Yellow Fever Card: How to know if its original or fake

Sample of the original Nigeria e-Yellow Card held in hand showing security features like the QR code and holographic seal to distinguish it from fakes.

The official Nigeria e-Yellow Card features a unique QR code and ID number for instant digital verification.

Nigeria Yellow Fever Card: How to Determine if It’s Original (Part 2)

In our last article, we provided you with information to enable you to assess the authenticity of your government-approved yellow card. This write-up will expand on the previous article, providing you with insights on the inner page of your yellow card certificate.

The Inner Page: Vaccination Details

The inside of the booklet contains the specific medical data that validates your immunity. To ensure your document is complete and accepted at borders, here is exactly what you will find:

  • Bearer Certification: Your full name is printed here to confirm that the person holding the document is indeed the one who was vaccinated.

  • Personal Demographics: This section specifies your Date of Birth, Gender, and Nationality.

  • Targeted Disease: The document explicitly names the condition you are protected against (e.g., Yellow Fever).

  • Vaccine Specifics: The specific type of vaccine administered to you is recorded here.

  • Date of Vaccination: The exact date you received the shot is listed.

  • Signature and Stamp: You will see the signature of the supervising clinician accompanied by a wet Port Health Officer stamp. This “wet” (ink) stamp is a key indicator of authenticity and distinguishes original cards from fakes.

  • Manufacturer and Batch: To ensure safety and traceability, the vaccine manufacturer and the specific vaccine batch number are documented.

  • Validity Period: The card indicates the date validity begins and ends. Important: The Yellow Fever vaccination is now valid for life. You can read our detailed article on that here.

  • Official Centre Stamp: This is the official seal of the administering clinic, explicitly indicating it is an “Approved Vaccination Centre.”

  • Other Vaccinations: There is space reserved to record other vaccinations and their respective dosages, if applicable.

You can read part one to have a better understand of the topic here.

Yellow Fever Card: How to know if its original or fake

Sample of the original Nigeria e-Yellow Card held in hand showing security features like the QR code and holographic seal to distinguish it from fakes.

The official Nigeria e-Yellow Card features a unique QR code and ID number for instant digital verification.

Nigeria Yellow Fever Card: How to Determine if It’s Original (Part 1)

The Yellow fever card is a mandatory document issued to Nigerians travelling to countries where the virus is not common. Because Nigeria records regular outbreaks of the disease, you must provide evidence of vaccination to protect the citizens of the country you are visiting. Also, to protect yourself from the deadly condition.

This requirement reduces the chance of travellers carrying the virus across borders. It is not just a formality; it is an international travel law recognised by most countries. However, with counterfeits in circulation, how can you determine if your Yellow fever card is genuine?

What Immigration Officials Look For

When you arrive at a port of entry e.g the Ikeja Airport in Lagos State. Immigration officers inspect your documents for specific security features. To ensure your travel isn’t disrupted, you should check your yellow card for the same details.

1. Details on the Yellow Card Cover Page

The front page of the document displays the following essential information:

  • The Issuing Authority: If you obtained the certificate in Nigeria, this will read “Federal Republic of Nigeria.” However, any authorised country can issue this document to both locals and foreigners.

  • The Certificate Title: You will see “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.” Don’t be confused by the heavy terminology. While vaccination refers to receiving the vaccine, prophylaxis simply means prevention. Essentially, this title confirms you are protected against Yellow Fever Virus or other specified conditions.

  • Recipient Details: Your name is printed on the card following your inoculation. If your full name cannot fit, your surname and initials will be stated instead. This is standard practice, so there is nothing to worry about.

  • Passport Number: Your valid international passport number must be indicated here.

  • Card ID: This is a unique code assigned specifically to you, consisting of a combination of letters and numbers.

  • QR Code: This is crucial for security purposes. Immigration officers scan this code to instantly verify if the certificate is genuine. However, because the Nigerian government recently upgraded its database, other measures are occasionally used to validate the cards.

For more information. You should read part 2 here. To learn more about the yellow fever immunisation for travel consult Inocul8 today.

Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccination in Nigeria Early

Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccination in Nigeria Early

Yellow fever vaccination Nigeria

A turquoise-green Inocul8 infographic showing a yellow card and passport.

Tunde was thrilled to attend a conference in Ethiopia. At the airport, he learned that he needed a yellow fever certificate and that he must receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel. That simple rule changed everything.

The Risk of a Last‑Minute Rush

Tunde left Ajah at 4:30 a.m. for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. It was a risky, costly, and stressful endeavour. Only 150 people were accepted that day, so he had to return.

Act early. Book your yellow fever vaccination in Nigeria well in advance to avoid delays and long queues.

Short on time? Inocul8’s yellow fever vaccination service in Lagos helps you get vaccinated and receive your government‑approved yellow card quickly.

