Destinations / Americas / Costa Rica

Travel vaccines for Costa Rica

A lower risk destination. Mosquito bite avoidance is the main thing, as dengue and chikungunya both occur.

Vaccines for Costa Rica

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Current health alerts

  • Chikungunya outbreak reported in July 2026 on the Guanacaste coast, around Playa Langosta and Santa Cruz.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Argentina and Panama are exempt.
  • Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

Malaria

Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised.

  • Low risk in Limon Province, apart from the city of Limon: awareness and bite avoidance.
  • Very low risk in the rest of the country.
  • Chloroquine is the option named for travellers at higher risk going to Limon Province, in exceptional circumstances.

Other health risks

Zika

There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.

Altitude

The central mountains rise above 2,500 metres.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment.

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813