{"id":123995,"date":"2026-07-01T14:20:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/?page_id=123995"},"modified":"2026-07-01T15:33:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:33:42","slug":"yellow-fever","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/travellers-guide\/yellow-fever","title":{"rendered":"Yellow Fever"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Yellow<\/span>
\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n Home<\/span>\r\n <\/a>\r\n \r\n \/ <\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n \r\n \r\n Travellers Guide<\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n \r\n <\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Yellow Fever Requirements for South African Passport Holders<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n<\/app-search>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are a South African travelling to or from countries that require a yellow fever certificate<\/strong> (also known as the \u201cyellow card\u201d), you must ensure that you get a vaccination against yellow fever before leaving on your trip<\/strong>. All individuals above the age of 1 year are required by international health regulations to get vaccinated before any journey that entails travel to or through the so-called \u201cyellow fever belt\u201d of Africa or Central and South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Yellow Fever and What are the Risks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito and is so named because when the virus attacks the liver, the colour of the skin and eyes turns yellow (jaundice). Symptoms take 3-6 days to develop and include fever, chills, severe headache, backache, general body aches, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk of travellers getting yellow fever differs due to various factors, including the season, the destination, the type of activities undertaken, and the length of stay. The risk is low for most travellers, especially if you are going to mainly well-developed urban areas. Those staying for a longer time, participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fieldwork or cycling, and those visiting rural or jungle areas are more at risk for yellow fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yellow fever is endemic (always present) in many of the tropical areas of Africa and South America, which means that any areas populated with the mosquito could harbour the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Countries Require Yellow Fever Certificates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You will not be able to get a visa or permit to travel to the following countries unless you have been vaccinated at least 10 days prior to your departure date<\/strong> and can show a yellow fever certificate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n