Finally, after two years of being unable to travel due to Covid-19 and a full scale Taiwan lockdown, I am getting on an airplane and flying home to Hawai’i! If you’re like me (a worrier!) you’ve gone over the lists of requirements for traveling internationally many times. And according to Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), some people need to obtain proof of vaccination in the form of an international vaccine passport before traveling abroad. Technically refereed to as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), (also known locally by the entirely uncreative nickname, “Yellow Card”…because it’s a yellow colored card), some countries require it at immigration.
As a travel document, it is a medical passport that is recognized internationally and may be required for entry to certain countries where there are increased health risks for travelers. It records proof of vaccination against a wide range of diseases, such as meningitis, tetanus, polio, yellow fever, and of course, Covid-19.
Being the overthinker that I am, with a mantra of “better safe than sorry”, I decided to go and get my Yellow Card in Taipei City this week. Having two vaccination records seemed safer than having one. To my surprise, the process was simple and easy!
You’ll need:
Your current NHI (National Health Insurance card issued in Taiwan) and ID (passport, ARC)
Your Covid-19 (etc) vaccination record
Cash, as hospitals in Taiwan do not accept credit cards or debit cards
There are many hospitals around Taipei City and New Taipei City, so call the CDC or check their website for a location convenient for you. I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital, located at No. 92, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City and a short walk from Shuanglian MRT. I did not book an appointment in advance, and walk-ins for this are welcome from 9am-5pm.
Entering the hospital I was immediately approached by not one, not two, but three smiling and helpful women at the information desk. They knew exactly what I needed and walked me to the second floor of the hospital, to Family Medicine Room 5. It was there that a nurse took my information (my NHI card and Taiwanese proof of Covid-19 vaccination), and told me to wait to see the doctor on staff. I waited for perhaps five minutes before seeing a friendly and clearly overworked doctor who asked me a few questions and took my documents. I was told by the nurse that I had to go and pay and return with a receipt, and my Yellow Card would be ready to go!
Around the corner on the second floor was the payment desk, and it cost me 730NTD, or roughly $26USD.
Returning to Family Medicine Room 5, the nurse handed me my completed Yellow Card and told me how to fill in the required information (name, date of birth, passport number).
All in all, the process took me less than one hour. If you’re a long time expat like me, you know that Taiwan can sometimes make a simply process into a confusing and chaotic mess. (I’m looking at you, banking in Taiwan!) But this was an easy and straight-forward procedure.
You may not need an International Certificate of Vaccination, but I haven’t traveled in two years and wanted to play it as safe as possible. Check with the CDC and see what they recommend for you. And stay safe!
Jaclynn Joyce 