What is the ICVP?
The International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis (ICVP) — commonly called the "yellow card" — is the official WHO document proving you received the Yellow Fever vaccine at an authorized centre. It is required as a condition of entry to many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South America, and by Saudi Arabia (Hajj and Umrah pilgrims included) from travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever.
The key fact most travellers don't know: not every travel clinic or pharmacy can issue the ICVP. Only Government of Canada designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres may administer the vaccine and stamp and sign the certificate. The Virtual Travel Clinic is not a designated centre — the Public Health Agency of Canada publishes the list of designated centres in Ontario.
How to get your ICVP
- Book a virtual consultation — our physician screens your health history and confirms whether you need the vaccine and can safely receive it
- Get a referral to a designated centre — vaccination is booked with a Government of Canada designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre
- Receive your ICVP — issued, stamped, and signed by the designated centre on the day of vaccination. Valid for life.
The 10-day rule
The ICVP is valid for international travel entry starting 10 days after vaccination. Even if you receive the vaccine today, most countries will not accept the certificate for entry until 10 full days have passed. Book your vaccination at least 10–14 days before departure.
How long does the certificate last?
Under 2016 WHO guidance, a single Yellow Fever vaccination is valid for life for most healthy adults. The ICVP you receive has no expiry date. Some older documents or border agents reference a "10-year" validity — this was the previous standard and is no longer current WHO policy.
Which countries require it?
Countries that require ICVP as a condition of entry from ALL travellers include: Ghana, Cameroon, Togo, Niger, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, and French Guiana. Many more — including Saudi Arabia (Hajj and Umrah too) and Paraguay — require it from travellers arriving from endemic countries.
Cost
Fees are set by each designated centre — confirm with the centre you book. Yellow Fever vaccine (Stamaril) is a one-time cost with lifetime validity for most travellers.
Book your Yellow Fever consultation at Virtual Travel Clinic — serving Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, and all of Ontario virtually.
Sources: WHO International Travel and Health | PHAC Travel Health
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