Somalia Imposes Mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination for Travellers

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Somalia government has imposed mandatory vaccinations for travellers into and out of the country against polio, Yellow Fever and Meningitis.

Accordoing to a directive from the Ministry of Health, people travelling into Somalia must produce a certifcicate of immunisationa against the three conditions before being cleared for entry. The directive takes effect from February 1, 2025.

“All travellers, regardless of nationality or age, must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate upon arrival or departure,” the directive read in part.

It further advised travellers to acquire the vaccination at least ten day before travel ‘to ensure immunity.’

The Ministry said that those who fail to produce the Yellow Fever certificate will be ‘subject to screening, quarantine or denial of entry based on public health protocols.

According to the U.S Centres for Disease Control (CDC), Yellow fever vaccines are valid for a person’s lifetime, even if ICVP cards have an expiration date. The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also referred to as the “yellow card,” is the official, internationally recognized document that travelers use to document proof of vaccination for diseases.