Another detail on Yellow Fever Issues

South Africa’s new yellow fever law extends to travelers flying to South Africa via yellow fever designated countries, even if they do not deplane. This could be a particular nuisance for travelers from the United States, whose flight itineraries often include refueling stops in Accra, Ghana or Dakar, Senegal; many passengers are often unaware of these refueling stops, because they are not required to change seats, and both legs of the itinerary have the same flight number. The new provision also includes rare instances when a plane makes an unscheduled landing in a yellow fever designated country, so it may be a good idea for travelers to go ahead and obtain a yellow fever vaccination prior to travel, if only to guard against any potential flight difficulties. In addition, all travelers must carry their original yellow fever vaccination cards; immigration inspectors generally do not accept letters, scans, copies, etc. as valid documents. Yellow fever vaccinations are no longer administered at South African ports of entry for the purpose of entering the country. The policy requires travelers to obtain a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa