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Costa Rica (Central America)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: none.
• Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Rabies; Tetanus.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission with the addition of Tanzania and Zambia in the African region; the exception of Argentina and Panama in the Americas; and the following specifications for the following countries: Colombia (the entire country except Bogotá (the capital), 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 (the capital)); Peru (the entire country except Lima (the capital), 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 (the capital), and for travellers in transit or whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago).

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk is low throughout the year in the province of Limon, in the canton of Matina and in all other areas.
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• Low to no risk areas: antimalarial tablets are not normally advised.
• There is an outbreak of malaria in parts of this country (please see the news section at the end of this page). If you are at increased risk of catching or developing severe malaria you should contact a travel health professional to find out if you should take tablets to prevent malaria.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

• contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
• 2 months afterwards if you are female
• 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 71 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Welcome to the official site of Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica! This beautiful country is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Some of the top attractions include Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Paz Waterfalls, Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo beach, Rio Celeste, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park.

You can enjoy activities such as surfing, snorkeling, fishing, ziplining and hiking. Costa Rica is also home to many unique and diverse animal species such as sloths, monkeys, birds, turtles and more. We hope you enjoy your stay!

The Costa Rica Essentials

Essential Costa Rica is about promoting organic ingredients, unspoiled nature and authentic experiences.

Fill your calendar with the most wonderful natural and wildlife events.

Sun and Beaches

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot with beaches in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls and mighty rivers.

If stress is a part of your daily life, Costa Rica is the cure.

Costa Rica has a great place to experience nature’s wonders with your children; the country is a must for families!

Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world.

Costa Rica in English, means rich coast. Every cruise ship visiting Costa Rica understands why.

Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families.

The richness of Costa Rica stems from the cultural diversity of its people.

Honeymoon & Weddings

Costa Rica is waiting for you to live this experience.

Where to Go?

Located on the central Pacific coast, the Puntarenas region extends from Punta Conejo south to Puerto Caldera to the mouth of the Bongo River. The region’s rich coastline overlooks small islands, inlets, beaches and beautiful natural wonders. The port town of Puntarenas serves as the center of the region and is home port to a ferry that carries visitors over to the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

South Pacific

The combination of breath-taking white-sand beaches, sweeping mountain views and an ideal tropical climate has made Guanacaste one of Costa Rica’s most popular regions. It boasts many of the country’s popular beaches, including Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal and the Papagayo Peninsula. By day visitors can challenge themselves with a surf lesson, cool off under a waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, discover the craters of an active volcano with the same name and more before enjoying the active nightlife in Tamarindo.

Northern Plains

Recognized as home of Arenal Volcano National Park, which boasts 75% of Costa Rica’s bird population, the Northern Plains present endless activities for visitors. Excursions range from hiking and waterfall rappelling to canopying and exploring via a hanging bridge tour. Those looking for activities on the water will find that Lake Arenal is an ideal location for canoeing, fishing and kite surfing.

Central Valley

Those in search of cultural and natural attractions will find both in the Central Valley region. Home to the destination’s capital city, San José, many of Costa Rica’s most popular museums can be found in this urban setting including the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, National Museum and Children’s Museum, in addition to the architectural jewel of San José, the National Theatre.

Central Pacific

Beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls make the Central Pacific region an ideal destination for visitors in search of variety. The region stretches from the city of Puntarenas to Dominical de Osa and is made up of some of Costa Rica’s most visited areas including Monteverde, Quepos, Jacó, Bahía Ballena and Manuel Antonio. The region’s climate creates a unique landscape that transitions from tropical wet forest to tropical forest to tropical dry forest, providing the opportunity to observe a wide range of plants and animals.

The diverse coastline of the Northern Caribbean region attracts anglers, naturists and water enthusiasts in search of unique experiences. The North Caribbean region is famous for its interconnected canals and for Tortuguero National Park, where visitors have the opportunity to witness green turtles nesting. Limón City, the largest city on the country’s Caribbean coast, is perched in the center of the coast. The Southern Caribbean boasts some great beaches and picturesque parks, which are complemented by the area’s inviting culture.

Planning your Trip to Costa Rica

Suggested itineraries

Accommodations

Restaurants

Other Activities

Local Travel Agencies

Travel Tips

Costa Rica Blog

Latest news and articles about costa rica.

