South Korea will require yellow fever vaccination certificates from travelers arriving from 12 African nations beginning July 22. The countries include Nigeria Ghana Kenya and Ethiopia among others. The rule covers all entry points including Incheon Airport and Busan port.
Certificates must be issued at least 10 days before arrival and remain valid for life under WHO standards. Travelers without valid proof face on-the-spot vaccination or quarantine for six days. Transit passengers staying less than 12 hours are still subject to the requirement.
South Korea recorded its first imported yellow fever case in 2025 from a traveler returning from Angola. The Korea Disease Control Agency updated its risk list in June after new outbreaks in West Africa. Similar rules already exist for Brazil and several South American countries.
What this means for you
Obtain the yellow fever vaccine at an approved clinic at least 10 days before departure and keep the certificate with your passport. Check your itinerary for any stop in the listed countries even for short layovers. Carry a digital copy of the certificate on your phone as backup.
Parents traveling with infants under nine months should consult a doctor as the vaccine is not recommended for that age group. Avoid last-minute bookings from affected regions until documentation is complete.
The requirement will be reviewed again in January 2027 based on outbreak data.