Last year, the Nigerian government introduced yet another procedure for obtaining a Yellow Card in Nigeria. I wrote a fairly extensive post about that in this article and I have received several questions about the whole process since then. Whenever I have an article that generates lots of questions, I love to compile them in a single post, so without further ado, here are the frequently asked questions (with answers) about getting the new e Yellow Card in Nigeria.
Trying to get a Yellow Fever Card Certificate in Nigeria? Here's everything you need to know and all your questions answered! Share on Twitter!
What is the Yellow Card For?
The Yellow Card or Yellow Fever Certificate is given to show proof that you have been vaccinated against the Yellow Fever disease. This disease is typically found in tropical countries, including Nigeria and is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no treatment or cure for the disease at this time. However, you can prevent infection by getting vaccinated and avoiding mosquito bites.
How Do I Get a Nigerian Yellow Card? | How Do I Apply for a Yellow Card in Nigeria?
The first step to applying for the new e-yellow card in Nigeria is registering online at the Yellow Card Nigeria portal. The steps below detail the process of getting the new yellow card online;
Log on to the Yellow Card Nigeria portal at https://yellowcardnigeria.com/
Click on the ‘Register’ and fill in your personal information
Click “Pay Now” and generate a receipt afterwards
Make a payment of ₦2,000 (+ any extra charges) online (or go to the bank with the RRR code provided)
Print the payment confirmation and take it to your nearest Port Health Services Office, along with a copy of your passport biodata page to get the vaccination administered.
How Much is it to Get a Yellow Card in Nigeria?
It costs ₦2,000 to get a Yellow Card in Nigeria. I’ve read recently that there might also be charges up to ₦640. When I registered for my card, I didn’t have to pay any extra charges but you should be aware of this. Also, you are not required to make any other payment at the facility.
Where are the Yellow Card Centres in Lagos?
You can get the Yellow Fever vaccine and card at all international borders or Port Health offices in Nigeria. In Lagos, the Port Health office is located at Airport Rd, right by the toll gate on your way to the International Airport. Look out for a yellow coloured building to your left (before the toll) if you’re coming from Ikeja.
Apart from the Port Health office at Ikeja, you can get the vaccine and Yellow Card at Tincan Island Sea Port, Apapa Sea Port, Idiroko border, Seme border and all Federal Secretariats. If you are planning to travel via the land borders (especially those in Lagos), I would advise that you get your card before your trip, rather than getting it at the border. The land borders in Lagos are notorious for extortion, best not to give them a reason to extort you further.
Do I Need a Yellow Card to Travel to Nigeria?
Yes, it is compulsory to have a valid Yellow Card or Yellow Fever certificate when visiting Nigeria. There is a risk of being denied boarding your flight or entry into the country if you do not have it. Typically, some countries that have this as a requirement offer to vaccinate travellers before they are granted entry, but at the time of this writing, I am not very sure about the policies in Nigeria.
Which Countries Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination?
Basically, all countries that are at risk of transmission of yellow fever require proof of vaccination. Most countries in Africa and South America will require proof of vaccination. You can see a full list of countries and their requirements here. Personally, my Yellow Card goes hand-in-hand with my Nigerian passport, so I don’t worry too much about which countries have this as a requirement and which don’t.
Do I Need a Yellow Card to Travel to the USA? | Do I Need a Yellow Card to Travel to the UK?
At the time of this writing, you do not need a Yellow Card to travel to the USA or the UK. These countries are not at risk of Yellow Fever disease transmission.
I am Pregnant, Am I Exempt from Getting the Yellow Card? | Who is Exempted from Taking the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are exempted from taking the vaccine. However, you may still have to obtain a Yellow Card. In this case, an exemption stamp is placed on the card. In addition, children under 9 months of age and adults over 60 years are also exempted from taking the vaccine. See NCDC’s FAQ for more information.
I just got my Yellow Card, Can I Travel with it Immediately?
You should allow 10 days from the day of your vaccination to your travel date. Some stern immigration officials will try to enforce this, so save yourself the trouble by getting the card at least 10 days before your trip.
My Old Card and Vaccination are Still Valid. Do I Need to Renew It?
Yes, you do, however, you do not need to take the vaccine again. Simply go through the registration process, pay to get a new card and go to the Port Health Office with your old one. You will be given a new card without having to get vaccinated again.
How Long Does It Take to be Scheduled for an Appointment After Making the Payment?
There are no fixed appointment dates after completing your registration. Simply go to the Port Health Office when you’re available to do so (and go early too).
Does the Port Health Office Operate on Weekends?
Yes, the office opens daily but operates at different times during the weekends. I believe the office closes at 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain a New Card?
Depending on the number of people present, once you get vaccinated, you may be asked to pick up your card the following day. If you’re lucky to visit on a day with a lesser crowd or perhaps you have some good negotiating skills, you can get it on the same day.
I hope this article answers all the questions you might have about getting a Yellow Fever card in Nigeria. If you have any more questions, please leave them down in the comment section below and I and the community here will be happy to answer.
Please i can’t access the yellow card official website, i am in lagos… How do i go about it?
Hello Osato, you’re right and it seems the site has been down for a long time. You have an option to wait and keep checking to register when it comes back online or visit the port health office with a copy of your passport bio data page. Unfortunately, in the latter case, I’ve heard that things can get more expensive than normal.
What is the validity of the yellow card
If it’s the new card, it’s supposed to be valid for life
I recently tried to show proof of my vaccination for a job, using the bar code on the card and It did’nt work. Turns out the nigerian yellowfever website is currently inaccessible. Now i have to take the vaccine again in a whole different country. Nigeria can be really tiring.
That just sucks! My bar code has never worked, so I just assumed it was the same for everyone. I might just get a new card in Kenya to avoid future issues.
Good evening ma/sir please I took the vaccine in Enugu barracks hospital but what they gave to me was green card so can they convert it for me.
I believe you can visit the nearest port health office to confirm and get the Yellow Card. They probably receive several requests like this.
I went to the yellow card office at the airport to do mine since August. This is November its still not reflecting online. I have tried to see if there is a way to reach them either via mail or social media account, I can’t see. Is there any way you can help with that please?
I’ve had mine since 2020 or so and it doesn’t have any details online. I haven’t had any issues travelling with it so far. I wouldn’t worry about that at all.
Please can international passport renewal affect the validity of the yellow card. Does someone that renewed his passport need to get a new yellow card certificate?
No, it doesn’t affect your card’s validity. I recommend travelling with both passports to avoid issues, although I doubt that you’ll have any.