If you are planning international travel to a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may have heard about the "yellow card." Officially known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), this document is your proof of vaccination against yellow fever—and many countries require it for entry. The ICVP is often referred to as the "yellow card" because of its distinctive color. Without a properly validated certificate, you could be denied entry, quarantined, or required to be revaccinated upon arrival. This guide explains everything you need to know about how to get an international vaccination certificate, from finding an authorized clinic to understanding costs, validity, and what to do if you lose your card.
Key Rule: The ICVP is only issued by designated yellow fever vaccination centers—your regular doctor cannot provide this certificate unless they are specifically authorized. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so plan well ahead of your travel date. As of 2016, a single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection, even if your card shows an expiration date.
What Is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)?
The ICVP is the official, internationally recognized document used to record vaccinations required under the International Health Regulations (IHR). Currently, yellow fever is the only disease for which vaccination must be documented using this specific certificate. The certificate is designed to support infectious disease control worldwide and serves as a medical passport for proof of vaccination.
The ICVP must be completed by the healthcare provider who administers the vaccine. It requires the traveler's personal information (matching their passport), vaccination details, the provider's handwritten signature, and the official Uniform Stamp of the authorized vaccination center. A signature stamp is not acceptable—the clinician's handwritten signature is required.
Who Needs a Yellow Card and Why?
Not every traveler needs an ICVP. The requirement depends on your destination and your travel itinerary. Some countries require all arriving travelers to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Other countries require proof only from travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever virus exposure—even if that was just a brief layover. For travelers visiting multiple countries, the order of travel can be important.
Before you travel, check the CDC's destination pages to learn if vaccination is required for entry. Even if a country does not require the certificate for entry, the vaccine may still be recommended for your personal protection based on your itinerary and activities.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your International Vaccination Certificate
Obtaining your yellow card is a straightforward process, but it requires planning and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure you receive a valid, properly completed ICVP.
- Find an authorized yellow fever vaccination center. Only designated centers can administer the vaccine and issue the ICVP. In the U.S., you can search the CDC's Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic Registry by state or zip code. This registry is maintained by the CDC and state health departments and is the only authoritative source for certified providers.
- Schedule your appointment early. The ICVP becomes valid only 10 days after the date of vaccination. If you are vaccinated on July 1, your certificate is not valid until July 11. Schedule your appointment well in advance of your departure date to ensure you meet this requirement.
- Bring the required documents to your appointment. You will need a valid passport (or a photocopy) and any prior vaccination records. If you already have a yellow card from a previous vaccination, bring it even if you are unsure whether it is still accepted.
- Receive the vaccine and the ICVP. After the vaccine is administered, the provider will complete the ICVP with your personal information (exactly as it appears on your passport), the vaccination date, their handwritten signature, and the center's official Uniform Stamp. Make sure all information is correct before you leave the clinic—errors or omissions can invalidate the certificate.
- Sign the certificate. The ICVP includes a space for the traveler's signature. Sign it to complete the document.
- Keep your yellow card safe. Treat your ICVP like a passport—it is an official document that may be required for entry into certain countries. Make a photocopy or digital scan and store it separately from the original.
Cost of the Yellow Fever Vaccine and ICVP
The cost of the yellow fever vaccine and the ICVP varies significantly by location and clinic. The vaccine itself typically ranges from $200 to $280, with an additional office visit or administration fee that can add $75 to $100 or more. Some clinics offer all-inclusive pricing that covers the vaccine, the certificate, and the office visit in a single fee.
| Clinic / Location | Yellow Fever Vaccine Cost | Additional Fees | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Department of Health (Bay County) | $244.73 | Included | $244.73 |
| Meharry Travel Clinic | $270 | Included | $270 |
| Tarrant County, TX | $270 | $10 for replacement card | $270 |
| Lincoln County Health Department, MO | $240 | Includes phone consultation | $240 |
| Travel Clinic NYC | $240–$280 | $75–$90 office visit | $315–$370 |
| Los Angeles Travel Medicine Clinic | Included | All-inclusive | $395 |
Prices are subject to change and vary by clinic. Always call ahead to confirm the total cost and what is included. Some health departments and community clinics offer the vaccine at lower costs, so it is worth shopping around if you are on a budget.
