“Confused about Yellow Fever vaccine requirements for Medellin, Colombia? This comprehensive guide explains exactly who needs the Yellow Fever Vaccine in Medellin, especially for travelers coming from countries like Panama and Brazil or visiting high-risk regions like the Amazon. Find out Colombia’s official policy, exemptions, and where to get vaccinated—including free and paid options in Medellín and Bogotá. Stay protected and informed before your trip.”
The Colombian Ministry of Health has put out a warning about Colombians needing to get the Yellow Fever vaccine, because of a few cases found in Tolima, and other high risk areas around Colombia most in the south near the Amazons for obvious reasons. However, there’s significant confusion among travelers about vaccination requirements, with many visitors from the US and Europe mistakenly believing they need the vaccine for any trip to Medellin. This article aims to clarify exactly who needs a yellow fever vaccination when traveling to Medellin, not just Colombia. If you plan on traveling to the high risk areas then we would recommend you get a yellow fever vaccine to protect yourself.
Colombia’s Official Yellow Fever Vaccine Policy
Important clarification: Most tourists traveling directly from the United States, Canada, Europe, and many other regions do NOT need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Medellin.
However, Colombia does require proof of yellow fever vaccination in these specific cases:
- Travelers arriving from specific high-risk countries (We listed the Countries Below).
- Transit passengers who have spent more than 12 hours in high-risk countries, even if they didn’t leave the airport
- Travelers entering very high-risk regions within Colombia (though this is a recommendation rather than a strictly enforced requirement)
The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival to ensure effective immunity. Proof comes in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card.”
High Risk Countries
- Africa (Anywhere)
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad only)
- Venezuela
Regional Requirements Within Colombia
While not mandatory for entry into most parts of Colombia, yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for travelers planning to visit:
- Areas below 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) in elevation
- The Amazon basin
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Tayrona National Park
- Various Amazon reserves
Travelers should note that high-risk departments within Colombia include Amazonas, Caquetá, Casanare, Cesar, Guainía, Guaviare, Guajira, Meta, Putumayo, Vaupés, and Vichada, where more than 80% of municipalities are on high alert for yellow fever.
Blue – Low Risk Which is Where Medellin, Bogota, etc.. are
Yellow – Medium Risk, Red is High-Risk.
Note: Medellín, situated at approximately 1,500 meters elevation, is not considered a high-risk area, and vaccination is not required for travel limited to this city.
Special Cases and Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from yellow fever vaccination requirements, even when traveling from high-risk countries. These exemptions include:
- Infants under 1 year of age
- Pregnant women
- Individuals over 60 years old
- Persons with severe allergies to egg proteins
- Those with compromised immune systems
- Individuals with specific medical conditions, such as diseases of the thymus
If you fall into one of these categories, you must obtain a medical certificate of exemption issued by a licensed physician. This document should be presented when required instead of proof of vaccination.
Vaccination Options for Travelers
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine now provides lifelong protection according to the World Health Organization, though some countries may still require a booster after ten years.
Options for vaccination include:
- In your home country: Travel health clinics typically offer yellow fever vaccination. Plan ahead, as the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before entering risk areas.
- In Colombia: Travelers can obtain the yellow fever vaccine in major cities including Medellín. Some clinics offer the vaccine for free to the first 40 individuals each day who present proof of travel to a yellow fever risk area (such as a plane or bus ticket). Arriving early is advisable, as lines often form before opening hours. Alternatively, the vaccine is available for purchase at approximately 67,000 Colombian pesos (around $20 USD).
- Bogota: If you’re traveling into Bogota International Airport they have vaccine stations set up there to give you the vaccine. They will most likely tell you to Quarantine for 10 days when entering Colombia from a high-risk country.
After vaccination, you’ll receive the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which serves as official documentation of your immunization status.
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow Fever is a serious viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes, mainly in parts of Africa and South America. After infection, most people; about 85%, experience mild symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, and recover fully. However, around 15% of cases progress to a severe, toxic phase that can cause liver damage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, and organ failure. Of those 15% with severe disease, up to 60% may die, even with medical care. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Yellow Fever, only supportive care. Because of its potentially deadly effects, prevention is key.
The most effective protection is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which uses a weakened form of the virus to safely trigger lifelong immunity. Many countries require proof of vaccination for travelers arriving from risk zones to help prevent outbreaks. Yellow Fever remains a public health concern where mosquito transmission is common.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Planning your trip:
- Check if your itinerary includes high-risk countries or regions within Colombia
- Allow sufficient time (at least 10 days) for the vaccine to become effective
- Consult with a travel health specialist well before your departure date
- Try avoiding layover flights in high risk Countries. A lot of flights transfer in Panama if you happen to get a 12 hour layover there then you’re going to need to get the vaccine.
Resources
- Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection: www.minsalud.gov.co
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health: www.cdc.gov/travel
- World Health Organization – International Travel and Health: www.who.int/travel-advice
- International Society of Travel Medicine: www.istm.org
- Yellow Fever Vaccine Locations: MeVacunoPor.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a Yellow Fever Vaccine to travel to Medellin
- No, the Yellow Fever Vaccine is not required for travelers visiting Medellín if you are coming directly from the U.S., Canada, Europe, or most other non-risk countries. Medellín is not considered a high-risk yellow fever zone.
- No, the Yellow Fever Vaccine is not required for travelers visiting Medellín if you are coming directly from the U.S., Canada, Europe, or most other non-risk countries. Medellín is not considered a high-risk yellow fever zone.
- Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine required if I have a layover in Panama or Brazil?
- Yes. If your layover in a high-risk country like Panama or Brazil is longer than 12 hours, Colombian authorities require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon entry—even if you never leave the airport
- Yes. If your layover in a high-risk country like Panama or Brazil is longer than 12 hours, Colombian authorities require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon entry—even if you never leave the airport
- Where can I get the Yellow Fever Vaccine in Medellin?
- You can get the Yellow Fever Vaccine in Medellin at public health clinics. Some offer it for free (especially with proof of travel to a high-risk area), while others charge around 67,000 COP (~$20 USD). Arrive early, as spots fill quickly.
- You can get the Yellow Fever Vaccine in Medellin at public health clinics. Some offer it for free (especially with proof of travel to a high-risk area), while others charge around 67,000 COP (~$20 USD). Arrive early, as spots fill quickly.
- What areas in Colombia actually require the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
- The vaccine is recommended—but not required—for travel to areas like the Amazon region, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and Tayrona National Park. Departments like Amazonas, Meta, and Guaviare are considered high-risk zones.
- The vaccine is recommended—but not required—for travel to areas like the Amazon region, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and Tayrona National Park. Departments like Amazonas, Meta, and Guaviare are considered high-risk zones.
- How long before my trip should I get vaccinated, and how long does the protection last?
- The yellow fever vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before entering risk areas to ensure effective immunity. According to the World Health Organization, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine now provides lifelong protection. However, some countries may still require a booster after ten years. The vaccination is documented in your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card,” which serves as official proof of your immunization status.
- The yellow fever vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before entering risk areas to ensure effective immunity. According to the World Health Organization, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine now provides lifelong protection. However, some countries may still require a booster after ten years. The vaccination is documented in your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card,” which serves as official proof of your immunization status.
Author Notes:
If you’re coming from the United States, Europe or any developed country then you shouldn’t worry about the Vaccine. Unless you plan on traveling to the high-risk areas of Colombia like the Amazons. I travel to Panama (my second home) periodically, so now I need to get the YF Vaccine, which is unfortunate. If you’re in Medellin and need help with getting Yellow Fever vaccine please feel free to reach out to me and I can guide you on where to go get a vaccine.
