Sunday February 2, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government has on introduced mandatory vaccination requirements for all travelers entering or leaving the country to curb the spread of infectious diseases, including yellow fever, poliomyelitis, and meningitis.
The directive, announced on Sunday by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, took effect immediately and will remain in place until February 10, 2025. The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), which set global standards for disease prevention and cross-border health control.
Officials stressed that the policy is necessary to prevent disease outbreaks and safeguard public health amid rising global risks of pandemics.
Under the new policy, all travelers, regardless of age or nationality, are required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate at ports of entry and exit. The ministry emphasized that travelers should receive the vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel to ensure immunity.
Designated vaccination centers, including facilities at international airports, seaports, and public hospitals, have been established to accommodate travelers. Medical exemptions will be granted to individuals unable to take the vaccine due to specific health conditions, provided they present an official medical waiver.
Travelers who fail to meet the vaccination requirements face public health interventions, including possible quarantine or denial of entry.
Yellow fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, can lead to severe illness and death if untreated. According to the World Health Organization, vaccination is the most effective measure to combat the disease. Somali health officials said the mandatory vaccination policy is part of ongoing efforts to prevent cross-border transmission and protect the population.
In addition to the yellow fever requirement, travelers must present proof of vaccination for oral poliomyelitis and quadrivalent Neisseria meningitis.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services urged travelers to adhere to the directive to foster safer international travel.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services urged travelers to comply with the directive, highlighting its role in fostering safer global travel. “Together, we can prevent the spread of yellow fever and other contagious diseases,” the ministry stated.
