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Polio Vaccination Entry and Exit Requirements for Travellers
Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the international spread of polio a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In response, some countries may require proof of polio vaccination from travellers at the time of departure, while others may require it for entry. It is required that the proof of vaccination be documented, preferably on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). It is advisable to carry the vaccination record in one's hand luggage.
In addition to requirements from authorities, International SOS recommends that travellers to any destination ensure they have received a primary polio vaccination series, and those travelling to countries where poliovirus is circulating also receive a booster, if available.
WHO's temporary recommendations for locations with active transmission of polio:
| Location of departure | Vaccination requirement |
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Residents and long-term visitors (i.e. > 4 weeks) of all ages must receive a dose of oral bivalent poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or injectable inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to international travel. Those undertaking urgent travel who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous 4 weeks to 12 months must receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure. Travellers should record vaccination on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) and carry it during travel. You may be required to show proof of vaccination for entry into your next destination. Any resident lacking proof of vaccination may be prevented from departing the country (this includes land, air and sea routes). |
| Location of departure | Vaccination recommendation |
|
All residents and long-term visitors (i.e. > 4 weeks) are encouraged to receive a dose of injectable inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), if available in the country between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to international travel. Travellers should carry the document on which their polio vaccination status is recorded. You may be required to show proof of vaccination for entry into your next destination. |
Additionally, some other countries also require proof of polio vaccination from travellers upon arrival. Proof of polio vaccination required for entry is as follows:
Bangladesh
- Children aged five years and younger.
Brunei
- Travellers arriving from polio-affected countries (polio-exporting countries).
Egypt
- Travellers from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Somalia are required to show proof of vaccination with oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to apply for an entry visa. Proof is requested regardless of age and vaccination status. The vaccine should be taken within 12 months and at least four weeks prior to departure and should be recorded on ICVP.
- Travellers from Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger and the Philippines are also required to show proof of polio vaccination.
- In addition, Egypt Air advises that passengers who have stayed in Afghanistan, Madagascar, Pakistan and Yemen for more than 4 weeks must have a polio vaccination certificate showing they received a booster dose of IPV.
Georgia
- Travellers from countries and territories with a risk of polio transmission. Those who are not vaccinated or are unable to present their certificate will be offered oral polio vaccine (OPV) at the border.
India
- Resident nationals arriving from, as well as Indian nationals going to Afghanistan, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Syria are required to show proof of polio vaccination (OPV/IPV) from a designated health officer of their country. Travellers are required to obtain a polio vaccination certificate from a designated health officer in their country, regardless of age and vaccination status, at least 4 weeks prior to departure or prior to visa application. Those who are unable to show proof will be vaccinated at the point of entry. It is NOT mandatory for foreign nationals residing in India or any of the above-mentioned countries to receive vaccination before travel.
Indonesia
- Travellers arriving from the Philippines and intending to stay for 4 weeks or more should have proof of vaccination (preferably injectable polio vaccine IPV). Those unable to present proof will be vaccinated at the port of entry at a fee. Travellers refusing vaccination may be deported.
Iran
- All travellers from Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to travel. If proof is lacking, travellers will receive a dose of the polio vaccine at entry.
Iraq
- Travellers of all ages from Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestine, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe should have taken the polio vaccine at least 14 days to one month prior to travel. If proof is lacking, they will receive a dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) at entry.
Maldives
- Persons travelling to and from countries exporting poliovirus, as well as for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Morocco
- Travellers from polio-affected countries. Vaccination must be received within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to departure.
Nepal
- Travellers of all ages from Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen should have received the polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to travel. Those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within 4 weeks) should have received a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure.
Philippines
- Travellers arriving from or going to high-risk countries. Proof should be documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
Qatar
- All travellers from polio-endemic countries.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Proof of OPV is required for all travellers from polio-endemic countries (as identified by the WHO).
Saudi Arabia
- Travellers arriving from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Mozambique, and Pakistan are required to be vaccinated with bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
- Travellers arriving from Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Spain, Tanzania and Yemen are required to be vaccinated with IPV or a type 2 containing oral polio vaccine (including novel OPV2).
- Travellers arriving from Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe are recommended to be vaccinated with IPV or a type 2-containing oral polio vaccine (including novel OPV2).
References:
- World Health Organization statement on the meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee concerning the international spread of wild poliovirus 5 May 2014
- GPEI
- WHO ITH 2022 edition, revised on 3 January 2023
- Indian Ministry of Health (PDF, 339kb)
- Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Hajj (PDF, 641kb) and Umrah vaccination requirements (PDF, 306kb)
