NICARAGUA – New Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Effective 17 January 2017, the Nicaraguan government has introduced a new requirement for travelers entering Nicaragua from certain countries to submit a yellow fever vaccination at the port of entry. This requirement is in response to a recent yellow fever outbreak in Brazil.
UPDATE: Since 6 February 2017, visitors to Panama from Brazil are also required to present proof of vaccination.
Who is Affected?
This regulation applies to anyone entering Nicaragua from countries designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as places with the potential for active transmission of yellow fever will be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever, showing a vaccine given at least ten days prior. This includes those who have transited through one of the countries for more than 12 hours.
Those countries currently include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and all countries located on the African continent except the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Somalia.
Travelers with prior travel to countries with the potential for active transmission of yellow fever will not be required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccine if the prior travel to the affected country occurred more than six days prior and the traveller does not show symptoms of yellow fever. Symptoms of yellow fever include sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.
Action Items
- Those intending to travel to Nicaragua from the designated countries who have not already been vaccinated against yellow fever should ensure they are vaccinated at least ten days before travelling.
