Travel Health Guide
Costa Rica
For those looking for the perfect holiday, look no further than the endless sandy beaches on both coasts, lush rainforests, and photogenic volcanic peaks of Costa Rica. This surfer’s paradise has it all with eco-tourism, outdoor adventures, and tropical resorts at the top of the menu.
Travel Health Guide
Costa Rica
For those looking for the perfect holiday, look no further than the endless sandy beaches on both coasts, lush rainforests, and photogenic volcanic peaks of Costa Rica. This surfer’s paradise has it all with eco-tourism, outdoor adventures, and tropical resorts at the top of the menu.
Costa Rica Travel Checklist
At Runway, we're looking to empower the traveler with information, resources and access to prescription travel medication. Runway Health Guides are compiled from government sources, local authorities and vetted by a team of licensed travel physicians. From vaccine requirements to medication recommendations, here’s everything you need to know.
Vaccine Entry Requirements For Costa Rica
Yellow Fever
if traveling directly from the US, Costa Rica does not require any vaccines to enter.
If your itinerary includes a visit to or a 12+ hour layover in another country before arrival in Costa Rica, a Yellow Fever vaccine and proof of vaccination may be required to enter. Check here for a full list of requirements. There are unique rules that apply to Costa Rica, click here:
COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations change regularly. For the latest travel requirements, please refer to this interactive map developed by our friends at Sherpa.
Most travelers get these
when traveling from the US to Costa Rica
Vaccines
Covid 19
Childhood Vaccines:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria – Tetanus – Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Medications
Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics
to alleviate an intestinal infection resulting from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It is the most common travel-related illness and can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Middle East.
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Some travelers get these
when traveling from the US to Costa Rica
Vaccines
Typhoid
if you are visiting rural or remote areas or enjoying an extended stay in the country.
Rabies
may be considered if planning activities that involve direct contact with animals or wildlife – ie. wild camping, cave exploring, or fieldwork in rural areas. As a rule, we recommend avoiding interaction with animals – even domestic pets may carry diseases.
Medications
Altitude Sickness Medication
as parts of Costa Rica are mountainous and altitude sickness is commonly experienced among people visiting the traditional highlights above 8,000ft. If you plan on hiking popular mountains or volcanoes such as Cerro Chirripó, Volcan Irazú or similar ascents, don’t forget to come prepared. Consider traveling with medication for altitude sickness as symptoms set in within the first 6-24 hours.
Malaria Medication
if traveling to high transmission areas, such as Alajuela Province near the border with Nicaragua. No malaria transmission elsewhere in Costa Rica. Plan ahead- you may have to start taking medication for several days before and after you travel to ensure that it is effective.
Motion Sickness Medication
will ensure your travels by air, land or sea are more enjoyable without nausea and dizziness tagging along.
Sleep Aid
may be a great addition to your packing list if you struggle with jet lag or sleeplessness due to travel stress or time zone changes.
Travel Checklist
At Runway, we're looking to empower the traveler with information, resources and access to prescription travel medication. Runway Health Guides are compiled from government sources, local authorities and vetted by a team of licensed travel physicians. From vaccine requirements to medication recommendations, here’s everything you need to know.
Yellow Fever
if traveling directly from the US, Costa Rica does not require any vaccines to enter.
COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations change regularly. For the latest travel requirements, please refer to this interactive map developed by our friends at Sherpa.
when traveling from the US to Costa Rica
Vaccines
Covid 19
Childhood Vaccines:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria – Tetanus – Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Medications
Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics
to alleviate an intestinal infection resulting from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It is the most common travel-related illness and can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Middle East.
when traveling from the US to Costa Rica
Vaccines
Typhoid
if you are visiting rural or remote areas or enjoying an extended stay in the country.
Rabies
may be considered if planning activities that involve direct contact with animals or wildlife – ie. wild camping, cave exploring, or fieldwork in rural areas. As a rule, we recommend avoiding interaction with animals – even domestic pets may carry diseases.
Medications
Altitude Sickness Medication
as parts of Costa Rica are mountainous and altitude sickness is commonly experienced among people visiting the traditional highlights above 8,000ft. If you plan on hiking popular mountains or volcanoes such as Cerro Chirripó, Volcan Irazú or similar ascents, don’t forget to come prepared. Consider traveling with medication for altitude sickness as symptoms set in within the first 6-24 hours.
Malaria Medication
if traveling to high transmission areas, such as Alajuela Province near the border with Nicaragua. No malaria transmission elsewhere in Costa Rica. Plan ahead- you may have to start taking medication for several days before and after you travel to ensure that it is effective.
Motion Sickness Medication
will ensure your travels by air, land or sea are more enjoyable without nausea and dizziness tagging along.
Sleep Aid
may be a great addition to your packing list if you struggle with jet lag or sleeplessness due to travel stress or time zone changes.
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Build Your Plan
Azithromycin
$29
Battle upset-stomach causing bacteria and feel ready for the day in no time.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
$79
Tackle high elevations, adjust to altitude and recover from hypoxia so you can keep on climbing.
Altitude Sickness
Atovaquone: Proguanil (Malarone)
$129
Let the anticipation give you chills, not a fever.
Malaria Prevention
Scopolamine Patch
$79
A Scopolamine patch will keep you moving forward, without motion sickness leaving you green in the face.
Motion Sickness
Not sure what you need? Initiate a Runway consultation to chat with a licensed physician today.
Just $30, plus the cost medication, if prescribed.
Treatments
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Altitude Sickness
Malaria Prevention
Motion Sickness
Not sure what you need? Chat with a clinician today.
Runway offers travelers like you, the medications you may need before you go.