Costa Rica National Parks

Explore our world famous national parks.

Costa Rica's traveler tips

First hand information for your dream vacaction, #essentialcostarica, share your experience, ‌      ‌      ‌      ‌      ‌      ‌   .

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Embassy of Costa Rica

to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Tourists, Visitors and Non-Residents

Information for tourists and other non-residents

I.                     entry requirements to costa rica..

https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

II.                   Visas

https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Visas.aspx

III.                Extension of the tourism deadline

https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Prorroga-de-Visas.aspx

IV.                Residences

https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%c3%ada%20Migratorias%20%28Extranjer%c3%ada%29/Primera-Vez.aspx

V.                  Digital Nomads

https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADa%20Migratorias%20(Extranjer%C3%ADa)/N%C3%B3madas-Digitales.aspx

VI.                Importation of cats and dogs

SENASA_DCA-PG-02-RS-01-IN-006 V10 Importación Perros y Gatos (2)

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Costa Rica Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Costa Rica. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Uruguay

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Costa Rica.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Costa Rica. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Costa Rica.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Costa Rica.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Costa Rica is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Included in this requirement are travelers arriving from Tanzania and Zambia, and designated areas of: Colombia (the entire country, except the cities of Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín, and the archipelago department, San Andrés and Providencia); Ecuador (the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe, and excluding the rest of the country); Paraguay (the entire country, except the city of Asunción); Peru (the entire country, except the cities of Cusco and Lima, the regions of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes, and the highland tourist areas of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail); Trinidad & Tobago (the entire country, except the urban areas of Port of Spain; travelers with itineraries limited to the island of Tobago, and travelers with airport transits or layovers are also exempt from this requirement). Travelers arriving from Argentina and Panama are exempt from this requirement.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Costa Rica, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Costa Rica. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Costa Rica include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Costa Rica’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Costa Rica may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Costa Rica, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Costa Rica, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Costa Rica .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Costa Rica for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Costa Rica travel guide

What to do, where to stay and why you’ll love it.

S tuck in a traffic jam inside a tiny minibus with no air conditioning may seem like an odd time and place to fall in love with a country. But that’s what happened with me and Costa Rica. The cause of the congestion was a government protest, but nobody seemed overly perturbed. Quite the contrary — there was a carnival atmosphere: bags of plantain chips being passed through car windows; music throbbing from a nearby speaker; commuters using their horns as drums. “How long do you think we’ll be stuck here?” I asked our driver. He let out a deep belly laugh in response.

We were driving from Monteverde to Guanacaste — a journey of around three hours, on a good day. The driver clearly didn’t care about the delay and, after a week in this challenging, surprising, but never less than enchanting nation, neither, frankly, did I. I’d been infected with “pura vida”, Costa Ricans’ laid-back attitude to life. You will be too.

From its ash-belching volcano to its silver-sand beaches and cloud forests, where calls of scarlet macaws ring out from the canopies, Costa Rica is a land where nature prospers. Locals, or “Tikis’’ as they call themselves, are consistently voted the happiest people on earth and it’s their eco-friendly attitude that’s allowed them, and us, to share their home with an astonishing half a million different species.

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You don’t have to get lucky to spot wildlife here. If it’s sloths, Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast is a good bet. Jaguars or toucans? Put your money on Corcovado National Park on the southern Osa Peninsula. And for a full house, try Tortuguero National Park , known as the “Little Amazon of Costa Rica”, with a huge range of species including 38 mammals, 442 birds and 118 reptiles. Green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles are also a big draw; come anytime from May to September to witness nesting and hatching on black-sand beaches.

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The cloud forests add to Costa Rica’s sense of adventure and Monteverde , home to 2.5 per cent of the world’s entire biodiversity, is the most child-friendly; explore it from skywalks, a sky tram or zip lines. Come from November to February to avoid the rain and book a guide: there are literally thousands of species of birds to spot, but you’ll triple your chances if you’re with someone who knows where to look. Five points if you see the three-wattled bellbird; ten for the resplendent quetzal, the iridescent green-and-gold-coated national bird that sashays around trailing an elegant plume of tail feathers.

