Costa Rica - Travel Health and Safety

Your Health Guide to Traveling in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of those destinations that earns its reputation. Rainforests that hum with wildlife, two coastlines, volcanic peaks, and a culture built around the phrase pura vida — pure life. Whether you are heading to Manuel Antonio, the Arenal Volcano, or the Caribbean shores of Puerto Viejo, this trip has the potential to be genuinely unforgettable. Before you pack your bags, it is worth spending a few minutes on travel health insurance for Costa Rica and the health preparation that will keep you feeling your best from the moment you land.

This guide covers everything you need to know before departure: the health risks specific to Costa Rica, which vaccinations are recommended, whether the tap water is safe to drink, what illnesses travelers most commonly encounter, and the visa requirements for US citizens. Each section is written to give you a clear, honest picture — no unnecessary alarm, just the facts you need to travel confidently.

WayPax is here to be your trusted travel health companion from pre-trip planning all the way through your return home. Read on, and arrive ready.

At a Glance

Category	Details
Risk Level	Medium
Region	Central America
Tap Water Safe	Yes in most urban and developed areas; use bottled or treated water in rural areas
Vaccines Recommended	Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, routine vaccines up to date; malaria prevention medicine for Alajuela and Limón Provinces
Visa Required for US Citizens	No visa required for tourist stays under 180 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need health insurance to travel to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does not currently require proof of travel health insurance as a condition of entry for US citizens. That said, carrying travel health insurance is strongly advisable. Medical care at private hospitals popular with tourists can be expensive, and evacuation costs if you need to return home for treatment can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. A solid policy gives you a financial safety net and peace of mind throughout your trip.

What are Costa Rica travel health insurance requirements?

As of current guidance, Costa Rica does not mandate travel health insurance for US citizen tourists. Requirements can change, so check the latest entry conditions with the Costa Rican embassy or the US State Department before you travel. Even without a formal requirement, having coverage that includes emergency medical care and medical evacuation is one of the smartest pre-trip decisions you can make.

How much is travel health insurance for Costa Rica?

The cost of travel health insurance for a Costa Rica trip varies depending on your age, trip length, coverage level, and the provider you choose. For a short trip, basic plans can start around $30 to $50, while comprehensive plans with higher medical limits and evacuation coverage typically range from $80 to $200 or more. Comparing plans based on medical coverage limits — not just price — is the best approach for a destination like Costa Rica.

Is there a health pass for travel to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica no longer requires a health pass or health form for entry. The health entry requirements introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted. You will need a valid US passport and proof of onward or return travel, but no separate health documentation is currently required at the border.

What is the Costa Rica health form for travel?

There is no active Costa Rica health form required for US travelers at this time. Previous digital health declaration requirements tied to COVID-19 have been discontinued. Always confirm current entry requirements with official sources before departure, as policies can be updated with little advance notice.

What is the current Costa Rica travel health advisory?

The current Costa Rica travel health advisory from the CDC reflects a medium risk level. Key concerns include mosquito-borne diseases, regional malaria risk in Alajuela and Limón Provinces, and the importance of being up to date on routine and recommended vaccinations. The CDC has also issued a Level 1 notice related to the global rise in measles cases, advising all international travelers to be fully vaccinated before departure.

What health advice should travelers know before visiting Costa Rica?

The most important health advice before visiting Costa Rica is to check your vaccination status, pack effective mosquito repellent, and understand which regions carry a higher health risk. According to the CDC, malaria prevention is specifically recommended if you are visiting Alajuela or Limón Provinces. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers, and you should make sure your routine vaccines are fully up to date before you fly.

Get Your Personalized Travel Health Plan for Costa Rica

Costa Rica's combination of tropical lowlands, Caribbean coastline, and dense rainforest creates real mosquito exposure risks — including regional malaria in Alajuela and Limón Provinces and chikungunya risk nationwide. On top of that, the current global measles situation means your vaccination status matters more than ever before you board an international flight. Your health preparation should be as tailored as your itinerary.

WayPax builds a personalized Trip Kit based on your specific destinations, travel dates, and health profile — so you know exactly what you need before you go.

