The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its yellow fever guidance on 2 June, requiring vaccination certificates for all travellers entering Brazil and Peru from endemic areas starting 15 June. The change removes previous exemptions for short stays in major cities. The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis remains valid for the travellerโs lifetime after a single dose.
Approved vaccines include YF-VAX and Stamaril. Travellers must receive the dose at least 10 days before arrival to satisfy entry requirements. Medical exemptions require a signed letter from a licensed physician on official letterhead.
Brazil reported 42 yellow fever cases and 12 deaths in 2025, concentrated in the states of Minas Gerais and Sรฃo Paulo. Peru recorded 17 cases during the same period, primarily in the Amazon basin. The updated policy aligns US rules with existing requirements from the World Health Organization.
Airlines flying to Brazil and Peru have begun notifying passengers of the requirement during booking. Non-compliant travellers may be denied boarding or entry upon arrival.
What this means for you
Check your vaccination history and obtain the dose at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre if your last shot was more than 10 years ago or if you have never been vaccinated. Carry the original stamped certificate rather than a photocopy.
Travellers with contraindications should consult a travel clinic for an exemption letter at least four weeks before departure. Confirm with your airline that the exemption will be accepted before purchasing tickets.
The lifetime validity of the certificate means most travellers will only need to complete this step once, simplifying future trips to South America and Africa.