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.
What should I do if there is an emergency?
Is it safe to swim at Costa Rican beaches?
Will I need specific vaccinations or malaria pills?
Are there a lot of mosquitoes in Costa Rica?
How can I prevent mosquito-borne illnesses?
Is there a lot of crime in Costa Rica?
Will I have access to medical facilities?
Will I have access to medicine if I need it?
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