If you're spending more than 10 days in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia or Brazil before going to Ecuador, or if you are a resident there / have any of those nationalities, read this message: 

OFFICIAL STATEMENT - YELLOW FEVER VACCINE

Ministry of Public Health - April 30, 2025 

𝗘𝗰𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘂, 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮, 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 

To strengthen prevention and control of the circulation of the Yellow Fever virus (YF), and in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), Ecuador will implement the requirement to present the International Certificate of Vaccination against this disease upon arrival in the country, starting May 12, 2025.

The requirement applies to: 

- Travelers of nationality or residency in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil 

- Travelers of any nationality or residency who have stayed more than 10 days in transit or visit in those countries before entering Ecuador 

The Certificate must indicate that the vaccine was received at least 10 days before the trip. The yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity. 

If you are Ecuadorian or a resident without prior vaccination history and are traveling to high-risk areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon (Sucumbíos, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe), you must be vaccinated 10 days before traveling. 

The Ecuadorian Government recommends that travelers take the necessary precautions, comply with this provision, and plan their trips in advance, ensuring that they have a valid international vaccination certificate.

 

MORE INFO ON YELLOW FEVER FROM CNH TOURS

Yellow fever - what is it?   It's a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. It occurs mainly in parts of Africa and South America. Symptoms range from mild—such as fever, chills, and muscle pain—to severe, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin), bleeding, organ failure, and potentially death.

The illness is serious: about 15% of infected individuals develop severe disease, and among those, the fatality rate can be as high as 30–60%. A highly effective vaccine exists and is the best prevention method for travelers and residents in at-risk regions.

 

Is it prevalent in Ecuador?

 

Yellow fever is endemic in Ecuador, particularly in lowland tropical regions such as the Amazon Basin. However, the country had not reported any cases between 2019 and 2023. In 2024, there was a single case, and as of April 2025, three confirmed cases have been reported, including one fatality in Zamora Chinchipe province near the Peruvian border . This resurgence is attributed to a decline in vaccination coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving populations more susceptible to preventable diseases .

In response, Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health has declared an epidemiological alert and implemented measures such as mandatory yellow fever vaccination for travelers entering from neighboring countries like Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil, effective May 12, 2025 . Additionally, mass vaccination campaigns are underway, and mask mandates have been introduced in schools within affected provinces.)

For travelers, the CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for those aged 9 months and older who are visiting areas below 2,300 meters (7,550 feet) in elevation, especially in provinces like Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe . Vaccination is not required for travel to higher-altitude cities such as Quito, or for the Galápagos Islands.

If you're planning a trip to Ecuador, especially to the Amazonian regions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider about yellow fever vaccination and other preventive measures.

 

 

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