Costa Rica Travel Guide

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Costa Rica Health Care and Vaccinations

Title	Special precautions
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	No **
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*


* Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only for travellers arriving from, or who have recently visited, certain countries in Africa and South America where yellow fever is present. The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and must be presented on arrival if required. Travellers transiting only through the airport of a yellow fever risk country without entering that country are generally exempt. Visitors should check the latest official requirements before travel, as the list of affected countries may change. ** Malaria risk in Costa Rica is very low and is mainly confined to isolated rural areas near the Nicaraguan border and parts of Limón Province on the Caribbean coast. There is no malaria vaccine for travellers, and antimalarial medication is not usually recommended for most visitors following standard tourist itineraries. Travellers should nonetheless take precautions against mosquito bites, particularly in rainforest and coastal regions.

* Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only for travellers arriving from, or who have recently visited, certain countries in Africa and South America where yellow fever is present. The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and must be presented on arrival if required. Travellers transiting only through the airport of a yellow fever risk country without entering that country are generally exempt. Visitors should check the latest official requirements before travel, as the list of affected countries may change.

** Malaria risk in Costa Rica is very low and is mainly confined to isolated rural areas near the Nicaraguan border and parts of Limón Province on the Caribbean coast. There is no malaria vaccine for travellers, and antimalarial medication is not usually recommended for most visitors following standard tourist itineraries. Travellers should nonetheless take precautions against mosquito bites, particularly in rainforest and coastal regions.

Healthcare standards in Costa Rica are among the best in Central America, particularly in San José and other major urban centres where both public and private medical facilities offer a good standard of care. The country has developed an international reputation for medical tourism, especially in fields such as dentistry, cosmetic surgery and elective procedures. Many doctors in private hospitals speak English, particularly in facilities serving international patients.

The public healthcare system, administered by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), provides extensive coverage for residents and citizens, though waiting times can be lengthy for non-emergency treatment. Private hospitals and clinics generally offer faster access and are commonly used by visitors. Well-known private hospitals in the San José area include CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clínica Bíblica and Hospital La Católica.

Medical facilities outside the Central Valley vary considerably. Provincial cities and larger tourist destinations usually have clinics and pharmacies capable of treating common illnesses and minor injuries, but remote rainforest, mountain and coastal areas may have only basic medical services. Serious medical emergencies in isolated regions may require evacuation to San José.

Pharmacies are widespread and generally well stocked, particularly in towns and tourist areas. Many medications that require prescriptions in other countries can be purchased directly from pharmacies in Costa Rica, though travellers should carry an adequate supply of essential prescription medication.

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended, especially for travellers planning adventure activities such as rafting, diving, zip-lining or hiking in remote areas.

Food and drink:

Tap water is considered safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, especially in San José, the Central Valley and the main tourist destinations. However, travellers visiting remote rural areas may prefer bottled or filtered water as a precaution.

Fresh fruit, seafood and locally prepared meals are widely available and are usually safe when purchased from reputable establishments. Street food is common in towns and markets and is generally safe when freshly prepared and served hot. As in any tropical country, food left unrefrigerated in high temperatures carries a greater risk of contamination.

Travellers should take normal precautions with uncooked foods, particularly salads, seafood and ice in more isolated areas where water quality and refrigeration standards may vary. Washing fruit before consumption and maintaining good hand hygiene are sensible precautions.

Other risks:

Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from unattended vehicles, is the most common risk facing visitors to Costa Rica. Incidents occur most frequently in San José, around bus terminals, crowded markets and some beach destinations. Travellers should avoid displaying valuables openly, remain cautious when using mobile phones in public and avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches or in parked vehicles.

Strong currents and rip tides can make swimming dangerous on some Pacific and Caribbean beaches, particularly on beaches without lifeguards. Visitors should pay attention to local warnings and avoid swimming in unsafe conditions.

Natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic activity, flooding and landslides, particularly during the rainy season from May to November. Costa Rica sits within a seismically active region of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and occasional volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue are present in Costa Rica, particularly in warmer coastal and rainforest regions. Travellers should use insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing and take precautions against mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season.

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