Traveling to Africa? Essential Checklist: Visas, Vaccines & Yellow Fever
Let’s turn your dream trip into a real adventure.
You have booked your cheap flight to Africa, packed your bags, and arrived at Heathrow. You hand over your passport, but the airline staff asks, Do you have your Yellow Fever Card?
You don’t have it. Result? You don’t fly.
Africa is a little more involved than preparing for Spain or Dubai. With vaccinations and passport rules, one little mistake can completely ruin your trip before it even starts.
When it comes to Good Flights, we like things to fly smoothly. Here’s a must-have checklist for every UK traveler in 2026.
The Golden Ticket: Yellow Fever Certificate
For many African countries, the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) commonly known as the Yellow Card is mandatory.
- Mandatory Countries: If you are flying to Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or DR Congo, you must show this card at the border.
- Transit Rules: Even if your destination doesn’t require it (e.g., South Africa), if you stop over in a country with Yellow Fever risk (like Kenya or Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours, you might need the certificate.
Action: Go to a travel clinic in the UK at least 10 days before you fly. The vaccine gives lifetime protection.
The 6-Month Passport Rule
This is a classic trap. In the majority of African countries you will be asked to prove your British passport is valid for 6 months beyond the time when you plan to leave.
- Example: If you are traveling in January and your passport expires just after the end of April, they will most likely not let you board.
- Blank Pages: Ensure that you have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for stamps upon arrival.
Malaria: Better Safe Than Sorry
Unlike Yellow Fever, there is no vaccine for Malaria, but there are pills. Most of Sub-Saharan Africa (Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Entebbe) is a malaria zone.
- Consult your GP: Get anti-malaria tablets before you go.
- Pack Repellent: Buy a spray containing 50% DEET.
- Sleep Smart: Always use a mosquito net if your hotel/accommodation provides one.
Visa Guide: E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival
Gone are the days of queuing at the embassy in London. Many countries have moved to digital systems.
Destination | Visa Type | Requirement |
Paper/E-Visa | Must apply online or at the embassy before travel. | |
Kenya | eTA (Electronic) | No Visa, but must apply for eTA online 3 days prior. |
Egypt | Visa on Arrival | Available for UK citizens (approx $25). |
South Africa | Visa Free | UK citizens get 90 days free entry. |
Ghana | Visa Required | Apply in advance. |
Note: Rules change frequently. Always check the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) website.
The Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist
Print this out or screenshot it!
- Flight Ticket: Printed (some airports demand paper copies).
- Passport: Valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages.
- Visa: Approved or e-Visa printed.
- Yellow Fever Card: Signed and stamped.
- Travel Insurance: Covers medical evacuation.
- Cash: Carry some USD or GBP (cards don’t work everywhere).
- Pen: For filling out landing cards on the plane.
Do I need a Covid-19 vaccine to enter Africa in 2026?
Conditions have loosened in many places, although if you are flying from a high-risk zone,zone, some countries may still require proof of vaccination or a negative test. Check the specific country advice.
Can I get a Yellow Fever jab at the airport?
No. It must be obtained from a clinic no fewer than 10 days before travel in order for it to be valid.
I have a layover in Europe; do I need a Schengen Visa?
Not if you are a British citizen passport holder. And if you have a different passport, you might not, but may require a transit visa for in France or Germany.