Business Customs

Costa Ricans are known for their friendliness and service-oriented approach, which extends to their business culture. Personal contact is highly valued by Costa Rican business executives, and meetings are best held at the host’s facilities rather than in hotels. Business attire typically includes a suit, though ties are optional. For men, conservative dark suits are appropriate, while women may wear dresses, skirts with blouses, or pants, which are more common in professional settings. Costa Ricans tend to be slightly more formal than other Latin Americans.

Handshakes are the standard greeting for visiting businesspersons. While punctuality is expected, Costa Rican counterparts may arrive up to 15-minutes late for a meeting, which is considered acceptable and not impolite. U.S. business representatives should bring business cards, proposals, and other materials prepared in both English and Spanish. Initially, address individuals by their last name; first names are typically used only after several meetings and once a rapport has been established.

Business negotiations in Costa Rica often proceed at a slower pace compared to North American norms. Costa Ricans may prefer indirect and diplomatic approaches over direct tactics. Impatience is viewed as a weakness and can undermine credibility. Building personal relationships, including discussing family, is seen positively and can foster trust in business dealings.

Telephone calls remain the primary method for scheduling appointments, whether in-person or virtual. Emails are also effective but follow-up with an e-calendar invitation to confirm. WhatsApp is widely used for direct messaging communication, often bypassing assistants and providing quicker responses than email.

The rainy season lasts from late April to November, which can impact travel plans due to traffic and weather conditions. Morning meetings are preferable during this time, as mornings are typically sunny. Be mindful of local holidays, as many businesses close, and decision-makers may be unavailable.

While Costa Ricans are friendly, it is uncommon to be invited to someone’s home until a strong business and personal relationship has developed. Breakfast or lunch meetings are rare, with evening dinners or after-office gatherings being more social than business-oriented.

Travel Advisory

Safety and Security

Costa Rica has not experienced recent acts of terrorism, but visitors may occasionally encounter civil disturbances, such as strikes or work stoppages. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts have swift and dangerous ocean currents, with few lifeguards or warning signs. Each year, many U.S. citizens drown due to rip currents or sudden drop-offs in shallow water. Extreme caution is advised.

Adventure tourism is popular in Costa Rica, offering activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, ATV rentals, jungle canopy tours, and deep-sea diving. However, some tour operators may take risks, and government oversight of these activities may not always meet international standards. U.S. citizens have died while participating in adventure sports. Always use caution, ensure your medical insurance covers such activities, and never participate alone. Inform others of your plans, carry identification, and follow safety protocols.

For water sports like kayaking and rafting, check river conditions and wear a life jacket and helmet. Flash floods can make even popular locations, such as the Rio Naranjo near Quepos, extremely dangerous. When hiking, rappelling, or climbing, carry a first aid kit and know the location of the nearest rescue center. Adhere to local regulations and exercise caution in unfamiliar surroundings.

For the latest safety and security information, travelers should regularly monitor the State Department’s website where current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts are available.

Crime Prevention

Costa Rica welcomes over 2.3 million foreign tourists annually, many of whom are American. While generally safe, tourists are potential targets for theft, particularly of cash, jewelry, credit cards, electronics, and passports. Exercise the same level of caution as you would in major cities or tourist areas worldwide. Local law enforcement may have limited response capabilities and follow different protocols than U.S. authorities.

Avoid driving at night, especially outside urban areas. Exercise caution in areas with high concentrations of bars and nightclubs, particularly after dark. Steer clear of deserted properties or undeveloped land. The U.S. Embassy places official visitors in larger hotels in suburban areas rather than in downtown San Jose for safety reasons.

When walking or exercising, do so with a companion. Crowded tourist attractions and resort areas are common places for criminal activity. Avoid overt displays of wealth, such as carrying large amounts of cash, wearing expensive jewelry, or using high-end photographic equipment. Carry photocopies of your passport data page and Costa Rican entry stamp, leaving the original in a hotel safe or other secure location.

When renting vehicles, purchase theft insurance, park in secured lots, and never leave valuables in your car. Theft from parked cars is common, particularly in downtown San Jose, at beaches, airports, bus stations, gas stations, parking lots, national parks, and tourist attractions. Use licensed taxis, which are red with yellow medallions, or orange taxis at the airport. Ensure taxis have working locks, seatbelts, and meters (“marías”). When traveling by bus, keep belongings in your possession or within sight.

Be aware of common scams. For example, one scam involves dropping change in crowded areas to distract victims while wallets or other items are stolen. Another involves puncturing rental car tires near restaurants, tourist attractions, or car rental agencies. A “helpful” individual may offer assistance, only to steal valuables from the car. If you experience a flat tire, drive to a public area or service station before stopping.