Arenal Volcano is the towering patriarch of the Costa Rican landscape, glowering, immovable and puffing out smoke from its mile-high peak. Get up close by hiking the lava trail that traces its base. Aim for February and April; come in monsoon season (May to November) and the trails will be too treacherous.

With volcanoes, rainforests and three-toed sloths all vying for your attention, you’d be forgiven for forgetting about the beaches. You shouldn’t. Playa Conchal, sprinkled with crushed seashells, is one of the most striking; bring your snorkel to explore the teeming corals a little way offshore. Guanacaste, in the northwest, has beaches dusted with black, pink and every other colour of sand in between.

Where to stay

Costa Rica has two distinct coastlines and most tours will combine stays on both. Come to the Caribbean coast for the canals of Tortuguero and the protected reefs of Manzanillo: Costa Rica’s best snorkelling spot. You’ll slurp rondón, a spicy fish soup pronounced “run down”, in cafés where the locals chat in their pidgin tongue, an amalgam of Creole and Spanish. Surfers and sunbathers head to the black-sand beaches of Puerto Viejo. Try the Tree House Lodge, where individual houses have been crafted from the wood of fallen loquat branches salvaged from the rainforest. There’s direct access to the beach, from which you can rent kayaks, and you’re only a few steps away from the Gandoca-Manzanillio wildlife refuge — it’s not uncommon to be woken here by a friendly howler monkey tapping on your window.

The Pacific coast is equally tempting. Expect lavish resorts perched in hill towns and plenty of places to go whale watching; you’ll spot them in the Osa Peninsula, where they congregate for much of the year. As with the Caribbean coast , there’s accommodation to suit all budgets, but if you want to splurge then go for Kurà , a set of six suites that blend style with sustainability. Expect open-plan villas with floating beds, exposed showers and the show-stealing open-plan Sky Lounge, from which you can spot passing humpbacks while you sip on tamarind margaritas, the bar’s speciality.

For visits to Arenal, you’ll find the lion’s share of accommodation in the tourist town of La Fortuna . The low-rise bungalows, part of Hotel Arenal Springs Resort and Spa , are basic but have all you need. The prospect of an eruption adds a frisson of excitement to a soak in the resort’s private hot springs and you’ll be joined poolside by geckos and tiny, emerald-green violetear hummingbirds. You won’t need to leave the bath-warm waters for breakfast; it comes delivered to you on a bamboo float.

If it’s a lively beach resort you’re after, Guanacaste will deliver. Avoid staying between late March and early April to dodge the Spring Breakers who come to make the most of the all-inclusive cocktails. Check in at Riu Palace Guanacaste . It has a huge pool that backs on to a sleepy stretch of sand and a car park full of monkeys, so be wary if you’ve hired your own set of wheels; they love windscreen wipers.

The after-hours jungle tours offered at most national parks. You’ll see a whole new crew if you visit during the night shift: red-eyed frogs blinking miniature traffic light signals in the darkness, viper snakes curling around trees like serpentine fairy lights and tarantulas on the hunt for a midnight snack.

With so much to see elsewhere, it’s tempting to swerve the capital, San José, but do so and you’ll miss a whole other side of Costa Rica. Aim to see it on a day trip and look for a guided tour that will whisk you to Barrio Amon, where ancient buildings double up as art galleries and the foodie capital of Barrios Escalante serves steaming paper plates of Gallo Pinto (a traditional dish of beans and rice that comes with various toppings).

Best time to visit

The dry season: running from December to April (although it can brighten up from mid-November). This is the best time to touchdown if you want to experience the cloud forests without any showers and see most of the wildlife in its pomp. It is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit so plan well ahead and book your accommodation as early as possible. Otherwise consider the cheaper rainy season (May to September). The rain will typically start and stop a couple of times a day, but you’ll meet far fewer tourists and have better options in terms of accommodation.

• Best time to visit Costa Rica

Know before you go

Costa Rica isn’t a big country, but beware, travelling around its mountainous spine isn’t easy — you’re more likely to see a toucan than a well-cemented road. If you do want to go down the self-drive route, opt for a sturdy set of wheels and book the best insurance you can find. Better still, leave the driving and the planning to someone else and choose an escorted tour led by a local.