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Health Risks in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a medium-risk destination. The main health concerns you need to know about involve mosquito-borne diseases, a food- and water-borne liver infection, a parasitic skin condition associated with wound exposure, and the current global measles situation. Here is a clear breakdown of each risk and what you can do to protect yourself.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes are the most significant health risk vector in Costa Rica. Two diseases carried by mosquitoes are relevant to your trip: malaria and chikungunya.

Malaria (a blood infection caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites) is a regional risk. According to the CDC, malaria transmission in Costa Rica is largely limited to Alajuela and Limón Provinces, with rare to no transmission reported in other parts of the country. If your itinerary takes you to either of those provinces, the CDC recommends taking prescription malaria prevention medicine before, during, and after your visit.

Chikungunya (a viral illness that causes fever and severe joint pain, spread by mosquito bites) is a nationwide concern. According to the CDC, all travelers to Costa Rica should take active steps to prevent mosquito bites regardless of which region they visit. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active. Sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A (a liver infection spread through contaminated food or water) is a relevant risk for unvaccinated travelers visiting Costa Rica. According to the CDC, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers aged one year and older before visiting Costa Rica. The good news is that this is a vaccine-preventable illness, and getting vaccinated before departure gives you strong, long-lasting protection.

New World Screwworm Myiasis

New World screwworm myiasis (a parasitic condition where fly larvae infest open wounds or skin, causing tissue damage) has been reported in Costa Rica. According to the CDC, travelers should avoid insect bites, clean and cover any wounds promptly, sleep in screened rooms or under bed nets, and avoid spending time in close contact with livestock. This risk is uncommon for most tourists, but it is worth being aware of — particularly if your trip includes rural or agricultural areas.

Measles

Measles (a highly contagious viral illness causing fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms) is a current travel health concern tied to rising global case counts. The CDC has issued a Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions notice for international travelers. This is not specific to Costa Rica — it reflects a worldwide increase in measles cases. All international travelers should confirm they are fully vaccinated with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine before departure.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (a viral liver infection transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or medical procedures involving unsterilized equipment) is a risk for unvaccinated travelers. According to the CDC, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for most unvaccinated travelers under age 60 visiting Costa Rica. Unvaccinated travelers aged 60 and older may also choose to get vaccinated before travel. If you are unsure of your vaccination history, a travel health clinic can check your records and advise you.

Recommended Vaccinations for Costa Rica

Several vaccinations are recommended before you travel to Costa Rica, and a few are required in specific circumstances. According to the CDC, here is what you should have in order before departure.

• Hepatitis A vaccine: Protects against a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. According to the CDC, this vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers aged one year and older going to Costa Rica; infants aged six to eleven months should also receive a dose before travel. Get at least the first dose two to four weeks before departure — ideally earlier.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Protects against a viral liver infection transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. According to the CDC, this vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60, and those 60 and older may also choose to get vaccinated. A full course requires multiple doses over several weeks, so start this one early.
• MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine: Protects against three viral illnesses, including the highly contagious measles virus. According to the CDC, all international travelers should be fully vaccinated given the current global rise in measles cases. Confirm your MMR status well before your departure date.
• Routine vaccines: Includes varicella (chickenpox), DTaP/Tdap/Td (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), influenza, polio, and shingles as age-appropriate. According to the CDC, all routine vaccines should be up to date before any international travel.
• COVID-19 vaccine: According to the CDC, all eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination before international travel.
• Malaria prevention medicine: Not a vaccine but a prescription medication taken before, during, and after travel. According to the CDC, malaria prevention medicine is recommended specifically for travelers visiting Alajuela and Limón Provinces. Options include atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, and tafenoquine — your travel health provider will help you choose the right one based on your health history.
• Yellow fever vaccine (required in specific cases): Protects against a serious mosquito-borne viral disease. According to the CDC and WHO, yellow fever is not transmitted within Costa Rica and the vaccine is not recommended solely for travel there. However, Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers aged nine months or older who are arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk. If your trip includes a stop in a yellow fever country, confirm whether you need this certificate before you fly.
• Chikungunya vaccine: According to the CDC, the chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended for most travelers to Costa Rica. If you have specific risk factors or concerns, review the latest CDC guidance with your travel health provider before making a decision.

