Costa Rica Travel Vaccines

Costa Rica Travel Vaccines April 2025

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.K.'s Fit For Travel, visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica in April 2025 may be exposed to mosquito-transmitted infectious diseases. The CDC recommends checking the vaccine list and seeing a healthcare provider at least a month before visiting Costa Rica in 2025. The Costa Rica Health Department's Boletín Epidemiológico N°12, dated April 4, 2025, confirmed that the incidence of Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, or Zika virus infections varies by location in this Central American country. Additionally, Boletín Epidemiológico Mensual #2 was published in April 2025, highlighting various infectious diseases in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel Vaccination Advisories

As of April 18, 2025, Canada, the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and the U.S. CDC have issued travel advisories and vaccine recommendations for visiting Costa Rica and Central America. In March 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica and the U.K. NHS issued health alerts, including a spike in histoplasmosis cases associated with caving activities in Costa Rica. Previously, the U.S. Department of State Embassy alerted U.S. citizens on April 15, 2025, that some citizens have suffered adverse effects or died from exposure to odorless and dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Additionally, effective April 9, 2025, Costa Rican health authorities issued a preventive ban on the harvesting and sale of bivalve mollusks (such as piangua, mussels, clams, and oysters) from the coastal area between Playa Herradura and the mouth of the Guacimal River.

Costa Rica Chikungunya

In 2025, seven Chikungunya cases were reported. As of December 2024, about 405 Chikungunya infections had been reported. There were  82  chikungunya cases confirmed in Costa Rica in 2023. Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® vaccine is approved in various countries.

Costa Rica Dengue

Costa Rica has confirmed that dengue fever is classified as a high-risk health issue due to an increase in classic and hemorrhagic infections, and it poses a year-round health risk. Over 1,957 dengue cases were reported in 2025, with the Central Sur Region leading the way. About 31,200 cases were reported in 2024, 24,914 cases in 2023, and 7,485 cases in 2022. Costa Rica has been included in the U.S. CDC's 2025 global dengue advisory. In Costa Rica, between 2019 and 2021, the circulation of DENV-3 was not reported. However, in 2022, this serotype represented 0.18% of the total serotyped samples, a percentage that increased to 25% by 2023. In 2024, DENV-3 was 56% of the total serotyped samples.

The QDENGA® dengue vaccine is available in various countries in Central America.

Costa Rica Hepatitis

Various hepatitis vaccines are available in Costa Rica. According to data from the Health Surveillance Directorate, the total number of hepatitis A cases during 2024 is 156, with 2,309 cases registered in 2023 and 323 in 2022. 

Costa Rica Leprosy 

Costa Rica reported over 677 cases of leprosy in 2023. In the Americas, 24 countries reported 21.398 new leprosy (Hansen's bacillus) cases in 2023.

Costa Rica Malaria

As of April 2025, six confirmed cases of malaria have been reported. In 2024, the PAHO reported 232 locally acquired malaria cases in Costa Rica; 544 were confirmed in 2023, and about 406 locally acquired malaria cases were reported in 2022. Costa Rica's Ministry of Health has implemented a treatment and reduction strategy for Malaria, especially in low-lying zones. Autochthonous (local) cases in the Northern Huetar Region decreased from 378 in 2022 to 128 in 2023, and as of the beginning of October 2024, only eight cases have been reported. 

As of 2025, no WHO-approved malaria vaccine is available in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Measles Vaccine

In 2025, MMR vaccines are offered in Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica Yellow Fever Vaccine

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health has published a notice regarding changes to the yellow fever certificate requirements for travelers, which took effect in January 2025. The requirement for yellow fever vaccination for Costa Ricans and foreigners traveling to or from a country with risk is not a new measure, but it was established in 2007. Suppose you travel to Costa Rica from South America and/or sub-Saharan Africa. In that case, you will require a yellow fever vaccination, so be prepared to show the yellow fever vaccination certificate at the airport when arriving. A yellow fever vaccination (YF-VAX or Stamaril) certificate (ICVP) may be required at the airport when visiting Costa Rica in 2025. Foreigners who arrive in Costa Rica from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Additionally, countries in Africa have been added. And do not present the ICVP to the immigration authority, as you may not be allowed to enter the territory.

Costa Rica Zika Vaccine

Costa Rica reported 6 Zika cases as of April 18, 2025, 32 in 2024, and 13 in 2023. No Zika vaccine will be available in Costa Rica in 2025.

Costa Rica Travel Advisories

In February 2025, the U.S. Department of State upgraded its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, Travel Advisory for Costa Rica. In 2025, the U.S. Embassy in San Jose received reports regarding several incidents near the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the Tobías Bolaños Airport in Pavas, and the Limón Airport also welcome visitors. Local media reported in April 2025 that tourism businesses in Brasilito and Potrero have challenges. 

In March 2025, local media (TicoTimes) reported that "perpetual tourism" in Costa Rica had raised concerns among policymakers.

The Embassy publishes health topics vital to U.S. citizens in Costa Rica and recommends enrolling in NEWSMART to facilitate contact between the U.S. Embassy or consulate and you during an emergency, as well as to receive safety and security alerts. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll in their trip abroad.