Important Reminder: Stay Updated on Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements
Yellow fever is a serious infection for which an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) may be required for travelers as a condition of entry to certain countries.
This requirement is crucial for preventing the spread of yellow fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause severe illness and even death.
WHO and Country Requirements
Member states are asked to submit details of their yellow fever certificate requirements to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO publishes this information every two years, and you can find the details on our Country Information pages. However, it's important to note that updates can occur between these publications.
NaTHNaC Updates
The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) occasionally becomes aware of updates to country certificate requirements in between WHO publications. When this information is verified, it is added to our Country Information pages in the vaccine recommendations section. During yellow fever outbreaks, travelers and health professionals should be aware that countries may change their yellow fever certificate requirements at short notice.
Recent Changes in Costa Rica
Recently, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health announced changes to their yellow fever certificate requirements for travelers, effective from January 11, 2025. This update may not yet be reflected in the current WHO publication 'Vaccination requirements and recommendations for international travellers'. Therefore, travelers and health professionals should check for updates and alerts on our Latest News section and Country Information pages on the TravelHealthPro website.
Upcoming WHO Updates
The WHO is expected to release updates for all countries in the coming months. It is essential for travelers to stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance with entry requirements and to protect their health.
Resources
- Costa Rica Ministry of Health: Health reports update of geographic areas considered at risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Embassy of Costa Rica: Visas, Residences, and Permits (see section 6).
Stay vigilant and regularly check for updates to ensure your travel plans are not disrupted by unexpected changes in yellow fever certificate requirements. Safe travels!
