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?
💡 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).
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.
🧬 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. |
| 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 (For select travelers) | Not routine, but may be considered for older adults or long-term stays. More on this below. |
🦟 What About Malaria in Costa Rica?
Low risk in Costa Rica overall. Some risk exists in parts of Alajuela and Limón province. Most travelers 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 the most 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 the Chikungunya Vaccine?
While chikungunya isn’t as well-known as dengue or Zika, it’s another mosquito-borne virus that has circulated in Costa Rica within the past 5 years. The risk is not high for short-term travelers, but some people may benefit from the vaccine.
💉 Who should consider the chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ)?
- Travelers aged 65 or older, especially with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, who will be in areas with mosquitoes for 2 weeks or more (total time — not just consecutive).
- Long-term travelers spending 6 months or more in Costa Rica, regardless of age or itinerary.
⚠️ The chikungunya vaccine is new (approved in late 2023) and may not be widely available in all countries. Ask your travel clinic early if it can be ordered — some places may not stock it routinely yet.
🦟 As with dengue, mosquito bite prevention is still your best first line of defense: repellent, long clothing, and screened accommodations.
Learn more about Ways to Prevent Chikungunya
🤔 Do You Really Need All These Vaccines?
| Trip Type | Recommended Vaccines | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tourist Circuit (San José, Arenal, Monteverde, Pacific beaches) | Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Flu | Good infrastructure but food/water risks still exist. Tetanus important for hiking. Rabies and typhoid usually unnecessary unless going rural. |
| Backpacking or Rural Travel (Local buses, homestays, off-path towns) | Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies | More exposure to unregulated food, animals, rural healthcare. Rabies and typhoid more relevant. |
| Adventure Travel (Caving, jungle treks, research trips) | Hep A, Tetanus, Rabies, (Typhoid) | High-risk activities. Bats, monkey scratches, remote clinics = prep essential. |
| Volunteering or Long-Term Stay | Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Hep B, Rabies, Chikungunya | Prolonged exposure increases cumulative risk. Hep B often overlooked but useful. |
💡 If you’re 65+ or have chronic health issues and will be in mosquito-prone areas for ≥2 weeks, ask about the chikungunya vaccine.
💡Don’t forget routine vaccines such as MMR!
🚫 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 (like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia;). |
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.
💉 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.
⏱️ 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 |
🧳 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.
- 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?
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like these:
🚽 How to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea (Without Going Overboard)
💊 What to Pack in Your Travel Health Kit (Better to be Prepared)
🛡️ Travel Insurance vs. Credit Card Coverage: What’s Actually Covered?
❓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.
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