Costa Rica has a specialized Tourist Police force that patrols popular tourist areas. They can assist with crime reporting, though language barriers and specific protocols may complicate the process. Only investigative police can accept crime reports, though Tourism Police may on occasion be able to assist with the submission process. 

Visa Requirements

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that visa applications are processed by the State Department at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. Visa applicants should go to the State Department Visa Website for full details.

General Entry/Exit Requirements

For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present a valid passport, valid for the duration of their stay, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens traveling with a valid U.S. passport. Some U.S. airlines may not permit passengers to board flights to Costa Rica without a return ticket. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizens to stay up to 120 days, but this is not guaranteed and is up to the discretion of the immigration authorities (e.g., if your passport is valid for less than 120 days). To stay beyond the period granted, travelers must apply for an extension at the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. 

Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, and extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Foreigners are only able to drive legally using a foreign license for up to 90 days in Costa Rica. There is a departure tax for short-term visitors, which is typically included in the cost of a traveler’s airfare. Tourists who stay beyond the designated exit date may experience a delay at the airport when departing and will have to pay a fine. Individuals with prior overstays may further be denied entry to Costa Rica. 

Persons traveling to Costa Rica from certain countries in South America and sub-Saharan Africa must provide evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination prior to entry. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C., or one of Costa Rica’s Consulates in the United States for information on specific countries considered at risk.

The most authoritative and up-to-date information on Costa Rican entry and exit requirements, including visa information, may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at Washington, DC; or from the Costa Rican consulates in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Francisco, and Tampa. It is advisable to contact them for specific information regarding customs requirements before shipping any items.

It is also advisable to confer with your airline for additional information. 

Transportation

According to the 2024 Infrastructure Opportunities in Latin America report, Costa Rica’s infrastructure is at risk. The study evaluated several sectors —including transportation, telecommunications, technological infrastructure, and energy infrastructure— and assigned each country an average score on a scale from 1 to 100, with 1 being the best possible rating. Costa Rica received a score of 43. The country’s lowest rating was in the transportation sector, largely due to factors such as the road system receiving only sporadic, short-term maintenance, which places strain on both vehicles and drivers.

There are more than 7,000 kilometers (4,400 miles) of main highways and roads, and roughly 16,000 kilometers (9,600 miles) of rural roads. However, some roads can only be driven with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Signage is often lacking and sometimes confusing. Outside the downtown areas of San Jose and Heredia, few areas have formal addresses; the descriptive directions serve as addresses. 
Costa Rica has more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) of railway track, but most of it is currently not in use. Limited service operates within the populous Central Valley region, primarily for weekday commuters. All overland cargo, except bananas from the Pacific ports and the Caribbean sector, is transported via truck.

A rapid commuter train serving the Great Metro Area of San Jose is under discussion, with the goal to relieve the traffic congestion in the Central Valley. A few modern train cars were bought from China and will be used to help expand the train reach in the Great Metro Area and surrounding cities.

There are more than 100 small private landing fields serving approximately 300 registered aircraft. At present, 26 international passenger airlines (including Delta, American, America West, Frontier, United, Spirit Air, JetBlue, Alaskan Airlines and Southwest) and fifteen cargo airlines (including Fedex and UPS) operate in San Jose’s principal airport, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). In early 2017, the only airline flying from Europe was Iberia. New direct flights from Europe started flying to SJO from Zurich, Amsterdam, Paris and London.  Iberojet from Spain started to operate in mid-2021. 

A second international airport operates in Liberia, known as Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR). It supports mainly seasonal flights (December to April) to the northern Guanacaste beach resort area.

Regional airports offer regularly scheduled domestic flights to Golfito, La Fortuna, Liberia, Samara, Tambor, Tortuguero, Puerto Jimenez, Punta Islita, Nosara, Quepos, Tamarindo as well as flights to Granada, Nicaragua and Bocas del Toro, Panama. Costa Rica’s largest domestic airline is SANSA. 

There are reliable taxi and public bus services in the capital city of San Jose. Official taxis are red and are the recommended means of transport for business visitors. Visitors should ensure that the taxi driver is using the meter. The official taxis have the name of the taxi company written on a yellow box on the top of the car. In 2016, Uber started operating in San Jose, and even though the company is not fully recognized as a legal operation by the government, it is used throughout the main suburbs of the metro area of San Jose and neighboring provinces. During 2019, the Chinese app Didi also started operating in Costa Rica. 

Parking in downtown San Jose is usually easy as you can find a parking meter to pay via credit card, or the app e-parker. In the district of San Pedro, the app needed is Parso. In other cities like Heredia, paper strips sold by the Municipality need to be filled out and left inside the car.

