Travel Vaccine Requirements Explained
The vaccines you need depend on your destination, age, length of stay, planned activities, and vaccination history — there's no single list that applies to everyone.
Required
Some vaccines and certificates are a condition of entry — without them, you may be denied boarding or entry.
Recommended
Others aren't mandatory but lower your risk of infection at your destination.
Timing
Checking early and speaking with a doctor gives enough time for multi-dose vaccines and certificates to become valid.
Destination Summaries
Select your destination above, or expand any summary below. Each one covers what's required, what's recommended, and how CA Medlynks can help — click a heading to open it.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has specific vaccination requirements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and Kenya's yellow fever endemic status adds a certificate requirement on top of that.
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Yellow Fever
Not offered at CA Medlynks. We can check whether you need it and review your Yellow Card.
View details
Required for travellers aged over 9 months arriving in Saudi Arabia from Kenya, as Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country (Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country).
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
- Meningococcal (ACWY) Mandatory for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. For 1447H (2026), Saudi Arabia accepts a conjugate ACWY vaccine given within the last 5 years and at least 10 days before arrival. Available at CA Medlynks
- Polio (Tdap + Polio, ADACEL) For Hajj and Umrah 1447H (2026), Saudi Arabia asks travellers from Kenya for at least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine. Available at CA Medlynks
- Seasonal influenza Available at CA Medlynks
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda & Tanzania)
Uganda requires a yellow fever certificate from all arriving travellers. Rwanda and Tanzania require it from travellers coming from countries with yellow fever risk, which includes Kenya.
-
Yellow Fever
Not offered at CA Medlynks. We can check whether you need it and review your Yellow Card.
View details
Uganda requires a certificate from all travellers regardless of origin. Rwanda and Tanzania require it from travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, including Kenya. Tanzania checks certificates occasionally at land borders and airports.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country (Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country).
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
No additional CA Medlynks-administered vaccines are specifically flagged for this route beyond the routine travel vaccines (Tdap, MMR, polio, influenza) recommended for all destinations.
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
United States
The US has no mandatory vaccines for tourist visas. Immigrant visa applicants have the medical with a US Embassy panel physician (IOM, Gigiri).
- MMR Available at CA Medlynks
- Hepatitis B Available at CA Medlynks
- Varicella
- Tdap
Not required for tourist or visitor visas. In Kenya, the US and Canada exams and the UK TB test are done at IOM in Gigiri, and Australia's at IOM or Aga Khan University Hospital. CA Medlynks does not do any of these.
View details
Not required for travel from Kenya to the United States, for either tourist/visitor visas or immigrant visas.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country — even a destination that doesn't require it can require it if you transit through a yellow fever endemic country.
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
UK & Europe
The UK and most Schengen European countries do not require mandatory vaccinations for entry from Kenya, though several are recommended. UK: stays of 6 months or more need a TB test at a Home Office-approved clinic (IOM in Nairobi).
- Hepatitis A Available at CA Medlynks
- Hepatitis B Available at CA Medlynks
- Influenza (winter travel) Available at CA Medlynks
- Typhoid Especially for travellers visiting rural areas in transit countries.
View details
Not required for travel from Kenya to the United Kingdom or the Schengen area of Europe.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country — even a destination that doesn't require it can require it if you transit through a yellow fever endemic country.
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
South Africa
South Africa requires a yellow fever certificate from travellers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, which includes Kenya. Vaccination must be at least 10 days before arrival.
-
Yellow Fever
Not offered at CA Medlynks. We can check whether you need it and review your Yellow Card.
View details
Required for travellers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, including Kenya, with the certificate showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country (Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country).
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
- Hepatitis A Available at CA Medlynks
- Typhoid
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
India
India requires a yellow fever certificate for travellers from Kenya, plus a few destination-specific vaccines depending on your itinerary.
-
Yellow Fever
Not offered at CA Medlynks. We can check whether you need it and review your Yellow Card.
View details
Required for travellers arriving in India from Kenya.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country (Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country).
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
- Hepatitis A Available at CA Medlynks
- Hepatitis B Available at CA Medlynks
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis For travellers visiting rural areas during monsoon season.
- Rabies For travellers who may have close contact with animals.
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
China
China requires yellow fever vaccination proof for travellers aged 9 months or older arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, such as Kenya. CA Medlynks completes China's Physical Examination Record for Foreigner, which universities and employers ask for. It is not part of the X or Z visa application in Nairobi. We do not offer yellow fever vaccination.
-
Yellow Fever
Not offered at CA Medlynks. We can check whether you need it and review your Yellow Card.
