International Vaccination Certificate: online issuance, countries that require it and everything you need to know
Planning an international trip involves a lot of preparation, and ensuring your health during the exchange is a priority. The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (CIVP) is an essential document for travelers who are going to several countries. The good news? Now you can issue this document completely online! Let's find out how to do this in a practical and efficient way.
What is the International Vaccination Certificate and why you need it
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (CIVP) is an official document recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) that proves that you have been vaccinated against specific diseases. This document is particularly important to prevent the international spread of infectious diseases and to protect your health during your experience abroad.
Many countries require CIVP as a mandatory entry requirement for international travelers, especially for the yellow fever vaccine. Not having this document when required can result in complicated situations, such as forced quarantine, vaccination at the place of arrival, or even denial of entry into the destination country. If you're planning a exchange to study and work in Australia or in other international destinations, verifying the need for the CIVP should be at the top of your list of preparations.
Which countries require the CIVP in 2025
The International Vaccination Certificate requirement varies depending on the country of destination and the global epidemiological situation. Currently, the most commonly required vaccine is the yellow fever vaccine, especially for travelers who visit or are transiting through endemic areas. Here are some of the key requirements by region:
• Africa: Virtually all Central and West African countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt.
• South America: Several countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Paraguay, and Peru require the certificate.
• Asia: Countries such as India, the Philippines, China, and Thailand may require the CIVP depending on their country of origin or previously visited countries.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand are particularly strict with health requirements for entry, although they don't specifically require the yellow fever vaccine unless you come from an endemic area.
In addition to yellow fever, other vaccines may be recommended or required depending on the global health situation, such as:
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for destinations with poor sanitary conditions
- Typhoid Fever: Important for trips to Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Poliomyelitis: Required by some countries with recent cases
- Meningitis: Mandatory for pilgrimages to Mecca and “Meningitis Belt” countries in Africa
- Covid-19: Still required by some countries in 2025, with requirements varying according to the global pandemic situation
How to issue the CIVP online: step by step
The process for issuing the International Vaccination Certificate has been simplified and can now be carried out completely online, making everything more convenient for those who are preparing for a exchange abroad. Here's how to proceed:
Step 1: Take the necessary vaccine Visit a health center or private clinic to receive the vaccine required by the destination country. Make sure you receive proof of vaccination with all the necessary information: your full name, date of birth, name of the vaccine, date of application, and lot number.
Step 2: Access the Federal Government Services Portal Go to the site gov.br and search for the “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis” service. Log in using your social security number and password registered on the portal.
Step 3: Complete the online form Complete the form with your personal data and information about the vaccine: • Complete personal information • Identity document data • Vaccine data (date of application and batch number) • Attach a scanned copy or photo of your proof of vaccination
Step 4: Submit the request and wait for approval After reviewing all the information, submit your request. Anvisa will review your request within 5 business days.
Step 5: Print and sign your certificate Upon approval, you will receive an email with the certificate, which will also be available on the portal for download. Print the document and sign it in the indicated field. Remember that a digital certificate without a physical signature is generally not accepted in the destination countries.
Additional tips for the correct issuance of the CIVP
To ensure that your International Vaccination Certificate is approved without problems, follow these important tips during the application process:
• Voucher quality: Make sure that the image of the proof of vaccination is clear, clearly showing all necessary information.
• Batch number: Type the exact characters from the vaccine batch as they appear on the receipt, without adding extra spaces or hyphens.
• Attention to fractional yellow fever: If your voucher contains the indication of a “fractional dose”, know that this is not valid for the issuance of the international CIVP.
• File format: Use only PDF, JPG, or JPEG to attach your documents, and make sure they don't exceed 5MB.
• Daily monitoring: Regularly check the status of your request on the portal to quickly resolve any pending issues identified by Anvisa.
• Shelf life of the vaccine: The yellow fever vaccine is only considered valid internationally 10 days after its application, so plan ahead.
• Secure storage: After receiving your CIVP, keep it with your travel documents and make digital copies as additional security.
Who cannot issue the CIVP online
While the online process is convenient for most travelers, there are some exceptions. The following people must continue to use the in-person system to issue the CIVP:
• Foreigners without a registered social security number in Brazil • People who are illiterate or have difficulty accessing digital • Indigenous populations and communities in remote areas • Minors without documented legal representation
These people must schedule in-person service at an Anvisa unit or accredited office to issue the certificate. It is recommended to check the required documents and opening hours in advance.
CIVP validity and important precautions
The validity of the International Vaccination Certificate varies depending on the type of immunization. For the yellow fever vaccine, the CIVP is valid for life 10 days after the application of the dose. As for other vaccines, the deadlines may vary:
• Poliomyelitis: 1 year
• Conjugated Meningitis: 5 years
• Polysaccharide Meningitis: 3 years
• Covid-19: Varies depending on the vaccine and policies of each country
Remember that rules may change, especially in situations of outbreaks or global health emergencies. Therefore, it is essential to check the updated requirements of the countries you want to visit before each trip. Consulting the website of the embassy or consulate of the destination country is always a good measure.
Comparing the old process and the new process: what has changed
The modernization of the CIVP issuance system brought enormous advantages to travelers. Understanding the differences between the old and the new process helps to value current practicality:
Old Process:
- Get the vaccine at a health center
- Schedule a face-to-face visit to an Anvisa unit
- Attend in person with original documents and proof
- Wait for the certificate to be issued on site
- Total: At least 2 in-person visits and considerable waiting time
Current Process:
- Get the vaccine at a health center
- Access the online portal and register a request
- Attach documents digitally
- Wait for online review (up to 5 business days)
- Print and sign the approved document
- Total: Just 1 in-person visit (for vaccination) and everything else online
This digital transformation represents not only time savings, but also greater accessibility for people who live far from Anvisa units, in addition to reducing unnecessary queues and bureaucracy.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we understand that the preparations for your international trip should be as smooth as possible. Our expert advisors are ready to advise you on all the necessary documents for your exchange, including the International Vaccination Certificate. We offer full support so you can focus on what really matters: making the most of your experience abroad. Contact us today and discover how we can make your international journey easier, safer and more unforgettable!
