Costa Rica

Recommended Vaccinations For Costa Rica

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age, who are arriving from the following countries/territories: **Africa,** all countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, plus Tanzania and Zambia; **Americas** with the exception of Panama, Argentina, and the specific areas of the following countries: **Colombia** : the entire country except Bogotá Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, Medellín and San Andrés Providencia; **Ecuador** : applies only to Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe); **Paraguay** :the entire country except Asunción; **Peru** : the entire country except Lima, Cajamarca, Cuzco, Lambayeque, Machu Picchu, Ruta de los Incas, Piura, Tumbes **Trinidad and Tobago** ; the entire country except the urban areas of Port of Spain, and for travellers in transit or whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Costa Rica

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medication is not recommended.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Costa Rica

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks occur in Costa Rica in the tropical and semi-tropical areas.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Costa Rica.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Costa Rica through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Malaria

Malaria is present in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón. In other regions of the country, transmission may be rare or nonexistent.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs mostly in rural areas in Costa Rica.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid has occured in this country.The risk is higher when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age, who are arriving from the following countries/territories: **Africa,** all countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, plus Tanzania and Zambia; **Americas** with the exception of Panama, Argentina, and the specific areas of the following countries: **Colombia** : the entire country except Bogotá Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, Medellín and San Andrés Providencia; **Ecuador** : applies only to Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe); **Paraguay** :the entire country except Asunción; **Peru** : the entire country except Lima, Cajamarca, Cuzco, Lambayeque, Machu Picchu, Ruta de los Incas, Piura, Tumbes **Trinidad and Tobago** ; the entire country except the urban areas of Port of Spain, and for travellers in transit or whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis (“Chagas disease”) may occur in Costa Rica. The risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Safety & Security in Costa Rica

Personal Safety

Petty crime like pickpocketing and theft remains the primary risk for visitors, particularly in crowded tourist areas, bus terminals, and beaches. Armed robbery does occur, sometimes even in daylight. You should not resist if confronted by an armed assailant. Theft from rental cars and break-ins at isolated vacation rentals have been reported, with thieves sometimes working with short-term rental staff to determine occupancy. Scammers occasionally stage fake car troubles or use other tactics to get people to pull over on rural roads. If involved in an accident or suspicious situation, drive to a well-lit populated area or police station before stopping. Criminal organizations in some coastal areas now operate with more boldness than before. Passport theft is common during peak tourist seasons. The homicide rate jumped to 17.3 per 100,000 in 2023, marking the most violent year on record, though most violence stems from drug trafficking disputes between gangs rather than attacks on tourists. The 2024 rate shows slight improvement at 16.6 per 100,000 but remains significantly elevated. Violent crimes against tourists, while less common than theft, do include sexual assault, armed robbery, and occasional murders. Drug-related gang violence has increased sharply since 2020 as cartels use Costa Rica as a transit hub. Foreigners cannot participate in political demonstrations and risk detention or deportation if they do. Riptides kill several tourists annually. Most beaches lack lifeguards and warning signage about dangerous conditions.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence in Costa Rica primarily stems from drug trafficking and organized crime rather than terrorism or mass casualty events targeting civilians. The country recorded over 900 homicides in 2023, with 74 to 79 percent of killings linked to gang warfare and territorial disputes between criminal groups. Colombian cartels like Clan de Golfo operate in the south while Mexican groups including Sinaloa and Nueva Generacion control northern routes. Local gangs fight for control of the domestic cocaine market, which has expanded as production costs dropped. Most violent incidents occur in poor neighborhoods where drug markets are concentrated, particularly in San Jose province and Limon. Homicides are often carried out with firearms, and victims are primarily gang members settling scores. While extreme violence seldom targets tourists directly, visitors have occasionally been caught in armed robberies, and isolated incidents of murder and serious assault against foreigners do occur. The increasing boldness of criminal groups has raised concerns among security officials. Unlike some neighboring countries, Costa Rica does not experience mass shootings, church attacks, or school violence. The country abolished its military in 1949 and has no organized movements seeking to undermine democracy through violence. However, the sharp rise in drug-related killings represents a significant deterioration in security compared to historical norms.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and protests occur regularly in Costa Rica, particularly in San Jose. Protests have targeted budget cuts to education and healthcare, austerity measures, economic inequality, exchange rate policies, and government corruption. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and often result in roadblocks that disrupt traffic, fuel supplies, and public transportation for hours or days. Police protests in 2023 blocked streets and access to the airport after the government reduced rest days for officers. The law prohibits foreigners from participating in political activities or demonstrations. Violations can result in detention or deportation. President Rodrigo Chaves has taken a confrontational approach with institutions including the Legislative Assembly, Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and Attorney General. He participated in a 2025 demonstration against the Prosecutor, raising concerns about erosion of separation of powers. Tensions between the government and media have escalated, with the president verbally attacking journalists and using state institutions to target media owners. Costa Rica’s press freedom ranking dropped from 8th in 2022 to 26th by 2024. Political polarization has deepened around issues including same-sex marriage, abortion, education funding, and social spending cuts. Road blockages by protesters were ruled unconstitutional in 2020, leading to criminal proceedings and claims that protesting was being criminalized. There is no history of armed conflict or insurgency movements. Political violence remains rare, but institutional strains and social unrest have increased noticeably since 2022.

Areas To Avoid

San Jose downtown becomes risky after dark, particularly parks. Avoid neighborhoods including Los Guido, Desamparados, Pavas, La Carpio, Leon XIII, and the El Infiernillo sector of Alajuela. The El Carmen neighborhood in Cartago also poses risks. These areas experience high rates of poverty-driven crime and gang activity. The Gringo Gulch red light district near Morazan Park and Hotel Del Rey should be avoided. Limon city on the Caribbean coast has one of the highest rates of organized crime and drug trafficking in the country, with La Cieneguita neighborhood particularly dangerous. The broader Limon province recorded 115 homicides by mid-2025. While tourist areas like Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are safer, petty theft remains common. Puntarenas city has significant gang problems and drug activity, though much of Puntarenas province outside the city is relatively safe. The port of Limon serves as a major entry point for drugs, making the area attractive to traffickers. Coastal tourist towns report rising crime. Jaco recorded 279 crimes against tourists in 2023, Cahuita 194, Quepos 151, and Bahia Ballena 120. Tamarindo, Cóbano, La Fortuna, and Nosara have also seen increases though remain relatively safer. Santa Rosa de Pocosol in San Carlos has reports of knife threats even against humanitarian workers. Border areas with Nicaragua face tensions related to migration and should be approached with caution. Remote areas and isolated beaches carry risks of robbery, especially at night or when alone.