View details
Required for travellers from endemic countries, including Kenya.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country (Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country).
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
- Hepatitis A Available at CA Medlynks
- Hepatitis B Available at CA Medlynks
- Typhoid
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
- China visa medical certificates
Australia & New Zealand
Whether you need a yellow fever certificate for Australia depends on your travel routing, since Kenya's endemic-country status can trigger the requirement.
- Hepatitis A Available at CA Medlynks
- Hepatitis B Available at CA Medlynks
- Typhoid
- Influenza Available at CA Medlynks
-
Yellow Fever
Not offered at CA Medlynks. We can check whether you need it and review your Yellow Card.
View details
Kenya is on Australia’s list of yellow fever declared places. If you are 1 year or older and arrive in Australia within 6 days of staying overnight or longer in Kenya, you may be asked for a yellow fever certificate. New Zealand is not on WHO’s list of countries that ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination.
The "Yellow Card" is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — it becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Whether you need one depends on your destination, transit countries, and departure country (Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country).
Where to get it: a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help:
- Review your destination and transit requirements
- Review your vaccination history and Yellow Card
- Advise when vaccination should be completed
- Review the documents your route needs
CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination and cannot issue the Yellow Card. Get the vaccine at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
How CA Medlynks can help
- Travel medicine consultation
- Available vaccinations (see above)
- Vaccination record review
- Documentation support
When Should You Book, and When Should You Come In?
- 6–8 weeks before travel Schedule a travel health consultation to determine which vaccines you need.
- 4–6 weeks before travel Receive vaccines that need more than one dose or time to work, such as rabies. For hepatitis B (doses at 0, 1 and 6 months), start at least 6 months before if possible; an accelerated schedule may be discussed at consultation.
- At least 10 days before travel If your destination requires a yellow fever certificate, vaccination must be completed by this point for the certificate to be valid.
- 1–2 weeks before travel Final boosters and single-dose vaccines such as typhoid or influenza. For Hajj or Umrah, the meningococcal vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
What to Bring to Your Travel Vaccination Appointment
When visiting CA Medlynks for travel vaccinations, please bring the following:
- Your passport
- Any previous vaccination records or the yellow international health booklet
- Details of your travel itinerary, including transit countries
- Information about any medical conditions or allergies
- Your visa application documents (if applicable)
Ready to prepare for your trip?
Book your travel medicine consultation at CA Medlynks today.
Not sure which vaccines you need? No problem. Our travel medicine team will review your destination, travel dates, transit route and vaccination history, then guide you through the next steps.
Travel Vaccinations at CA Medlynks
Doctor-led travel vaccination care in Nairobi
CA Medlynks provides travel vaccinations, pre-travel consultations and visa medical certificates (China, Spain, Greece, South Africa).
How we can help
- Travel vaccinations and pre-travel consultations
- Visa medical certificates (China, Spain, Greece, South Africa)
- Yellow fever requirement check (the vaccine itself is given at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre)
- Vaccination history and travel document review
Visa medical certificates (countries that accept a local doctor)
- China
- South Africa
- Greece
- Spain
Accredited laboratory standards
Location
Visit us: Daykio Plaza, off Ngong Lane, Nairobi
Your travel medicine specialist
Dr. Paul Yonga
MBChB, MSPH, FRCP (Edin) · Consultant Infectiologist
Consultant Infectiologist and Head, Infectious Disease and International Health Clinic at CA Medlynks. Dr. Yonga issues visa medical certificates for China, Spain, Greece and South Africa, and provides pre-travel consultations and vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a travel vaccination appointment at CA Medlynks?
You can book by phone, WhatsApp, or via our travel medicine page. Walk-ins are welcome, though booking ahead helps us prepare for multi-dose vaccines or visa medical certificates (China, Spain, Greece, South Africa).
How much do travel vaccinations cost at CA Medlynks?
Cost depends on which vaccines you need and your vaccination history. Each destination page on this site lists the vaccines CA Medlynks administers for that route; contact us for a personalised quote covering your specific itinerary.
How far in advance should I get vaccinated before travelling?
As a general rule, book at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced over several weeks, and a yellow fever certificate (where required) must be completed at least 10 days before travel.
Can I get multiple vaccines in one visit?
In many cases, yes — several vaccines can be administered in the same visit. Our physician will confirm what is clinically appropriate for your specific combination and timeline during your consultation.
What is CA Medlynks, and why choose it for travel vaccinations?
CA Medlynks is a KENAS-accredited (ISO 15189:2022) clinical lab and vaccination centre in Nairobi. Consultations are doctor-led, with Dr. Paul Yonga, Consultant Infectiologist.