Overview
Malaria in Costa Rica is limited to a few areas in the north and along the Caribbean coast; San José and the rest of the country are malaria-free. Yellow fever isn't needed for a traveller coming directly from Belgium, but becomes mandatory if you've transited certain countries in the six days before arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
Mosquito-bite protection is the basis wherever risk exists, with preventive tablets advised for susceptible travellers in the northern Alajuela border zone.
Malaria risk is limited to certain regions, shown below.
Northern Alajuela province, at the Nicaragua border: moderate risk, where preventive tablets are sometimes advised for susceptible travellers.
The rest of Alajuela, Limón province and some areas of Puntarenas: low risk, where mosquito-bite protection is usually enough.
San José, the capital, and the rest of the country.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Costa Rica?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: risk limited to certain regions. Mosquito-bite protection is the basis wherever risk exists, with preventive tablets advised for susceptible travellers in the northern Alajuela border zone.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.