(eTN) – The Department of Health has informed South African Society of Travel Medicine (SASTM) of the following amendments in its Yellow Fever policy:
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) has reviewed its yellow fever vaccination requirements policy, which will be effective from October 1, 2011.
1. As of October 1, 2011, all travelers from Zambia will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination (unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate).
2. Travelers transiting airports in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, regardless of the amount of time spent at the airport.
South Africa will exercise the following measures to all travelers from yellow fever risk countries who are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry:
• refuse entry; or
• quarantine until their certificate becomes valid, or for a period of not more than six days; or
• those with an exemption certificate due to medical reasons will be allowed entry and required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities and be placed under surveillance.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- South Africa will exercise the following measures to all travelers from yellow fever risk countries who are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry.
- Travelers transiting airports in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, regardless of the amount of time spent at the airport.
- As of October 1, 2011, all travelers from Zambia will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination (unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate).
