Last Updated on September 28, 2025
Pura Vida! Planning your adventure to Costa Rica — land of volcanoes, sloths, surf, and vibrant rainforests? While you’re dreaming about cloud forests and coffee tours, it’s smart to also think about travel health. The official Costa Rica vaccines list suggested by CDC and WHO looks quite long — but do you actually need all of them for your trip?
This guide breaks down which vaccines are actually recommended based on your Costa Rica itinerary — whether you’re sticking to the main tourist trail or venturing into remote jungle. Let’s get you ready with practical, traveler-focused advice.
💡 Need help figuring out travel vaccines for other countries too? Check out my Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2025 Guide).
🧬 Vaccines Commonly Recommended for Costa Rica
Think of this list as a starting point — not a checklist for everyone.
| Vaccine | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A (Highly Recommended) | Spread through contaminated food/water. Even in tourist zones, it’s a common recommendation. |
| Typhoid (Often Recommended) | Risk increases with local/street food and rural areas. |
| Tetanus (DPT/Tdap) (Routine) | Needed for any outdoor activity where you might get a cut or scrape. |
| Rabies (Only for some travelers) | Consider if you’ll be around animals (bats, wild animals) or in remote areas. |
| Hepatitis B (Routine) | Relevant for longer stays, potential medical exposure, or certain activities. Suggested for unvaccinated under 60 years. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated. |
| Influenza (Seasonal Flu) (Routine) | Especially if traveling during flu season or flying. |
| COVID-19 (Still Recommended) | No longer required for entry, but still useful protection. |
| Routine Childhood Vaccines (Essential) | Make sure you’re up to date on MMR, polio, varicella, etc. |
💡 Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended unless for those 18 years and older and traveling or moving to an area with elevated risk for 6 months or more. (As per CDC, FDA has suspended the use of this vaccine IXCHIQ since Aug 22, 2025)
🦟 What About Malaria in Costa Rica?
Malaria risk exists in parts of Alajuela and Limón province. Travelers to other areas do not need antimalarial medication, but always check the CDC map for updates if you’ll be off the beaten path.
You’ll need strong mosquito protection regardless — not just for malaria, but for Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, which are far more common.
Learn more about Ways to Prevent Malaria
🦟 Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Dengue, Zika in Costa Rica
Dengue fever is a common mosquito-borne illness in Costa Rica. Outbreaks happen year-round, especially in the rainy season (May–November) and in coastal or lowland areas.
- There’s no vaccine in Canada / U.S. for travelers, so prevention is key: use insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodations.
- Symptoms include fever, rash, and severe fatigue — it can seriously ruin a trip.
Learn more about Ways to Prevent Dengue Virus
Zika virus is still present, though reported cases have dropped since the 2016 outbreak. It’s usually mild, but can cause serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
- Avoid travel if pregnant or trying to conceive soon.
- Use mosquito protection and practice safe sex during and after travel (Zika can be sexually transmitted).
Learn more about Ways to Prevent Zika Virus
💡 Don’t let this scare you — just be prepared. Good mosquito protection goes a long way.
🤔 Do You Really Need All These Vaccines?
| Trip Type | Recommended Vaccines | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tourist Circuit (San José, Arenal, Monteverde, Pacific beaches) | Hepatitis A, Routine (Tetanus, MMR, Polio), Flu, COVID-19 (Hep B note*) | • Food/water risks still exist • Tetanus important for hiking • Rabies & Typhoid usually unnecessary unless rural • Hep B not a big risk for short trips unless medical/tattoo/sexual exposure |
| Backpacking or Rural Travel (Local buses, homestays, off-path towns) | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Routine (Tetanus, MMR, Polio), Flu, COVID-19, Rabies (+ Hep B*) | • More exposure to unregulated food • Higher chance of animal contact • Limited healthcare access • Hep B more relevant if longer stay or medical/tattoo exposure |
| Adventure Travel (Caving, jungle treks, research trips) | Hepatitis A, Rabies, Routine (Tetanus, MMR, Polio), Flu, COVID-19, (Typhoid optional, + Hep B*) | • Risk from bats, monkeys, caves • Remote clinics = limited care • Typhoid if eating local/rural food • Hep B possible if medical care needed in remote areas |
| Volunteering or Long-Term Stay | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Routine (Tetanus, MMR, Polio), Flu, COVID-19 (+ Chikungunya for some) | • Prolonged exposure = higher cumulative risk • Medical/tattoo/sexual exposure = Hep B important • Rabies & Typhoid often relevant • Chikungunya for older adults or >6 months in mosquito-prone areas |
💡 Bottom Line: Most short-term tourists only need Hepatitis A, Tetanus, MMR + other routine vaccines, Flu, and COVID-19. Typhoid, Rabies, and Hep B become more relevant for rural, adventure, or long-term travel.
