Planning A Year-End Holiday? You Might Need Proof Of Polio Vaccination

So before you head out for your winter holiday, here’s everything you need to know about why this certificate matters, which countries require it, and how you can get it reissued if you don’t have one.

Why Are Polio Certificates Suddenly Important Again?

Even though India has been polio-free since 2014, the virus has not been eradicated globally. A few countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Africa, still report active cases or detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage samples.

The WHO continues to list several nations as being at risk of exporting poliovirus. These include:

• Afghanistan
• Pakistan
• Nigeria
• Somalia
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Mozambique
• Syria
• Yemen

Travel to and from these countries is closely monitored, and governments are advised to ensure that travellers are vaccinated before departure.

In response, many other countries including India have adopted reciprocal or preventive measures. This means that anyone travelling to or from polio-affected nations must show proof of having received a dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) within the previous 12 months and at least four weeks before departure.

This policy helps prevent reintroduction of the virus into polio-free regions. It also means Indian citizens visiting, working, or transiting through these countries can be asked for a valid polio vaccination certificate at immigration or while applying for a visa.

Countries That May Ask Indian Travellers for a Polio Certificate

If you’re travelling from India to or through any of the following countries, carry a valid certificate:

• Afghanistan
• Pakistan
• Nigeria
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Somalia
• Syria
• Yemen
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Malawi
• Mozambique

Some travel destinations in the Middle East and Africa also require proof of vaccination if you have recently visited or transited through polio-endemic areas. For instance, Saudi Arabia may require it for pilgrims arriving for Hajj or Umrah if they come from affected regions.

Even countries that are not on the endemic list may check the certificate if you are flying via or have stayed in any high-risk location in the past 12 months.

What Kind of Certificate Do You Need?

The valid proof is called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), popularly known as the “yellow card.” It is the same document used for other travel vaccinations such as yellow fever.

This card should clearly mention:

• The traveller’s name, age, and passport number
• Type of vaccine (OPV or IPV)
• Date of vaccination
• Batch number of the vaccine
• Signature and seal of the authorised medical officer
• Name of the issuing authority or hospital

The certificate remains valid for one year from the date of vaccination.

If you had your polio doses during childhood but never obtained the certificate, or have misplaced it, you can still get a booster dose and a new certificate issued from an authorised centre.

Where to Get the Polio Vaccine Certificate in India

In India, polio vaccination certificates are issued by government-approved health centres and international vaccination facilities. Major hospitals and district immunisation offices also provide this service.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Visit your nearest government hospital, district immunisation office, or an authorised travel health centre.
2. Inform them that you are travelling abroad and need a polio vaccination certificate.
3. Receive one dose of OPV (oral drops) or IPV (injection) if required.
4. Get the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) filled out and stamped by the issuing officer.
5. Keep the original safely — photocopies or digital scans are not accepted at airports.

The process is simple, inexpensive, and takes less than an hour in most government facilities.

Who Needs It the Most?

This rule applies especially to:

• Travellers going to or coming from countries listed as polio-endemic or high-risk.
• Indians working in or returning from affected regions for more than four weeks.
• Pilgrims visiting countries like Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah if travelling through affected areas.
• Children under five years of age, who may be required to show vaccination proof at border points.

Even if you are not visiting these regions directly but have a layover in a high-risk country, it is safer to carry the certificate to avoid delays at immigration.

What If You Don’t Have the Certificate at the Airport?

If you don’t have a valid certificate, several things could happen:

• You might be asked to take the vaccine dose on the spot at the airport or port health centre before being allowed to board or enter.
• In some cases, your travel could be delayed or your visa could face verification delays.
• Certain countries may deny entry or impose quarantine rules for travellers without proof.

So it’s better to handle this before you travel rather than deal with the hassle abroad.

A Common Misconception: Childhood Vaccines Are Enough

Most Indians received their polio drops under the Pulse Polio program as children. However, these doses alone are not sufficient for travel compliance unless they are documented on an international certificate.

Moreover, many countries require a recent dose administered within the last 12 months. So even if your immunity remains, the travel document is still mandatory.

Why It’s a Global Requirement

Despite near-eradication, isolated outbreaks of wild and vaccine-derived poliovirus still occur. The WHO continues to classify polio as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

By enforcing vaccination proof at borders, countries aim to prevent reimportation of the virus. India itself requires such documentation for travellers arriving from or departing to polio-endemic countries, to maintain its polio-free status achieved after decades of effort.

What Travellers Should Do Now

If you are planning to travel in the next few months for work, pilgrimage, or vacation take these steps now:

1. Check whether your destination or transit countries are on the WHO’s high-risk list.
2. If yes, visit your nearest authorised health centre and take a booster dose if needed.
3. Get your yellow certificate filled and stamped correctly.
4. Make a digital copy but always carry the original during travel.
5. Double-check your vaccination date it must be within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to travel.

The polio vaccination certificate is one of those small but vital documents that can make or break your international trip. Even though India is polio-free, global health regulations still require travellers to show proof of protection when visiting or passing through affected countries.

So before you pack your bags for that long-awaited year-end holiday, take a few minutes to check your vaccination status. If you can’t find your childhood record, get a booster and the proper certificate now. It’s a simple precaution that ensures your travel plans and global health goals, stay uninterrupted.