Travelling Abroad Without a Vaccine? Here’s What You Need to Know
While most travellers can meet vaccination requirements for international trips, some people can’t receive certain vaccines for genuine medical reasons. This could be due to a severe allergy, a heart condition, or another health issue. Being medically exempt doesn’t mean your travel plans have to stop.
That’s where ZoomDoc’s vaccine exemption certificate comes in. Issued by a GMC-registered doctor, this letter confirms that you are medically unfit to receive a particular vaccine, ensuring you can travel without unnecessary delays or denied entry.
Why a Vaccine Exemption Certificate Matters
Many destinations and airlines now ask travellers to show proof of vaccination against diseases such as COVID-19, yellow fever, or influenza. For those who cannot safely receive these vaccines, an exemption certificate acts as an alternative form of proof recognised by airlines, embassies, and border control authorities around the world.
It also provides reassurance to both travellers and officials that a qualified doctor has assessed your case and confirmed your exemption for valid clinical reasons.
Being medically exempt doesn’t have to affect your travel plans.
Clinically Valid Reasons for Vaccine Exemption
At ZoomDoc, our GMC-registered doctors can issue certificates when vaccination is not medically appropriate or safe. Clinical reasons may include:
- Severe allergic reactions to a previous vaccine
- Known allergy to a vaccine component (e.g. polyethylene glycol in mRNA vaccines)
- History of anaphylaxis to vaccines
- Myocarditis or pericarditis following a COVID-19 vaccine
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (especially post-COVID infection)
- Ongoing moderate or severe illness that could worsen with vaccination
- Severe learning disabilities or autism, where vaccination causes significant distress
- End-of-life care, where vaccination is not in the patient’s best interest
How Does It Work
ZoomDoc’s process is designed to be fast, secure, and medically sound to ensure the certificate meets clinical and travel requirements.
Step 1: Complete an Online Assessment
After payment, you will fill out a secure online form outlining your medical background and the vaccine you’re unable to receive. You will also need to upload:
- A valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Your Summary Care Record or a letter confirming diagnosis
- A 30–60 second video confirming your identity and condition
Step 2. Doctor Review and Approval
Our doctors will review your documents and determine whether your condition meets the exemption criteria. If it does, we will issue a verified certificate on the same day. Otherwise, we will gladly issue a full refund.
You may need a vaccine exemption certificate for international travel to countries with vaccine mandates.
Will You Need a Vaccine Exemption Certificate?
A medical vaccine exemption certificate may be required for:
- International travel to destinations with vaccine entry rules
- Cruise boarding, where vaccination proof is mandatory
- Visa applications that request immunisation documentation
- Workplace or study programmes with vaccine policies
Travel with Confidence
A medical vaccine exemption certificate helps you stay compliant with international regulations while protecting your health. With ZoomDoc, you can be confident that your exemption is clinically justified, professionally issued, and recognised worldwide.