YELLOW FEVER

All participants traveling to Costa Rica to attend an International Congress are kindly advised to review the country’s Yellow Fever vaccination requirements prior to departure.

 

Who must present proof of Yellow Fever vaccination?

According to the health regulations of the Government of Costa Rica, travelers arriving from, or who have transited (for more than 12 hours) through, countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission are required to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever.

 

This requirement applies regardless of nationality and is based on recent travel history.

Countries for which Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required

Travelers arriving from any of the following countries must present proof of Yellow Fever vaccination:

 

In South America:

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela.

 

In Africa:

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.

 

Vaccination validity and timing

  • The Yellow Fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Costa Rica.

  • The vaccination is considered valid for life once administered.

  • Travelers must present the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) upon arrival if required.

 

Exemptions

The Yellow Fever vaccination requirement does not apply to:

  • Travelers arriving directly from countries with no risk of Yellow Fever transmission

  • Passengers who have only transited through non-risk countries

  • Children under 9 months of age

  • Individuals with medical contraindications (with appropriate medical documentation)

Important note for connecting flights

If your itinerary includes a layover of more than 12 hours in any of the listed countries, you may be required to present proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, even if your country of origin is not on the list.

 

Participants are strongly encouraged to verify their travel itinerary and vaccination status well in advance. Airlines and immigration authorities may deny boarding or entry to Costa Rica if the required Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not presented when applicable.

 

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