Foreign Office warning as some countries could turn Brits away

The UK Foreign Office has issued an “at least eight weeks” notice to people planning to visit certain countries, as they could be refused entry. The government department, which provides regular travel information for some 226 overseas nations and territories, sent out on alert on Tuesday.

A post on X from the official Foreign Office account reads: “Did you know? At least 8 weeks before your trip, you should check the latest vaccination information for your destination, and see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page”.

For example, some countries require a certificate showing you have been vaccinated for yellow fever before you’re allowed entry. These include Paraguay, South Africa, and the Philippines, if you’re travelling through a country listed as a transmission risk. You’ll also need one to gain entry to Venezuela, if coming via Brazil.

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. To find out if you need a yellow fever vaccine or proof of the vaccine, you should contact a yellow fever clinic.

Saudi Arabia also requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. And NHS guidance adds: “Even if an ICVP is not required, it’s still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.”

You can find travel advice for any country here