Orange taxis from the company Taxis Unidos operate at SJO Airport (Juan Santamaria) with bilingual drivers and good reliable service. Car rental service is also available from Budget, Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and other well-known companies. Visitors are allowed to drive with their normal driver’s license for up to three months.

Costa Rica’s air safety oversight program is rated Category One. However, in 2020 inconsistencies were found in operations that are currently under review. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Department of Defense at (703) 697-7288.

Language

Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking country, although English is often taught in schools and used widely in business circles.  All official documents issued by the Costa Rican government are in Spanish.

Other native languages spoken by indigenous people include: Bribrí, Maleku, Ngäbe (Guaymí) and Cabecar. Creole-English language (or Mekatelyu) is spoken on the Caribbean Coast.

Note: In Costa Rica people address each other with “Usted” and “Vos” (a local version of Tú). It is normal for foreigners to use the international “Tu”.

Health

Summary

Costa Rica operates a universal public health system managed by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), widely known as the “Caja.” This system is structured into three levels of care: primary, secondary, and tertiary. At the tertiary level, the country has three national general hospitals—Hospital San Juan de Dios, Hospital México, and Hospital Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia—as well as five national specialized hospitals, including the National Children’s Hospital, the National Psychiatric Hospital, the National Women’s Hospital (Carit), the National Geriatrics and Gerontology Hospital, and the National Rehabilitation Center. At the secondary level, there are seven regional hospitals, one in each province, thirteen peripheral hospitals of varying size and complexity, and ten large outpatient clinics that offer intermediate specialized services. 

Most of these facilities are concentrated in the Central Valley, where approximately half of the population resides. For primary care, the CCSS operates an extensive network of Equipos Básicos de Atención Integral en Salud (EBAIS), which are local primary care teams responsible for basic preventive and curative services. As of the most recent data, there are around 1,080 EBAIS units distributed throughout the country, each serving an average of 4,500 individuals. These are organized under 105 Áreas de Salud, which serve as administrative and supervisory units for the local health services. This decentralized and layered system allows the CCSS to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to over 95% of the population.

Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, administered by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), currently operates approximately 6,000 hospital beds across its network of around 30 hospitals, validating previously held figures. Additionally, there are roughly 223 beds available in the private sector, primarily housed in three major private hospitals.

There are several private hospitals and clinics in the country, most of which are located in the Central Valley region. Hospital Clínica Bíblica (HCB) is considered the largest and oldest private hospital in the country. It is followed by Hospital CIMA San Jose, owned by the International Hospital Corporation a U.S.-based company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Another key facility is Hospital Internacional La Católica (HCC), which offers a wide range of medical and surgical services. 

Both Clínica Bíblica and Hospital CIMA Hospital are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), reflecting compliance with international standards for quality and patient safety. Clínica Bíblica also holds accreditation from the Medical Tourism Association, enhancing its appeal to international patients. Hospital Metropolitano, with its main locations in downtown in San José and Lindora (Santa Ana), is the newest addition among major private facilities and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). It provides medical services to U.S. veterans and accepts medical insurance under the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) and Tricare. Hospital Metropolitano has a strategic affiliation with Sanford Health, a healthcare organization based in United States, which supports its international services and development. 

The number of small, private clinics in Costa Rica is growing steadily, driven by increasing demand for faster and more personalized healthcare services. This trend reflects a broader shift in patient expectations, particularly among individuals seeking reduced waiting times and access to specialized care outside the public system. Among the largest and most established private outpatient centers are Clínica Santa Catalina, Clínica Santa Rita, Clínica Santa Fe, and Hospital Clínica Jerusalem, all of which offer a wide range of ambulatory and diagnostic services. 

The expansion of the private sector is also influenced by the steady influx of foreign patients, particularly from the United States and Canada. This phenomenon, widely referred to as medical tourism, has become a significant contributor to the country’s healthcare economy, with patients traveling to Costa Rica for affordable, high-quality medical procedures, including dentistry, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, and general surgery. Costa Rica’s reputation for trained professionals, modern facilities, and lower costs continues to position it as a regional leader in the medical tourism industry. 

Costa Rica is actively competing in the global medical tourism market alongside countries such as Brazil, Mexico, India, and Malaysia. One of Costa Rica’s most notable advantages is its geographic proximity to the United States and Canada, which remain the principal countries of origin for medical tourists. This closeness reduces travel time and costs, making the country a more accessible and appealing option for patients seeking timely and affordable medical care. 

