Travel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica
Costa Rica has something for everyone. Seasides 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 favourite amongst travellers.
But even popular destinations need a little preparation before you’re ready to go.
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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Costa Rica
Do I Need Vaccines for Costa Rica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Costa Rica. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Costa Rica: hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
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 to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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 diarrhoea is another threat. the NaTHNaC estimates as many as 70 percent of travellers will fall ill to traveller’s diarrhoea. Avoid questionable eateries and bring a remedy like DiaResQ or a traveller’s diarrhoea kit.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica?
UK citizens do not need a tourist visa for travel to Costa Rica that lasts less than 90 days. Visas may be required for other types of travel. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present. Proof of return or onward travel may also be required.
Costa Rica Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Costa Rica? | |
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Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Costa Rica and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a warm and tropical country. The weather is usually consistent throughout the year. Different places in Costa Rica have different climates. For example, the capital city, San José, has a mild climate with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. It has a rainy season from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October.
Arenal is a popular tourist destination known for its volcano and hot springs. It is warm and humid with temperatures between 20 and 30. The rainy season runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October. Monteverde is a cloud forest region with cooler temperatures due to its high altitude. It has a rainy season from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in October.
Manuel Antonio is a beach destination with hot and humid temperatures ranging from 25 to 30. The rainy season runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October. Guanacaste is a popular beach and surf destination with a dry climate. It has temperatures between 25 and 35. It has a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November.
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 motoring.
The biggest threats in Costa Rica are active volcanoes and venomous snakes and frogs. Ensure 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. Ensure 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.
- Sun Cream – The sun in Costa Rica is very ruthless and can give you painful sunburns. Ensure to bring a sun cream with a high factor of SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
- Insect Spray – To avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, it is best to carry your own insect spray. The shops in Costa Rica might not offer a high variety of repellents, leaving you with a limited selection of overpriced insect sprays.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Costa Rica
If you are in Costa Rica and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy in San Jose
Edificio Centro Colón,
Paseo Colón and Streets 38 and 40
San Jose
Apartado 815 – 1007
San Jose
Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2258-2025
Emergency Phone: +506 2258 2025
Fax: (506) 2233 9938
Contact Form: Click Here
Coastline, jungle, adventure, Costa Rica has something for nearly every type of traveller. Ensure 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, Ring or book online now.