Validity: How Long Is Your Yellow Card Good For?
There has been significant confusion about the validity of the yellow fever vaccine and the ICVP. Here is the current rule, which applies worldwide as of 2026.
A single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for the person vaccinated. The ICVP itself is valid for the life of the person vaccinated. Even if your yellow card shows an expiration date of 10 years, that date is no longer enforceable—the certificate is considered valid for life. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after the date of primary vaccination.
If you have an older yellow card with a 10-year expiration date, you do not need to be revaccinated or obtain a new certificate. Your existing ICVP remains valid for life.
What to Do If You Lose Your Yellow Card
Losing your ICVP can be stressful, especially if you are about to travel to a country that requires it. Fortunately, it is possible to get a replacement.
You can request a replacement ICVP from the center where you were originally vaccinated. If that center is no longer operating or you cannot reach them, you may be able to obtain a replacement from any authorized yellow fever vaccination center. The provider will need to verify your vaccination information—typically your name, date of birth, and date of vaccination—from their records or from a medical record you provide.
To make the replacement process easier:
- Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your ICVP in a separate location.
- Ask the vaccinating center for a copy of your vaccination record at the time of vaccination. This can help a new provider reissue the certificate if needed.
- If you are unable to obtain a replacement before your trip, speak to your local yellow fever vaccination center or a travel medicine specialist. They may be able to provide guidance or issue a new certificate if they can confirm your vaccination history.
The CDC does not issue ICVPs and does not keep copies of vaccination records. You must work directly with authorized vaccination centers to obtain a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I get an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card)?
A: The ICVP is issued only by authorized yellow fever vaccination centers. In the U.S., you can find a certified center using the CDC's Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic Registry, searchable by state or zip code. Your regular doctor cannot issue this certificate unless they are specifically authorized to administer yellow fever vaccine.
Q: How much does the yellow fever vaccine and yellow card cost?
A: The total cost typically ranges from $240 to $395, depending on the clinic and location. The vaccine itself is usually $200–$280, with an additional office visit fee of $75–$100. Some clinics offer all-inclusive pricing. Call ahead to confirm the total cost.
Q: How long is the yellow fever vaccine valid?
A: A single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection. The ICVP is valid for the life of the person vaccinated. Even if your yellow card shows a 10-year expiration date, it is considered valid for life.
Q: How long after vaccination does the yellow card become valid?
A: The ICVP becomes valid 10 days after the date of vaccination. If you are vaccinated on July 1, your certificate is valid starting July 11. Plan your appointment accordingly to meet entry requirements.
Q: What if I lose my yellow card—can I get a replacement?
A: Yes. You can request a replacement from the center where you were originally vaccinated. If that is not possible, you may be able to obtain a replacement from any authorized yellow fever vaccination center that can verify your vaccination history. Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your ICVP to make the replacement process easier.
Q: Do I need a yellow card for all international travel?
A: No. The ICVP is required only for travel to countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Check the CDC's destination pages to learn if vaccination is required for your specific itinerary. Even if not required, the vaccine may be recommended for your personal protection.
Q: Can I get a yellow card without the vaccine?
A: No. The ICVP is proof of vaccination and can only be issued after you receive the yellow fever vaccine. There is no way to obtain a valid ICVP without being vaccinated.
Q: What if I am medically exempt from the yellow fever vaccine?
A: If you have a medical contraindication to the yellow fever vaccine, you may be issued a medical waiver letter by an authorized yellow fever vaccination center. However, this does not guarantee entry—the destination country may still deny entry or require quarantine. Check the entry requirements for your specific destination.