Long Queues and Delays

  • Online payments and passport biodata copies
  • Moving between buildings
  • Hours of waiting—sometimes over five hours

Inocul8 Yellow Fever Vaccination Service offers a fast, hassle‑free process for busy travellers. No endless lines. No wasted hours.

Why the 10‑Day Rule Matters

You must take the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before you fly. Your body needs time to build protective antibodies. Many people gain protection by day 10; some take up to 30 days. Get vaccinated early and travel with confidence.

Scarcity and Fake Yellow Cards

Sometimes, yellow card certificates run out at government centres. Some travellers are tempted by fake cards. This can cause denial of entry abroad.

Use only government-approved vaccination clinics in Nigeria, such as Inocul8, to obtain an authentic, yellow fever vaccination record that meets travel health requirements in Nigeria.

Why Choose Inocul8?

  • Authentic yellow card certificate in Nigeria
  • Quick yellow fever vaccine appointments with minimal waiting
  • Safe, clean, and professional service

Save time, stress, and energy. Focus on your trip, not the queue.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your yellow fever vaccination in Nigeria at least 10 days before travel.
  • Avoid long queues with Inocul8’s travel vaccination service in Lagos.
  • Protect yourself from fake yellow card certificates.
  • Use approved yellow fever vaccination centres in Nigeria for a valid card.

Ready to Travel?

Skip the stress. Get your yellow fever vaccine in Nigeria and a yellow card certificate through Inocul8.

Book Your Appointment. You can read our last post on why yellow fever vaccination is a mandatory travel requirement for Nigerians.

Why Yellow Fever Vaccination is a Mandatory Travel Requirement for Nigerians

✈️ A Story Many Travellers Can Relate To

Dayo, a 34-year-old Nigerian, was preparing for his long-awaited trip to Brazil when his travel agent called with bad news: his documents were incomplete because his yellow card certificate was missing.

He was shocked and frustrated. “I’ve submitted every document! Why is this yellow card such a big deal?” he asked.

That simple question opens up an important conversation: Why is yellow fever vaccination mandatory for Nigerians travelling to certain countries?

What is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease (similar to Ebola) transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Nigeria is one of several countries where yellow fever outbreaks occur regularly, and the disease remains a major public health concern.

Travellers from Nigeria who plan to visit countries where yellow fever is not endemic must show proof of vaccination through a yellow card certificate.

Yet, many Nigerians still don’t realise that this small yellow booklet is a crucial travel document, as essential as a passport or visa.

Why Yellow Fever Vaccination is Required for Nigerians

Yellow fever is endemic in Nigeria, meaning the virus circulates continuously in the environment. Occasional outbreaks lead to nationwide vaccination campaigns to control transmission.

When an unvaccinated traveller from Nigeria visits a country where yellow fever isn’t common, there’s a risk of importing the virus into that country.
This could expose people who have no immunity and cause new outbreaks in previously unaffected areas.

There’s also no specific treatment for yellow fever, only supportive care.
This makes prevention through vaccination the best and only effective protection.

The Legal Side: International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)

Some travellers joke, “I don’t need the shot, just give me the certificate.”
But here’s the truth: this isn’t optional, it’s international law.

Under the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), yellow fever is the only disease that legally requires proof of vaccination for international travel.

Countries have the authority to:

  • Deny entry to unvaccinated travellers from risk zones (like Nigeria).

  • Request valid yellow cards at airports and border posts.

  • Quarantine travellers who fail to comply.

Your yellow card certificate is officially known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Immigration officers will check it upon arrival and verify its authenticity.
Trying to bypass the system with fake documents isn’t just risky — it’s a violation of international law.

Why It’s Especially Important for Nigerians

Nigeria has recorded recurrent yellow fever outbreaks in states such as Bauchi, Delta, Benue, and Edo. Because of this, the country is classified by the WHO as high-risk for yellow fever transmission.

As a result, many countries, especially in South America, Asia, and the Middle East, require Nigerian travellers to show proof of vaccination before entry or even during layovers.

This isn’t just about bureaucracy; it’s a global safety measure designed to protect other populations from imported infections.

⚠️ What Happens If You’re Not Vaccinated

Skipping your yellow fever vaccination can lead to serious consequences:

  • ❌ You may be denied boarding at the airport.

  • Immigration may refuse your entry upon arrival.

  • You could be quarantined at your own expense.

  • You might miss business meetings or conferences after paying for tickets and hotels.

  • And if you fall ill abroad, medical treatment can be costly — especially without travel insurance.

How Long Does the Vaccine Last?

Good news! The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong immunity after a single dose.
It becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, and the certificate remains valid for life under the WHO regulations.

Ensure you receive the vaccination at an accredited facility in Nigeria to obtain a legitimate yellow card. To learn more, please contact Inocul8 on +2347063736482 or visit our website and Google page.