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.
Common questions about Costa Rica
What vaccines do I need for Costa Rica?+
For most travellers, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for Costa Rica?+
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.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Costa Rica?+
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.
How far in advance should I get vaccines for Costa Rica?+
Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.
Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).
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.