Will I need specific vaccinations or malaria pills?
Good to Know
Travelers from the United States, Canada, or Europe are not required to obtain special immunizations for Costa Rica, though the CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccinations, plus typhoid and hepatitis A. Malaria is not a significant threat, so malaria pills are generally unnecessary. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for those arriving from specific countries in Africa and South America. Always consult your physician and the official CDC website for the most current health advice before your trip.
If you are coming from the United States, Canada or Europe, you are not required to obtain any special immunizations. However, the United States Center for Disease Control recommends that you be up to date with all routine vaccinations such as the MMR, polio, chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and the yearly flu shot. The CDC also recommends travelers get vaccinated for typhoid and hepatitis A. Please check the official CDC website for details. In addition, you should also check with your physician prior to traveling.
Malaria is not a real threat in Costa Rica, so you do not need to take malaria pills. There are only a few cases reported each year and usually in very remote locations. However, to be safe, we recommend consulting with your physician.
You will be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from any of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, and Venezuela.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are specific vaccinations required for travel to Costa Rica from the US, Canada, or Europe?
Travelers from the United States, Canada, or Europe are not required to obtain special immunizations for Costa Rica. However, the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends being up-to-date with all routine vaccinations, and also suggests vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A.
Are malaria pills necessary for a trip to Costa Rica?
Malaria is not considered a significant threat in Costa Rica, with only a few cases reported annually in very remote locations. Therefore, malaria pills are generally not needed, but it is always recommended to consult with your physician prior to traveling.
Who needs a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Costa Rica?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from specific countries in Africa and South America. These include Angola, Benin, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ghana, Peru, Venezuela, and others listed by authorities.