Costa Rica is one of the most popular travel destinations in central america – and it’s easy to see why. With lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches, it’s a destination that offers both adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’re zip-lining through the jungle, surfing along the coast, or exploring national parks, Costa Rica is all about being outdoors. And with that comes a few important travel health considerations to keep in mind before your trip.

The good news? Costa Rica is generally considered a low-risk destination for travellers, but reviewing your vaccines and travel health preparation before you go can help ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free.

Here’s what Canadian travellers should know.

Do You Need Vaccines to Enter Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does not require routine travel vaccines for entry for most travellers arriving from Canada.

However, travel health professionals often recommend reviewing your vaccination status before any international trip – especially when visiting destinations where you’ll be spending time outdoors, in nature, or exploring beyond resort areas.

Routine Vaccines to Check Before Travel

Before heading to Costa Rica, it’s important to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.

These commonly include:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Polio
• Influenza

Travelling often involves airports, flights, and busy tourist areas where illnesses can spread more easily, so staying current on routine vaccines is always a good first step.

Travel Vaccines Commonly Recommended for Costa Rica

Depending on your travel plans, certain vaccines may be recommended to help protect you while visiting Costa Rica.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is one of the most commonly recommended travel vaccines worldwide.

It spreads through contaminated food or water, meaning travellers can be exposed through:

•   Food preparation
•   Contaminated water or ice
•   Eating in local restaurants or street food settings

Vaccination helps protect against this risk and is often discussed for Costa Rica travel.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Vaccination may be recommended depending on:

•   Length of stay
•   Type of travel
•   Potential medical care abroad

Many Canadians may already be vaccinated, but it’s helpful to confirm before travelling.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread in crowded environments such as airports and tourist areas.

Ensuring your measles vaccination is up to date is especially important when travelling internationally.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food or water.

Vaccination may be recommended for travellers who:

•   Plan to eat outside major tourist areas
•   Visit rural regions
•   Travel for extended periods

Because Costa Rica offers many opportunities to explore local cuisine and smaller communities, this vaccine is often discussed.

Rabies

Rabies is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals.

Costa Rica is known for its wildlife, including monkeys, bats, and other animals that travellers may encounter in national parks and jungle areas.

Vaccination may be considered for travellers who:

•   Plan extended stays
•   Spend significant time outdoors
•   Participate in activities like hiking or wildlife exploration

Regardless of vaccination, avoiding contact with animals is always recommended.

Mosquito and Outdoor Protection

Costa Rica’s tropical environment means mosquitoes are present, especially in jungle and coastal areas.

While the overall risk of mosquito-borne illness is low in many tourist areas, taking precautions is still a smart part of travel preparation.

Helpful tips include:

• Using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
• Wearing lightweight long sleeves and pants when possible
• Staying in accommodations with screens or air conditioning

These simple steps can help reduce mosquito exposure while travelling.

Food and Water Safety Tips

Costa Rica has good food safety standards in many areas, but it’s still helpful to practice basic precautions while travelling.

To reduce the risk of illness:

• Choose busy restaurants with good reviews
• Avoid undercooked foods
• Drink bottled or purified water when recommended
• Wash or sanitize hands before eating

Trying local food is part of the experience — and a few small habits can help keep your trip enjoyable.

Travel Prepared and Enjoy Costa Rica

Costa Rica is all about adventure, nature, and unforgettable experiences — from spotting wildlife in the rainforest to relaxing on beautiful beaches.

With a little preparation before your trip, you can explore confidently and focus on enjoying everything the country has to offer.

Making sure your vaccines are up to date and understanding simple travel health precautions can help make your trip safe, smooth, and stress-free.

How to Book

Virtual Travel Clinic allows travellers to connect with a travel health professional online before their trip.

During a consultation, your destination, itinerary, and vaccination history are reviewed so personalized recommendations can be provided.

If vaccines or medications are recommended, prescriptions can be arranged so travellers can pick them up from their local pharmacy before departure.

Travel consultations are ideally booked 2 – 4 weeks before travel, though appointments are also available for last-minute trips.

FAQ’s