Costa Rica mandates yellow fever vaccine for eight new destinations

Starting October 1, Costa Rican citizens and residents traveling to eight new destinations at risk for yellow fever transmission will be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination. The new destinations include Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana.

According to Jennyffer González, Director of Health Surveillance, the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to travel. The mandate follows a one-month extension from the original August 31 deadline, granted to allow travelers time to comply with the required vaccination interval. This new requirement does not change existing rules for travelers heading to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, or certain African nations.

Exemptions apply to individuals under 9 months of age, those over 60, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with severe allergies to eggs or gelatin or those with severe immunosuppression. Digital certificates can be obtained through the Ministry of Health's virtual office and other official digital platforms.