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.
Hi Amarachi,
Thank you for this article and the website in general, it’s really saved me a lot of stress with my travel prep.
I wanted to find out, I have an expired International passport however, I have a valid ECOWAS passport.
Which do you think I should use to register for the Yellow Card since a passport number would be required to be written on the card?
I think you should confirm with the authorities but personally, I would use my international passport number (if it is allowed). When you renew your passport, you can always travel with both.
My current yellow card has my old passport number on it. These days, I don’t even bother to travel with the old one anymore.
Hi Amarachi,
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I got my vaccine in 2003. So I still need to get another one?
Hi Anne, yes, you might need to get another one. I believe the vaccines taken before 2013 or so, have a 10-year validity. So, going by that, yours might have expired. The new ones are permanent though.
Good evening, I made a mistake with my date of birth while registering for the e-yellow fever. Do I need to pay for another money to get it rectified before going for the vaccine?
Your prompt response will be appreciated. Thanks
Hello, it shouldn’t be a problem and you don’t need to pay again. Just go get the vaccine and your new card.
Hi Amarachi, I just registered, however during registration, I made a mistake with my name, correct surname, correct first name, I made a mistake using my surname as my middle name. I shared my correct passport number. Would I need to pay again or is there another way I can correct the information?
Hi Nanya, I don’t think you should worry too much about this. The names on the cards are handwritten at the centre, so you can just correct it there.
Hi Amarachi. I had my vaccine and the card in 2018. Is it still valid or I need to get the new one before traveling please?
Hi Kate, I believe the 2018 cards are not the new e-yellow cards. If that’s the case, while the vaccine is still valid, the card is not. You may need to get a new card. You just have to pay for it but not take the vaccine again and then travel with both cards if you get the new one in under 10 days before your trip.
Is there any different between yellow card and yellow fever card
No, they are often used interchangeably but refer to the same thing.
Hi amara, I did my yellow card with out international passport, hope there won’t be any problem
Hello Samuel, I don’t think so. But it might be better to write your passport number (if you have it now) on the card.
Thanks so much Amara. I will be going to get my vaccine and card today. I hope the process is pretty much same.
I hope so too! Good luck and if you can please let us know how it goes. xo
Hi, please do you have any idea where to get yellow card in Asaba Delta state??
Hello, sorry, I’m not sure. Check with any Federal Secretariat near you.
I renewed my passport, do I still need to renew my yellow card since I got it 2020?
No, you don’t. Simply travel with your old passport as well, in case anyone at the airport asks.
Great write up Amarachi and I found it insightful, keep up the good work.
Just a bit of clarification, you did answer it in your write up.
I have the old yellow card I legally obtained and paid for at the Federal Sectariate, is one still required to pay the #2000 in other to have your data transferred to the new card? Thank you.
Hi Joe, thanks for your comment. When I applied for mine, I needed to pay for the new card, but I did not need to take the vaccine again. I believe this is still the case.
Please when I paid, I wasn’t able to get a payment receipt, can I still go with the RRR I generated? Can my payment be traced with that?
Hi Olamide, I’m not sure if that would suffice. You need to show proof of payment (payment confirmation). Simply having the RRR is not enough. I believe you can regenerate this receipt from the website. Check out this support link to find out how to go about it.
Thanks for this important information. I would like to know if the Port Health office is only located in Lagos as I am based in Enugu and from the info shared I need to get the card and vaccine at least 10 days before my trip. Please do you know if the Health offices are located in Enugu as well. Thank you.
Hi Nkem, thanks for your comment. I’m sorry I don’t know the location of the Port Health office (if any) in Enugu. I imagine they should have one since they have an International Airport. You can try asking around at the Federal Secretariat too. I’m also hoping someone who is more knowledgeable would respond to your comment with more information.
Amarachi please I want to get my yellow card and they ask me to pay a sum of 8k I thought the price is 2k before
Hi Ndifreke, where are you applying from? The price is still very much 2,000. You should not pay anything above that.
I have paid for mine and it was just 2000 naira with some bank charges (#172) precisely.
Hello Cyril,
Where did you pay for yours?
Hello,
I got it done at Port Health Ikeja.
Thank you!
Hi Amara, it’s been three days since I got my yellow card and it won’t validate online. Do I need to go back to the office? I need it for a work trip and I don’t want to be embarrassed. It’s one alphabet and seven digits.
Hello, I think you should be okay. Mine is the same way. Scanning the QR code shows nothing and I’ve never had an issue travelling with it.