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.

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

(screenshot now, thank us later)

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.

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.

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.

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

Explore More

Build Your Plan

Treatments

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Altitude Sickness

Malaria Prevention

Not sure what you need? Chat with a clinician today.

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