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Central America

🇨🇷 Vaccines for Costa Rica

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Costa Rica

Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Malaria risk exists in low-lying rural areas, particularly on the Caribbean coast — risk is low in San José and the main Pacific coast tourist areas. Yellow Fever required if arriving from endemic countries. Rabies worth considering for rural travel.

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
When to book

Book 2–4 weeks before travel. Costa Rica is relatively low-risk. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done with a short lead time. If visiting very remote Caribbean coast areas with malaria risk, discuss timing with your clinic.

Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Costa Rica?
No vaccines are required for entry. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Yellow Fever proof is needed if arriving from an endemic country. Costa Rica has good tourist infrastructure and is lower risk than many Central American destinations.
Is there malaria in Costa Rica?
Malaria risk in Costa Rica is low and mainly limited to remote rural areas on the Caribbean coast and near the Nicaraguan border. San José, the Pacific coast, and the main tourist areas are effectively malaria-free.
Is tap water safe in Costa Rica?
Tap water is safe to drink in San José and most tourist areas — Costa Rica has better water infrastructure than most of Central America. In very remote rural areas, use bottled water.
What is the biggest health risk in Costa Rica?
Dengue is the most significant travel health risk in Costa Rica, particularly in the wet season. No vaccine is widely available. Use DEET repellent and cover up during peak mosquito hours.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.