Are you planning to travel internationally from India? If yes, then you must know about the International Travel Vaccine Certificate, which is now mandatory for all travelers. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the International Travel Vaccine Certificate in India, including its purpose, validity, and how to obtain one.
International travel vaccine certificate is a document that provides proof of vaccination against certain diseases required by different countries worldwide. India has recently introduced a vaccine certificate to enable citizens to travel abroad without facing any issues. In this context, the focus of this topic is to discuss international travel vaccine certificate in India and how it relates to international travel.
Understanding International Travel Vaccine Certificate
What is an International Travel Vaccine Certificate?
An International Travel Vaccine Certificate is a document that proves that you have received vaccinations against certain diseases, as required by the country you are traveling to. The certificate is also known as a yellow card or yellow fever card.
Why is an International Travel Vaccine Certificate Required?
Many countries have certain diseases that are endemic or have a high prevalence rate. Therefore, they require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against these diseases to prevent the spread of the disease from one country to another.
What Diseases Require an International Travel Vaccine Certificate?
The most common diseases that require an International Travel Vaccine Certificate are yellow fever, polio, cholera, and meningitis. However, the list of diseases may vary depending on the country you are traveling to.
Obtaining an International Travel Vaccine Certificate
An International Travel Vaccine Certificate is mandatory for travelers who are planning to travel internationally from India. The certificate proves that the traveler has received vaccinations against certain diseases as required by the country they are traveling to. The validity of the certificate depends on the vaccination received, and travelers can use the same certificate for multiple trips, provided it is still valid and accepted by the destination country.
How to Get an International Travel Vaccine Certificate in India?
To get an International Travel Vaccine Certificate in India, you need to visit a government-approved vaccination center. These centers are authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are available at major airports, hospitals, and clinics across India.
Which Vaccinations are Required for an International Travel Vaccine Certificate in India?
The vaccinations required for an International Travel Vaccine Certificate in India depend on the country you are traveling to. For example, if you are traveling to Africa, you may require a yellow fever vaccination. Similarly, if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, you need to get vaccinated against meningitis.
How Long Does it Take to Get an International Travel Vaccine Certificate?
The time it takes to get an International Travel Vaccine Certificate in India depends on the vaccination you need to receive. Generally, it takes a few minutes to get vaccinated, but you may need to wait for some time for the vaccine to take effect before you can obtain the certificate.
Validity of International Travel Vaccine Certificate
How Long is an International Travel Vaccine Certificate Valid?
The validity of an International Travel Vaccine Certificate depends on the vaccination you have received. For example, a yellow fever vaccination is valid for ten years from the date of vaccination, whereas a polio vaccination is valid for life.
Can I Use the Same International Travel Vaccine Certificate for Multiple Trips?
Yes, you can use the same International Travel Vaccine Certificate for multiple trips, provided the certificate is still valid and the country you are traveling to accepts it.
What Happens if My International Travel Vaccine Certificate Expires?
If your International Travel Vaccine Certificate expires, you will need to get re-vaccinated to obtain a new certificate.
FAQs for International Travel Vaccine Certificate India
An international travel vaccine certificate is a document that proves a person has received certain vaccinations required for entry into different countries around the world. This certificate is also known as the Yellow Card or International Certificate of Vaccination.
Do I need an international travel vaccine certificate for Indian citizens?
Yes, Indian citizens need an international travel vaccine certificate to enter many countries around the world. Some countries may require specific vaccinations for entry, while others may require a certificate proving vaccination against diseases such as yellow fever.
How do I obtain an international travel vaccine certificate in India?
To obtain an international travel vaccine certificate in India, you need to get vaccinated against the required diseases at a government or private vaccination centre that is authorised by the World Health Organization (WHO). After receiving the vaccinations, you will be issued a certificate that shows the type of vaccine and its validity.
Which diseases require an international travel vaccine certificate?
The diseases that require an international travel vaccine certificate vary depending on the country you plan to visit. Some of the common diseases include yellow fever, polio, hepatitis A/B, meningitis, and typhoid fever.
How long does the international travel vaccine certificate remain valid?
The validity of an international travel vaccine certificate depends on the disease or vaccination. Some certificates are valid for a lifetime (e.g., yellow fever), while others require booster shots after a few years (e.g., hepatitis A/B). Always check the validity requirements with the entry requirements of the country you are visiting.
Can I travel without an international travel vaccine certificate?
It depends on the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit. Some countries may not require an international travel vaccine certificate, while others may deny entry without it. Additionally, some countries may require travellers to be quarantined upon arrival if they do not have the necessary vaccinations or certificates.
Can I get an international travel vaccine certificate if I have already been vaccinated?
Yes, you can receive an international travel vaccine certificate if you have already been vaccinated. Simply present proof of vaccination at a WHO-authorised vaccination centre to obtain the certificate. However, if your vaccination record is incomplete or unclear, you may need to receive one or more vaccines to obtain the certificate.
Is the international travel vaccine certificate necessary for all types of international travel?
The international travel vaccine certificate is typically required for international travel to countries that have specific vaccination requirements. However, it is always advisable to check the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit, as the requirements may vary depending on the purpose and duration of your travel.