What vaccinations do I need to travel to Costa Rica? 2026

April 9, 2025, 10:35 a.m. | Reading time: 3 minutes

Costa Rica is located in Central America and attracts with lush rainforests, fascinating wildlife and dream beaches on two oceans. The country is considered a comparatively safe travel destination with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Nevertheless, travelers should carefully inform themselves about health risks in advance. Sunnytrips gives an overview of all the vaccinations you need for a trip to Costa Rica.

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for direct entry from Germany. However, anyone entering from a yellow fever area must provide proof of appropriate vaccination - this includes, for example, countries such as Colombia, Peru or Tanzania. Apart from that, it is advisable to bring standard vaccinations up to date before traveling. In addition, there are risks of infection in Costa Rica from mosquito bites and poor drinking water hygiene. To protect themselves from these dangers, travelers should consider additional vaccinations and measures. Travel medical advice makes sense.

Which vaccinations are mandatory for Costa Rica?

Recommended vaccinations for Costa RicaFor travelers in generalFor travelers with specific risks

For travelers in general

For travelers with specific risks

Is there an increased risk of infection in Costa Rica without vaccination protection?

Which vaccinations are mandatory for Costa Rica?

A yellow fever vaccination is only mandatory if travelers enter Costa Rica from a yellow fever endemic area. These include numerous countries in Africa and South America. Exceptions apply for Argentina and Panama as well as for children under nine months. Even if you have only been in the transit area of ​​an affected country, you do not need proof of vaccination. Costa Rica itself is not a yellow fever country. There are therefore no legal vaccination requirements for all travelers entering directly from Germany.

US health authority warns »Without this vaccination, flights to the USA should be postponed

OverviewWhich vaccinations do I need to travel to Tanzania?

Recommended vaccinations for Costa Rica

For travelers in general

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended.

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For travelers with specific risks

In the case of special exposure or long-term stays, additional vaccinations against the following diseases are recommended:

Dengue fever

Hepatitis B

Is there an increased risk of infection in Costa Rica without vaccination protection?

Costa Rica is at risk for several infections for which no vaccination is available. These include Zika virus infections, chikungunya fever, leishmaniasis and leptospirosis. Chagas disease (trypanosomiasis), which is transmitted by predatory bugs, can also occur in isolated cases, but the risk for travelers is considered low. Above all, good hygiene helps against diarrheal diseases; there is no vaccination.

Foreign Office:Costa Rica – Travel and safety information

Tropeninstitut.de:Your travel destination: Costa Rica

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