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Yellow fever vaccine mandatory for Nigerian travelers to AFCON 2023
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to commence on January 13, 2024, the Ivorian authorities have issued a critical advisory for travelers including Nigerians.
To ensure public health and safety, the Ivorian government has declared the yellow fever vaccine mandatory for all individuals seeking access to the country during the tournament.
Travelers from Nigeria planning to support the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast must receive the yellow fever vaccine at least ten days before their scheduled departure.
The Ivorian authorities have emphasized the strict enforcement of this requirement, underscoring that enhanced checks will be conducted at all airports and borders across the nation.
All prospective attendees must adhere to this regulation, as entry to the country will be denied to those who have not received the yellow fever vaccine.
Yellow fever is classified as an acute viral hemorrhagic disease, primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), common symptoms include fever, myalgia, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting.
In light of this health measure, Nigerian travelers are urged to prioritize their well-being and comply with the vaccination mandate to ensure a smooth and safe experience during their visit to Ivory Coast for the prestigious football event.
Nigeriafootball.ng correspondent who recently traveled to Ivory Coast in November 2023, for the CAF Women’s Champions League can confirm this information.
Traveling by road from Ejigbo, Osun state, Nigeria, the journalist traveled with his voters card as a means of identification through to Benin Republic and Togo where passengers were asked to pay 2,000 Francs to cross their border.
The national identification stage started at Aflao, Ghana border post and also took place at Elubo, the border between Ghana and Ivory Coast.
At Ivory Coast border entry, thorough hand washing of passengers took place before the demand for a yellow fever vaccination card.
The passengers who don’t have the card will have to pay 2,000 Francs to be able to cross the border.
Those willing to get the yellow fever vaccination card will have to pay 8,000 Francs after taking the injection.
The reporter tendered his COVID-19 vaccination card and CAF media accreditation letter which made the health officers at the border reduce the charge to 5,000 Francs.
It was also noticed that Nigerians can also get the yellow fever vaccination card in Nigeria before traveling and they are advised to either get the card in Nigeria or plan to get one at the Ivory Coast border post.