Take me there

Inspired to visit Costa Rica but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui and Caribbean Warehouse .

• Discover holidays to San Jose • Discover holidays to Monteverde • Discover tours in Costa Rica

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica

Costa Rica has something for everyone. Seasides for a relaxing holiday. Rivers and jungles for adventure travellers. Mountain resorts for those who want something in-between. It is one of the most popular destinations in Central America and a favourite amongst travellers.

But even popular destinations need a little preparation before you’re ready to go.

Do I Need Vaccines for Costa Rica?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Costa Rica. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Costa Rica: hepatitis A , typhoid , yellow fever , rabies and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

See the tables below for more information:

Vaccine-preventable diseases are not the only threats. Dengue fever and chikungunya, two mosquito-borne diseases, are also present. Take proper precautions to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites such as using repellents and netting.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is another threat. the NaTHNaC estimates as many as 70 percent of travellers will fall ill to traveller’s diarrhoea. Avoid questionable eateries and bring a remedy like DiaResQ or a traveller’s diarrhoea kit.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page . Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or start booking online now.

Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

UK citizens do not need a tourist visa for travel to Costa Rica that lasts less than 90 days. Visas may be required for other types of travel. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present. Proof of return or onward travel may also be required.

Sources: Embassy of Costa Rica and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a warm and tropical country. The weather is usually consistent throughout the year. Different places in Costa Rica have different climates. For example, the capital city, San José, has a mild climate with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. It has a rainy season from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October.

Arenal is a popular tourist destination known for its volcano and hot springs. It is warm and humid with temperatures between 20 and 30. The rainy season runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October. Monteverde is a cloud forest region with cooler temperatures due to its high altitude. It has a rainy season from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in October.

Manuel Antonio is a beach destination with hot and humid temperatures ranging from 25 to 30. The rainy season runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October. Guanacaste is a popular beach and surf destination with a dry climate. It has temperatures between 25 and 35. It has a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November.

How Safe is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a particularly safe country, often referred to as the safest country in the Latin America.

Despite the lack of crime, it is still wise to practice caution in crowded places, keep all the valuables in a safe place and avoid going out after dark.

The roads in Costa Rica are in a bad condition, so it is necessary to the particularly careful when motoring.

The biggest threats in Costa Rica are active volcanoes and venomous snakes and frogs. Ensure to find the most recent safety information before going near the volcanoes and be extremely cautious with the wild animals.

What Should I Take To Costa Rica?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Nigeria:

• Hiking Boots -Costa Rica boasts 5% of the world’s species in its lush forests. Ensure to get out of the city and see the incredibly rich wildlife with your own eyes.
• Photo Camera – There is a lot to see in Costa Rica. Enjoy the sights to the fullest by taking a photo camera with you and capturing the sights you encounter. Best travel souvenirs are the photos you take.
• Rain Jacket – Since in some parts of the country it can rain all year long, it is a good idea to bring a light rain jacket with you. With proper clothing, the bursts of rain will pass by before you know it.
• Sun Cream – The sun in Costa Rica is very ruthless and can give you painful sunburns. Ensure to bring a sun cream with a high factor of SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
• Insect Spray – To avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, it is best to carry your own insect spray. The shops in Costa Rica might not offer a high variety of repellents, leaving you with a limited selection of overpriced insect sprays.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Costa Rica

If you are in Costa Rica and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy in San Jose Edificio Centro Colón, Paseo Colón and Streets 38 and 40 San Jose Apartado 815 – 1007 San Jose Costa Rica Telephone: (506) 2258-2025 Emergency Phone: +506 2258 2025 Fax: (506) 2233 9938 Contact Form: Click Here

Coastline, jungle, adventure, Costa Rica has something for nearly every type of traveller. Ensure your journey is protected by visiting your local Passport Health. Our travel health specialists will help you receive everything you need to help you stay healthy as you go. To schedule your appointment today, Ring or book online now .

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Costa Rica? Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica? What is the Climate Like in Costa Rica? How Safe is Costa Rica? What Should I Take To Costa Rica? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Costa Rica

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Update April 12, 2024

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Costa Rica Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, costa rica - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to  crime .

Country Summary:  While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

If you decide to travel to Costa Rica:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook,   Twitter, and Instagram .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Costa Rica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

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