What vaccines do I need for Costa Rica?

Required: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies (for rural or jungle travel with animal exposure risk).

Is tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?

Tap water is generally safe in Costa Rica, though bottled water is advisable in rural areas.

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Latin America

Costa Rica Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Costa Rica is a popular ecotourism destination with moderate health risks. Dengue is the primary vector-borne disease concern, with transmission occurring in coastal lowlands and forested areas on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Zika and chikungunya have been reported. The Central Valley including San Jose carries lower mosquito-borne disease risk due to elevation. Food and waterborne disease risk is lower than regional averages but still present in rural areas.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Safe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Costa Rica

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B
Rabies (for rural or jungle travel with animal exposure risk)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Costa Rica

Malaria Risk

Very low. Sporadic P. vivax transmission reported in the Caribbean lowlands (Limon Province) and near the Nicaraguan border. Not a significant risk for most travelers.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: safe

Tap water is generally safe in San Jose and most developed areas. Rural regions and some coastal towns may have less reliable water quality. Standard food safety precautions apply at informal food vendors.

Key Health Tips for Costa Rica

Use insect repellent with DEET in lowland rainforest and coastal areas where dengue mosquitoes are most active.
Leptospirosis risk increases after flooding or contact with freshwater in rural settings — avoid wading in muddy or floodwater.
Water activities in rivers and streams carry risk for leptospirosis — cover cuts and avoid submersion near livestock areas.
Seek care for any fever within 2 weeks of return, as dengue can present after a delay.

Disease Risks in Costa Rica

Official Resources

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