* Hepatitis B Note: The CDC now recommends Hep B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults under 60 years old, and selectively for 60+. In practice, risk is highest if you’ll need medical care, get tattoos/piercings, have new sexual partners, or stay long-term.
🚫 Entry Requirements & Mandatory Vaccines
Most are recommended but not required to enter Costa Rica.
| Vaccine | Entry Requirement? |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | ❌ Not required for entry as of 2024 |
| Yellow Fever | ✅ Only if arriving from a Yellow Fever–endemic country (ex. Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia + others). Countries with Yellow Fever Risk |
Coming from Canada, the U.S., or Europe? You probably don’t need the Yellow Fever vaccine unless you’ve recently been to a high-risk country.
💰 How Much Do Travel Vaccines Cost? (Canada)
🇨🇦 Canada Estimates
| Vaccine | Estimated Cost (CAD/USD) |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | $80–150 (2 doses) |
| Typhoid | $50–100 (oral or injection) |
| Rabies | $200+ per dose (3 doses usually needed) |
| Chikungunya | $205-$250 (injection) |
| Hepatitis B | ~$60–80 (per dose) |
| Tetanus | Often covered if part of routine care |
💡 Tip: Most travel insurance doesn’t cover preventative vaccines, but check if your private or employer health plan offers reimbursement.
⏱️ When to Get Vaccinated Before Your Trip
| When You Should Start | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ideally 4–6 weeks before departure | Time for full immunity + booster doses if needed |
| Rabies & Hep B | Require multiple doses over several weeks |
| Last-minute travel? | Still worth getting what you can — some protection is better than none |
💉 Getting Vaccines in Costa Rica?
Available in private clinics, but get vaccinated before you go to ensure proper timing and quality. Especially important for Rabies and Hep A series.
🧳 Other Travel Health Tips for Costa Rica
Vaccines are one layer — here’s how to stay well on the ground:
- Drink safely: Tap water is often safe in tourist zones but stick to bottled or filtered water when unsure.
- Eat smart: Enjoy the food — but avoid raw meat, salads in rural areas, and unpasteurized dairy.
- Mosquito defense: Use DEET or picaridin repellent. Wear long sleeves in jungle or at dusk.
- Sun protection: Tropical sun is intense — high SPF, hats, and hydration are key.
- Hiking safely: Trails can be slick. Clean scrapes, wear good shoes, and don’t rush near waterfalls.
- Altitude watch: Cerro Chirripó is over 12,500 ft (3,800 m) — acclimatize slowly and know altitude sickness signs. Learn more about altitude illness and prevention.
- Animal caution: Admire monkeys and sloths from afar. Avoid feeding or touching wildlife — for your safety and theirs.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Focus on Smart Protection
You don’t need every vaccine in the book — just the ones that make sense for your travel style and plans. When in doubt, talk to a travel health provider for personalized advice. With the right vaccines, smart habits, and a healthy dose of common sense, you’ll be free to enjoy Costa Rica’s wild beauty to the fullest.
✈️ Safe travels! And if you’re visiting other countries nearby, don’t miss my regional travel vaccine guides.
✈️ Want to Travel Even Smarter?
Looking for more tips to stay healthy while traveling? Check out these guides:
- 🦠 Traveler’s Diarrhea: Prevention and Treatment
- 💊 Essential Travel Health Kit: What Medications to Pack
- ☀️ Southeast Asia Heat Survival Guide: Prevent Dehydration & Heatstroke
- 🦟 Ways to Prevent Dengue Fever in Cambodia
- 🧳 Best Travel Insurance for Canadians (2025)
❓FAQ: Costa Rica Travel Vaccines
Only if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. If you’re coming from Canada, the U.S., or Europe, it’s not required.
Some private clinics offer vaccines, but it’s better to get them before your trip — especially for rabies or multi-dose series like Hep A and B.
Ideally 4–6 weeks before travel to allow time for immunity and booster doses.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Vaccine recommendations can vary based on your personal health history, travel plans, and local health advisories. Always consult a licensed travel health professional or your doctor for personalized medical guidance before your trip.
While I strive to keep the information accurate and up to date (as of 2025), health regulations and disease risks can change. Check with official sources such as the CDC, WHO, NaTHNaC, and your country’s travel health clinic for the most current guidance.
Reference
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel Health – Costa Rica. Available at: CDC – Costa Rica Travel Health
- World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Vaccination. Available at: WHO – Vaccines
About the Author
Jun is a Canadian pharmacist and the writer behind Mindful Travel and Health. I believe in simplifying travel health advice so every traveler can feel confident on their journey. I continue to expand my knowledge to help improve health outcomes for global travelers. Learn more →
