Starting today, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Costa Rica requires all travelers, both nationals and foreigners, arriving from designated high-risk countries to present proof of yellow fever vaccination, announced the Ministry of Health.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It typically causes symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches, which generally improve within five days. However, in about 15% of cases, symptoms are accompanied by abdominal pain, liver damage (leading to jaundice), and an increased risk of bleeding and kidney problems.

Countries deemed at risk for yellow fever include several South American nations such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as certain countries in Africa.

The ministry has implemented this requirement to strengthen the country’s public health defenses against the potential spread of the mosquito-borne virus.

Travelers arriving from high-risk countries must present an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card,” which certifies vaccination against yellow fever. To be valid, the yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel, so visitors should plan ahead to meet this requirement.

Those who fail to present the ICVP may be denied boarding on their flight to Costa Rica or may be prohibited from entering the country upon arrival, authorities added.

As the yellow fever vaccine is not part of Costa Rica's basic vaccination schedule, it must be purchased commercially through pharmacies or travel clinics. Residents who have been vaccinated in Costa Rica can obtain the ICVP at local public clinics (Ebais) or the ministry offices.

Due to current vaccine shortages in the country, authorities recommend that residents avoid traveling to countries with a high yellow fever risk. In case of urgent travel to these regions, they advise that travelers receive the vaccine immediately upon arrival in the destination country, ensuring it is administered at least 10 days before returning to Costa Rica. The vaccination card will be required upon entry.

Certain groups are contraindicated for the yellow fever vaccine, including children under 6-8 months, individuals over 60 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with severe immunosuppression (including symptomatic HIV), and those with hypersensitivity to vaccine components.

People with contraindications should not receive the vaccine due to the risk of serious adverse effects. For individuals with precautions, the decision to administer the vaccine should be made collaboratively based on the traveler’s risk tolerance.

For travelers who cannot be vaccinated, the ministry encourages considering alternative travel plans. If avoiding travel to yellow fever-endemic areas is not possible, travelers should seek a medical waiver due to the risks involved.

As Tuesday, there are no confirmed cases of yellow fever in the country, authorities added.

For further details on yellow fever vaccination requirements, the Ministry of Health can be contacted at (506) 4003-5000, through its regional offices across the country, or via its official website.

In early January, Costa Rica held its third free yellow fever vaccination campaign.

The Ministry of Public Health is the state-owned agency that oversees and regulates public and private healthcare within Costa Rica.

A.M. Costa Rica encourages readers to share this health advisory in their communities.