Moderate riskAmericas · Central AmericaCosta Rica Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Costa Rica carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in Alajuela and Limón provinces. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for travel to Costa Rica, but is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are current before traveling
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Costa Rica, including infants 6-11 months old
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60, and may be considered for those 60 and older
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles, including infants 6-11 months who need an early dose
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead
Rabies
Rabies vaccine may be recommended based on your activities and access to medical care. Rabies is present in bats but not commonly in dogs
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for travel to Costa Rica, but is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in Alajuela and Limón provinces. Take antimalarial medication if visiting these areas. Other parts of Costa Rica have rare to no transmission.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Rural Limón province; low risk in San José.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in Alajuela and Limón provinces. Take antimalarial medication if visiting these areas. Other parts of Costa Rica have rare to no transmission.
Emergency numbers
Police
911
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
911
U.S. Embassy
+506-2519-2000
More country guides
BelizeModerate riskBelize carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Belize. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
El SalvadorLow riskEl Salvador carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for protection in El Salvador, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
GuatemalaModerate riskGuatemala carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in 5 departments: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, and Petén. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for disease protection in Guatemala, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.