Vaccinations for Costa Rica
Costa Rica does not require any specific vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, several vaccinations are recommended by the CDC and WHO for travelers. If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, proof of vaccination may be required.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Costa Rica?
No mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from the US, Canada, or Europe. However, the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccinations and considers Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines recommended for most travelers. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Yellow Fever Requirement
If you are arriving from or have recently traveled through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (parts of Africa and South America), you must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. This does not apply to travelers coming directly from the US, Canada, or Europe.
Recommended Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Recommended | Spread through contaminated food or water. Recommended for most travelers. Two-dose series provides long-term protection. |
| Typhoid | Recommended | Especially if visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or eating street food. Available as oral or injectable vaccine. |
| Hepatitis B | Consider | Recommended if you might have sexual contact, get tattoos or piercings, or undergo medical procedures. Three-dose series. |
| Rabies | Consider | Consider if you plan extended outdoor activities, work with animals, or travel to remote areas where medical care is limited. Bats are the primary rabies risk in Costa Rica. |
| Yellow Fever | Required* | *Only required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Not needed for direct travel from the US, Canada, or Europe. |
| Routine Vaccines | Recommended | Ensure you are up to date on MMR, DPT/Tdap, Varicella, Polio, and annual flu shot. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended but not required for entry. |
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya
These mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Costa Rica, particularly in lowland and coastal areas. There are no vaccines for these diseases (except a limited dengue vaccine). The best prevention is avoiding mosquito bites: use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and use screens or mosquito nets.
Dengue Fever
Most common mosquito-borne illness in Costa Rica. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. Seek medical attention if you develop a high fever after being bitten.
Malaria Risk
Malaria risk in Costa Rica is very low and limited to some remote areas. The CDC does not recommend antimalarial medication for most travelers to Costa Rica. Consult your doctor if visiting very remote lowland areas.
Before You Travel
Visit a travel medicine clinic or your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations and health precautions. The CDC Travelers' Health website (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) has the most current recommendations for Costa Rica.