now highly recommended but no longer compulsory for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, or Bolivia.
Please note that airlines may still request proof of vaccination depending on routing and transit history.
Other South American Countries
Some South American countries may still require proof of vaccination, particularly if arriving from a high-risk country or travelling to specific tropical or Amazonian regions. These may include:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Bolivia
- Paraguay
- Venezuela
Entry requirements can vary depending on your travel history and may change in response to local outbreaks so we strongly advise to check these before travel and consult with your own GP or travel health professional.
Returning to Australia
If you are returning to Australia within 6 days of leaving a yellow fever risk country and are over 12 months of age, you may be asked to present your International Vaccination Certificate. If you do not have one, you can still enter Australia but may be subject to health screening.
Important Reminder
Yellow fever entry requirements and health regulations are determined by local governments and can change at short notice, sometimes without prior warning. Requirements may also vary depending on:
- Your nationality
- Countries visited or transited through
- Length of stay in affected regions
- Individual health considerations
- Your age
For this reason, we strongly recommend:
- Checking official government or embassy websites for each country on your itinerary closer to departure
- Consulting your GP or a travel health professional to discuss vaccination suitability based on your personal medical history, age, and individual circumstances
- Review government web resources such as the below:
Only a qualified medical professional can provide advice tailored specifically to you.