Your exact vaccine needs depend on your personal health history, age, and the specific regions of Costa Rica you plan to visit. A travel health clinic or your primary care provider can review your records and give you a tailored recommendation before your trip.

Tap Water and Food Safety in Costa Rica

Tap water is safe to drink in most urban and developed areas of Costa Rica. This makes Costa Rica one of the more water-reliable destinations in Central America — but the safety picture is not uniform across the entire country.

Water Safety

In San José, major tourist hubs, and well-developed resort areas, tap water generally meets safe drinking standards. The WHO notes that water quality in rural, remote, or off-grid areas of Costa Rica can be less reliable. If you are staying in a remote lodge, a rural community, or anywhere outside of established tourist infrastructure, choose bottled water, boiled water, or water treated with a filter or purification tablets. When in doubt, ask your accommodation directly about their water source. Ice in restaurants in urban areas is typically made from treated water, but in rural areas it is worth asking before you order a cold drink.

Food Safety

Costa Rica has a well-developed food scene and a strong tourism infrastructure, which means food hygiene standards in popular restaurants and hotels are generally good. That said, a few practical rules will serve you well throughout your trip. Eat at busy restaurants where food is cooked fresh and turnover is high. Avoid raw shellfish and undercooked meat, particularly in areas away from the main tourist zones. Fruits and vegetables are generally safe when washed with clean water or peeled — stick to peelable fruits like bananas and mangoes if you are in a rural area and unsure about water quality. Street food can be excellent and safe; look for stalls with high foot traffic and food cooked to order in front of you. Wash your hands before eating, and carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer for moments when soap and water are not available.

Common Traveler Illnesses in Costa Rica

The illnesses that most commonly affect travelers to Costa Rica are linked to mosquito exposure, contaminated food or water, and wound-related parasitic risk in specific environments. Here is what to watch for and how to handle each one.

Mosquito-Borne Illness Symptoms

If you develop a fever, severe headache, muscle aches, joint pain, or a rash during or after your trip, mosquito-borne illness is a possibility worth taking seriously. Chikungunya (a viral illness causing high fever and intense joint pain that can last weeks) and malaria (a blood-borne parasitic infection causing cycles of fever, chills, and fatigue) can both present with overlapping symptoms. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own. Seek medical care promptly if you develop a fever within days or weeks of returning from Costa Rica, and tell your doctor where you traveled. Early treatment for both conditions is far more effective than delayed care.

Traveler's Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea (loose stools and stomach upset caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites) is one of the most common illnesses affecting visitors to any tropical destination. Symptoms typically include frequent loose stools, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Stay well hydrated with safe water or oral rehydration solutions. Most cases resolve on their own within a few days. If symptoms are severe, include blood in your stool, or persist beyond 48 hours, see a doctor. Packing oral rehydration salts and an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication is a practical precaution before you leave home.

New World Screwworm Myiasis

New World screwworm myiasis (a parasitic skin condition where fly larvae burrow into wounds or soft tissue) is a rare but real concern in Costa Rica, particularly in rural and agricultural settings. Signs include a wound that does not heal normally, unusual pain around a skin lesion, or visible movement under the skin. If you notice any of these signs after spending time outdoors — especially near livestock or in forested rural areas — seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to remove larvae yourself. Prevention is straightforward: keep wounds clean and covered, use insect repellent, and sleep in screened or netted environments.

Heat Exhaustion

Costa Rica's tropical climate means heat and humidity are constant companions, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Heat exhaustion (a condition caused by overheating, marked by heavy sweating, weakness, cool or pale skin, nausea, and a fast or weak pulse) can sneak up on you when you are active outdoors. Drink water consistently throughout the day — do not wait until you feel thirsty. Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning during the hottest midday hours. If you or a travel companion shows signs of confusion, stops sweating despite the heat, or loses consciousness, this may indicate heat stroke (a life-threatening emergency) — call for emergency help immediately.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens Visiting Costa Rica

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourist stays. You can enter and stay for up to 180 days without applying for a visa in advance.

