Travel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica
Costa Rica has something for everyone. Beaches for a relaxing holiday. Rivers and jungles for adventure travellers. Mountain resorts for those who want something in-between. It is one of the most popular destinations in Central America and a favorite among travellers.
But even popular destinations need a little preparation before you’re ready to go.
Do I Need Vaccines for Costa Rica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Costa Rica. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Costa Rica: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Costa Rica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Costa Rica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Vaccine-preventable diseases are not the only threats. Dengue fever and chikungunya, two mosquito-borne diseases, are also present. Take proper precautions to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites such as using repellents and netting.
Traveller’s diarrhea is another threat. the PHAC estimates as many as 70 percent of travellers will fall ill to traveller’s diarrhea. Avoid questionable eateries and bring a remedy like DiaResQ or a traveller’s diarrhea kit.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Costa Rica
“We went this morning for our Travel injections, we where greeted at the door, with a very friendly nurse. Our appointment was on time, now waiting. She went through all our information we needed for our trip to Costa Rica. She explained the injections that where recommended to us, and what to look out for when we are there..For example different Mosquito’s and virus, also whet we should eat and not eat. Most important was when she gave the injection, I didn’t feel a thing..First time in my life, Thank You for a great experience. Would recommend this clinic to everyone.”
“Passport Health provided me with everything I needed for my upcoming volunteer trip to Costa Rica! They were extremely helpful, while keeping the meeting brief and thorough. The administration of my injections were flawless (for someone who is a little anxious about needles). The nurse was extremely warm and answered all my questions. Would definitely recommend to all travellers!”
“My boyfriend and I went to the Passport Health office on Victoria Street in Toronto. We were pleasantly surprised how easy the process went. Our nurse sat us down and went through every vaccine needed for our upcoming trip to Costa Rica. We left feeling very informed and prepared for our travels.”
“The RN was excellent in providing clear directions on the prevention to take while in Costa Rica. She answered all my questions clearly and provided written information to supplement the counselling session. Thank you”
“I got lots of great information today. The staff is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I now feel comfortable travelling to Costa Rica.”
Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica allows nationals of certain countries, including Canada, to enter the country and remain there for up to 90 days. Canadian citizens entering for tourism or business purposes do not need a visa for the duration of that time period. If you plan on staying for longer than a 90-day period, you will require either a business, multiple entry, or tourist visa.
Costa Rica Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Costa Rica? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Costa Rica and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Costa Rica?
The climate in Costa Rica is tropical and the sun is shining all year long. But, the mountains create many microclimates. Seasons might appear differently in different parts of Costa Rica. The variety of climates makes it a great destination all year round.
The country has two identifiable seasons – summer, the dry season, from November to April and winter, the wet season, from May to November. The temperatures vary around 25 in summer and 15 in winter.
How Safe is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a particularly safe country, often referred to as the safest country in the Latin America.
Despite the lack of crime, it is still wise to practice caution in crowded places, keep all the valuables in a safe place and avoid going out after dark.
The roads in Costa Rica are in a bad condition, so it is necessary to the particularly careful when driving.
The biggest threats in Costa Rica are active volcanoes and venomous snakes and frogs. Make sure to find the most recent safety information before going near the volcanoes and be extremely cautious with the wild animals.
What Should I Take To Costa Rica?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Nigeria:
- Hiking Boots -Costa Rica boasts 5% of the world’s species in its lush forests. Make sure to get out of the city and see the incredibly rich wildlife with your own eyes.
- Photo Camera – There is a lot to see in Costa Rica. Enjoy the sights to the fullest by taking a photo camera with you and capturing the sights you encounter. Best travel souvenirs are the photos you take.
- Rain Jacket – Since in some parts of the country it can rain all year long, it is a good idea to bring a light rain jacket with you. With proper clothing, the bursts of rain will pass by before you know it.
- Sunscreen – The sun in Costa Rica is very ruthless and can give you painful sunburns. Make sure to bring a sunscreen with a high factor of SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
- Bug Spray – To avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, it is best to carry your own bug spray. The stores in Costa Rica might not offer a high variety of repellents, leaving you with a limited selection of overpriced bug sprays.
Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica
There is only one Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica and no consulates. The embassy is located at:
Canadian Embassy San José
Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana
Building 5, Third Floor
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2242-4400
If you do have a serious issue, such as a lost passport, contact the Canadian Embassy in San José immediately.
Beach, jungle, adventure, Costa Rica has something for almost every type of traveller. Make sure your journey is protected by visiting your local Passport Health. Our travel health specialists will help you receive everything you need to help you stay healthy as you go. To schedule your appointment today, call or book online now.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Costa Rica?
Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica?
What is the Climate Like in Costa Rica?
How Safe is Costa Rica?
What Should I Take To Costa Rica?
Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica
