If you’re planning a journey to Australia and have recently visited certain regions of Africa, the Caribbean, Central or South America, there’s something crucial you should know. Yellow fever, a potentially deadly virus transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a risk in these areas. Here’s a concise breakdown of how Australia handles travellers from these high-risk regions:
Vaccination Matters: Before you jet off, make getting vaccinated against yellow fever a top priority. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a requirement for entering Australia if you’ve spent time in a risk country within the last six days.
Declaration and Certification: Upon arrival Down Under, you must declare if you’ve stayed overnight or longer in one of these risk countries. You must also present your International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. This certificate proves your vaccination and is your golden ticket to hassle-free entry.
No Certificate, No Problem (Initially): If, for some reason, you don’t have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, don’t fret. Australian authorities won’t turn you away at the gate. Instead, they’ll give you a Yellow Fever Action Card with instructions on what to do if you experience any yellow fever symptoms while in Australia.
The List of Yellow Fever Risk Countries: Australia’s list of yellow fever risk countries aligns with the World Health Organization’s roster of endemic countries. Recent international surveillance data also influences it. These risk countries span Africa and South and Central America, where the virus is active. Here’s the list:
Africa:
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- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Congo, Democratic Republic of
- Congo, Republic of
- Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Togo
- Uganda
South America & Central America:
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- Argentina – Misiones and Corrientes Provinces
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Venezuela
Check Requirements Before Travel: Before you pack your bags, take a moment to research the yellow fever entry requirements for every country on your itinerary, including transit stops. These requirements vary widely depending on each country’s risk exposure. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides valuable resources for travellers, including contact details for foreign missions and detailed travel information on their Smartraveller website.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: Keep in mind that travelling through a yellow fever-risk country without a valid vaccination certificate could result in being denied entry to many countries or being required to get vaccinated upon arrival.
Preparing for a trip to Australia from a yellow fever-risk country involves vaccination, documentation, and awareness. Staying informed and following these guidelines ensures a smooth and safe journey. Speak to your GP about the requirements.
