Health officials have issued a travel alert for parts of South America after an unusual surge in Yellow Fever infections outside traditional risk zones. Warning-level measures are in place from July 1 2025 until health ministries declare control. Travelers to Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru should ensure immunity ten days before entry and practice strict mosquito precautions. Local authorities report limited yellow fever vaccine stocks, raising concern for unprotected populations.
At-a-Glance: Severity: Warning, Affected Area: Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Effective: Jul 1 - Ongoing 2025
Key Points
- Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru confirm over 240 cases and 90 deaths in 2025.
- Impact on travelers: proof of Yellow Fever vaccine now checked at many land and air borders.
- Colombian health ministry declared a nationwide health emergency on Apr 17 2025.
- WHO and PAHO rate regional outbreak risk as "High."
- Expect vaccination-certificate spot checks on buses, boats, and domestic flights.
What Is Happening
Yellow Fever, a mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic disease, is resurging across the Andean-Amazon fringe. WHO records show cases spreading from forest corridors into peri-urban zones of Tolima, Colombia, La Paz, Bolivia, and Amazonas, Peru. Fatality tops 40 percent where patients lack prior immunization. Health officials warn of possible urban transmission if daytime-biting Aedes aegypti colonize city centers. Vaccine coverage in the three countries averages below 80 percent, well under herd-immunity goals. Limited yellow fever vaccine supply and deforestation that disturbs sylvatic cycles amplify risk. The outbreak remains classified as "High" until eight consecutive epidemiological weeks pass without new human or primate cases.
Official Guidance
- Vaccination: WHO and national ministries require a single lifetime dose but advise boosters for immunocompromised travelers. Carry an International Certificate of Vaccination.
- Entry Rules: Colombia now bars unvaccinated visitors over nine months of age from endemic departments. Peru and Bolivia demand certificates for jungle-bound domestic flights.
- Mosquito Control: Ministries recommend long-sleeve clothing, EPA-listed repellents, treated nets, and window screens for mosquito bite prevention.
- Symptom Protocol: Fever, jaundice, or bleeding within six days of entering risk areas warrants immediate isolation and testing at designated arbovirus clinics.
- Refunds & Rebooking: LATAM, Avianca, and BOA allow free date changes to affected regions when travelers present medical or vaccination-supply documentation.
Practical Steps
Verify clinic appointments and confirm Yellow Fever vaccine availability before departure, especially if transiting Bogotá or Lima. Arrive early at airports to allow certificate inspection. Pack 30 % DEET or 20 % picaridin repellent, permethrin-treated garments, and sealed window mesh for jungle lodges. Practice round-the-clock mosquito bite prevention; Haemagogus vectors bite at dawn and dusk, while Aedes bite during daylight. Consider trip-cancellation insurance that covers government health bans. U.S. citizens can register with STEP, while Canadian travelers should enroll with ROCA. Keep embassy emergency contacts offline in case connectivity fails. For evolving rules, follow our Global Travel Alerts hub page.
Final Thoughts
Monitor health-ministry channels daily, and avoid forest excursions if vaccination status is uncertain. Carry extra repellent to assist unprepared companions and reduce community risk. Travel regulations can change rapidly. Confirm requirements with official channels before departure.