Costa Rica
🏛️ Capital: San José
👥 Population: 5.1 million
💬 Language: Spanish
💰 Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Rainforests, volcanoes, Pacific & Caribbean beaches, wildlife, eco-tourism adventures
📈 High Season: December to April
📉 Low Season: May to November
☀️ The warmest month: April
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: September
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 66/100
Rank: 64th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Costa Rica:
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Costa Rica with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Costa Rica?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Costa Rica is already available there.
Costa Rica FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica in terms of health risks?
Yes, Costa Rica is a safe and popular travel destination, but health risks include mosquito-borne diseases, foodborne illness, and accidents during outdoor activities. Major cities like San José offer good healthcare, while rural or jungle areas have limited facilities. With preparation, most travelers enjoy a healthy trip.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Costa Rica?
Recommended vaccines for Costa Rica include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your activities, hepatitis B and rabies may also be advised, especially for travelers spending time in rural or wildlife areas. MyGlobdoc can generate a personalized vaccination guide based on your itinerary.
Are there any common diseases in Costa Rica that travelers should know about?
Yes. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present in many parts of Costa Rica. Traveler’s diarrhea and hepatitis A are also relatively common. In jungle areas, leptospirosis can occur from contact with contaminated water.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Costa Rica?
Eat freshly cooked food and avoid undercooked meat or seafood from questionable sources. Drink bottled or filtered water, especially outside major cities, and be cautious with ice. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and use hand sanitizer before meals.
Is malaria a risk in Costa Rica, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Malaria risk is low and limited to certain rural regions near the Nicaraguan border. Most popular tourist areas, including San José, the Pacific coast, and national parks, are at very low risk. MyGlobdoc can help determine whether anti-malarial medication is needed for your specific travel plans.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Costa Rica?
Mosquito-borne illnesses include dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and, in some rural areas, malaria. These risks are higher during the rainy season. Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves, and sleep in accommodations with screens or mosquito nets when needed.
Do I need travel health insurance for Costa Rica?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Costa Rica has excellent private hospitals in cities, but rural healthcare may be limited, and emergencies can be costly. Insurance ensures access to quality care and covers unexpected medical needs.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Costa Rica?
Include insect repellent, sunscreen, anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and any prescription medications. If you plan outdoor adventures or jungle trips, add a first aid kit, water purification tablets, or a filter. MyGlobdoc can generate a checklist based on your activities.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Costa Rica?
Stay hydrated in the hot climate, protect yourself from mosquitoes, and take breaks during long hikes or outdoor activities. Eat at clean food stalls or restaurants, and be cautious with food in remote areas. Carry a compact medical kit for minor health issues.
Is Costa Rica safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid areas with the Zika virus and high risk of malaria and take strict mosquito bite precautions. Those with chronic illnesses should bring enough medication, as some drugs may not be widely available in rural areas. Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions is important.
What should I do if I get sick in Costa Rica?
For minor illnesses, pharmacies are common and often staffed by knowledgeable pharmacists. For serious conditions, private hospitals in San José and other large cities provide good care. Always carry insurance details and emergency contact information.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Costa Rica?
Most travelers do not need special health certificates. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Always confirm the latest entry and health requirements before your trip.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Addicted04 – This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape ., https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20240274 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained under the latest Creative Commons Attribution licence – CC BY 4.0 from https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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