Your US passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. While Costa Rica does not officially require six months of passport validity beyond your travel dates, it is a widely recommended standard for international travel — check your passport expiration date well before you book. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel when you enter the country, so have your return flight information accessible at the border or airport. A return ticket may also be required when you check in for your flight to Costa Rica, so carry that documentation with you.

According to the US State Department, the maximum amount of currency you can bring into or take out of Costa Rica is USD 10,000. Amounts above this threshold must be declared. There are no current health insurance requirements for entry, and no health form or health pass is required at this time.

Entry requirements can change. Always verify the latest visa and entry conditions with the Costa Rican embassy or the US State Department's travel advisory page before your departure date.

Quick Answers

I'm traveling to Costa Rica soon — do I need health insurance before I go?

Costa Rica does not currently require travel health insurance as a formal entry condition for US citizens. However, carrying comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly advisable. Private medical facilities in Costa Rica that serve tourists can be costly, and emergency medical evacuation back to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage. Purchasing a policy before departure is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect yourself financially during your trip.

Can you explain Costa Rica travel health insurance requirements in simple terms?

There are no mandatory travel health insurance requirements for US citizens entering Costa Rica at this time. You do not need to show proof of insurance at the border. That said, the US State Department and travel health experts consistently recommend that all international travelers carry insurance that covers emergency medical care and medical evacuation. Requirements can change, so confirm the latest entry rules with official sources before you travel.

I'm comparing policies — how much is travel health insurance for Costa Rica usually?

The cost of travel health insurance for a Costa Rica trip typically ranges from around $30 to $50 for basic short-trip coverage up to $200 or more for comprehensive plans that include high medical limits and emergency evacuation benefits. Your age, the length of your trip, and the level of coverage you choose are the main factors that affect the price. When comparing policies, prioritize the medical coverage limit and evacuation coverage rather than selecting purely on price — these are the benefits most likely to matter in a real emergency.

I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica — is there still a health pass or health form I need?

No. Costa Rica no longer requires a health pass or health form for entry. The digital health declaration requirements that were in place during the COVID-19 pandemic have been discontinued. To enter Costa Rica as a US citizen tourist, you need a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel. No additional health documentation is currently required at the border or airport.

What travel health advice should I follow before visiting Costa Rica?

Before visiting Costa Rica, confirm that your routine vaccinations are up to date and speak with a travel health provider about the hepatitis A vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine, and whether you need malaria prevention medicine based on your specific itinerary. According to the CDC, malaria prevention is recommended for travelers visiting Alajuela and Limón Provinces. Pack an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it consistently throughout your trip, as mosquito-borne illness is a real concern across the country.

Can you summarize the current Costa Rica travel health advisory and what it means for travelers?

The current Costa Rica travel health advisory reflects a medium overall risk level. According to the CDC, the primary health concerns for travelers include mosquito-borne diseases — particularly regional malaria in Alajuela and Limón Provinces and chikungunya nationwide — as well as hepatitis A risk for unvaccinated travelers. The CDC has also issued a Level 1 global measles notice, advising all international travelers to be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine before departure. For most travelers visiting popular tourist areas, these risks are manageable with the right preparation: updated vaccinations, consistent mosquito bite prevention, and awareness of which regions carry higher risk.

Plan Your Healthy Trip to Costa Rica with Confidence

From the hepatitis A vaccine recommended for all unvaccinated visitors to the yellow fever certificate rules that apply if your journey passes through a yellow fever country, Costa Rica's entry health picture has real nuance. Add the CDC's current advisory on New World screwworm myiasis — a parasitic risk that most generic travel guides overlook entirely — and it becomes clear that generic advice is not enough for a trip like this.

Your WayPax Trip Kit cuts through the noise. It gives you a destination-specific, personalized health plan built around your actual itinerary, your vaccination history, and the regions of Costa Rica you are visiting — so nothing gets missed and nothing gets over-complicated.

Start Your Trip Kit