FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Yellow Card in Nigeria

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.