Health
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended:
- Hepatitis A: Recommended
- Hepatitis B: For longer stays
- Typhoid: For travel to rural areas
- Rabies: For close contact with animals (bats in caves, stray dogs)
- Update standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio
- Yellow fever: Only required when entering from a yellow fever area (e.g., if you were previously in Colombia or Brazil)
Tropical Diseases
Dengue fever is common in Costa Rica, especially during the rainy season on both coasts and in Tortuguero. There is no vaccine — only mosquito protection helps:
- DEET spray (at least 30%) — morning and evening
- Long, light clothing at dusk
- Mosquito net in simple accommodations
Malaria occurs only in very remote areas on the Caribbean coast and the Osa Peninsula — the risk for tourists on usual routes is minimal. Prophylaxis is generally not necessary (consult with a tropical medicine specialist).
Medical Care
Costa Rica has a good public healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social). Private clinics in San José (CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clínica Bíblica) meet international standards. In rural areas: limited care.
Travel health insurance with repatriation is mandatory!