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
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Costa Rica. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
December to April is the dry season on the Pacific side. The Caribbean coast is wet most of the year with a drier window in September and October.
Travel health in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the easier tropical destinations: good private healthcare, tap water that is safe in most of the Central Valley, and no yellow fever requirement unless you arrive from a yellow fever country. The risks are the ones that come with rainforests and beaches. Dengue is present year-round and rises in the rainy season, malaria is very limited and mostly a bite-prevention question, and travelers' diarrhea is moderately common. Adventure activities, sun and strong Pacific currents cause more visitor injuries than any infection.
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
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
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead
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 risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
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.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
May to November
Dengue
Both coasts and the lowlands, especially Puntarenas, Limón and Guanacaste. Aedes mosquitoes bite by day.
Peak
Year-round, strongest May to November on the Pacific
Rip currents and surf injuries
Drowning is the leading cause of visitor death in Costa Rica. Swim only where lifeguards or locals indicate it is safe.
Peak
May to November
Leptospirosis
Freshwater exposure after heavy rain, canyoning and river activities. Cover cuts and avoid swallowing river water.
Water & food safety
Water
Tap water in San José and most of the Central Valley is treated and generally safe. Use bottled water on the Caribbean coast, in remote areas and in small beach towns, where supply is less reliable.
Food
Food hygiene standards are high by regional norms. Sodas (small family restaurants) serving cooked casados are reliable. Take the usual care with raw shellfish, unwashed salads and cut fruit from street vendors in the heat.
Medications
Pharmacies are well stocked and pharmacists can dispense many medications, including some antibiotics, without a prescription. Bring controlled medications with documentation; quantities beyond personal use can be questioned.
On the ground
Medical facilities
San José's private hospitals (CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, Hospital La Católica) are excellent and used to international patients. Coastal towns have clinics for minor problems; serious cases go to San José by road or air.
Travel insurance
Travel medical insurance is strongly advised and should cover adventure activities (zip-lining, rafting, surfing) that standard policies exclude.
Emergency numbers
Police
911
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
911
U.S. Embassy
+506-2519-2000
Costa Rica travel health FAQ
Do I need malaria pills for Costa Rica?▼
Almost never. Malaria transmission is very low and limited to a few areas, mostly in Limón and Alajuela provinces. The CDC advises bite prevention rather than prophylaxis for most itineraries. Dengue is the mosquito disease to plan for.
Is Costa Rica's tap water safe to drink?▼
In San José and the Central Valley, generally yes. Along the Caribbean coast, in remote lodges and small beach towns, use bottled or filtered water. Ice in established restaurants is safe.
Which vaccines do I need for Costa Rica?▼
Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, and typhoid for longer or rural travel. Hepatitis B for anyone who might need medical care or have close contact with residents. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you arrive from a country with yellow fever transmission, including some South American and African countries.
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.
Plan your Costa Rica trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Costa Rica — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Costa Rica · 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.