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Central America

🇨🇷 Vaccines for Costa Rica

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Costa Rica

Costa Rica requires no specific travel vaccines for entry from most countries, though Hepatitis A is recommended given exposure to varied food and water sources outside resort areas. A very limited malaria risk exists in some border and Caribbean coast lowland areas, but prophylaxis isn't usually required for standard tourist itineraries focused on national parks, beaches, and eco-lodges. Dengue is endemic and the most relevant mosquito-borne risk, present throughout the country including popular tourist areas. Costa Rica is known for ecotourism, biodiversity, and a generally well-developed (for the region) tourism infrastructure with good safety standards. Healthcare in San José is good; more remote eco-lodge areas have more limited access, though most are reasonably well set up for handling minor visitor issues.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry

No vaccines required for entry to this destination.

Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk outside tourist facilities.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (limited — border areas and Caribbean coast lowlands)
  • ⚠Dengue (endemic)
  • ⚠Zika
  • ⚠Leptospirosis (water/mud contact)
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€204
(~$222)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
MexicoGuatemalaBelizeHonduras
Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Costa Rica?
No vaccines are required for entry from most countries. Hepatitis A is recommended given exposure to varied food sources, particularly for itineraries that go beyond resort dining into local restaurants and markets — a common part of the Costa Rica experience.
Is there malaria in Costa Rica?
A very limited malaria risk exists in some border and Caribbean lowland areas, but prophylaxis isn't usually necessary for standard tourist itineraries covering national parks, Pacific beaches, and eco-lodges. Dengue is the more relevant mosquito-borne concern.
Is tap water safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, generally. Tap water in San José and most established tourist areas is safe to drink, reflecting Costa Rica's relatively good infrastructure for the region. In more remote areas, bottled water is still a reasonable precaution.
What is the biggest health risk in Costa Rica?
Dengue is the most relevant infectious disease risk, present throughout the country including popular destinations. There is no widely available vaccine for most travellers — mosquito repellent is the main prevention. Beyond this, activity-related risks (hiking, water sports, wildlife encounters) are a more practical consideration than vaccine-preventable disease for most visitors.