In addition, many Costa Rican physicians, dentists, and surgeons have received part of their medical education or specialization training in the United States or other internationally recognized institutions, further enhancing the country’s credibility and appeal. Costa Rica also benefits from political stability, a strong public health foundation, and an established private sector with internationally accredited hospitals and clinics. In recent years, several North American insurance companies have explored the possibility of covering medical procedures performed in Costa Rica as part of international insurance networks, which could further expand the country’s participation in the global medical tourism economy.

According to data provided by one of the leading private hospitals in Costa Rica, most foreign patients seeking medical care in the country come from United States and Canada. These individuals travel to Costa Rica primarily for procedures in high-demand specialties such as orthopedics, including hip, shoulder, and knee replacements; general surgery, especially bariatric procedures and gastric band placement; dermatology services, including laser treatments for wrinkle and skin blemish removal; plastic and reconstructive surgery, such as liposuction and facelifts; and a wide range of dental procedures, from restorative to cosmetic treatments. 

The growth of this sector is supported by the Council for the International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine, known as PROMED. PROMED is a non-profit membership-based organization dedicated to promoting the development and global competitiveness of the country’s medical tourism, wellness, and retirement living industries. The organization provides guidance, training, quality standards, and strategic support to healthcare providers offering services to international patients. PROMED also collaborates with government institutions and international partners to maintain and improve Costa Rica’s reputation as a destination for safe, affordable, and high-quality medical care. More information about PROMED and its programs is available on the organization’s official website.

In the private healthcare sector, Clínica Biblica’s Santa Ana campus and Metropolitano’s Lindora campus reflect significant investments aimed at strengthening their presence on the west side of the San José metropolitan area. These expansions are part of broader strategic efforts to serve the growing population and demand for private medical services in high-density suburban areas. Hospital Metropolitano has also announced plans to expand its network by establishing additional outpatient clinics in Alajuela and on the east side of the Central Valley, further enhancing geographic accessibility for patients.

Beyond the Central Valley, Metropolitano has established a notable presence with clinics in Huacas and Liberia, both located in the Guanacaste province, which serves a large local and international population, including tourists and expatriates. Additionally, Metropolitano operates a clinic in Quepos, a coastal town in the southern Pacific region of the country, providing access to specialized and general medical services in a traditionally underserved area. These developments underscore the institution’s goal of broadening its national reach and aligning private healthcare infrastructure with population and tourism growth patterns across the country.

The National Healthcare System

As previously stated, the Costa Rican national healthcare system is administered by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), which is responsible for managing the country’s network of public hospitals, clinics, and primary care centers.

By law, all employers in Costa Rica are required to enroll their employees and their legal dependents in the CCSS system, which provides access to comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive, diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitative care. In addition to the public system, Costa Rica has a well-developed private healthcare sector, which operates independently and offers faster access and a broader selection of services for those who choose to pay out-of-pocket or have private insurance.

Many physicians working in both the public and private sectors is fluent in English, particularly those with international training or specialization, often obtained in the United States, Europe, or other recognized medical institutions abroad. While physicians frequently communicate in English, it is less common for administrative staff and nurses to have fluency in the language, which may occasionally require the use of translators or support from accompanying individuals. Medical specialists are available in nearly all major fields of medicine throughout the country, both in the public hospitals and in the growing network of private medical facilities.

Hospitals and Providers

Top-tier public hospitals in Costa Rica, including Hospital México, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Hospital Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, and the National Children’s Hospital, are all located in the capital city of San José. These facilities serve as national referral centers, receiving complex cases and transfers from regional and peripheral public hospitals across the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the second quarter of 2021, these hospitals faced significant strain in capacity and resources. Nonetheless, under normal circumstances, they play a critical role in providing tertiary-level care, including management of trauma cases, high-complexity surgeries, and mass casualty incidents.

Private hospitals in San Jose 

Private hospitals such as Hospital Clínica Bíblica, Hospital CIMA, and Hospital Metropolitano, are modern, well-equipped, and are comparable to U.S. hospitals in terms of infrastructure, services, and patient experience. These institutions are frequently used by expatriates, foreign residents, and international visitors due to their shorter wait times, availability of English-speaking staff, and greater flexibility in patient choice. While the U.S. Embassy Consulate in San José does not make specific medical recommendations, it maintains a list of English-speaking medical professionals and facilities as a resource for American citizens.

In the San José metropolitan area, both public and private healthcare institutions offer a wider range of medical specialties, advanced diagnostic testing, and access to subspecialty care than facilities located in rural or remote areas. Patients seeking private care should be aware that many hospitals and clinics require upfront cash payment for services rendered. Reimbursement must then be coordinated directly with the patient’s insurance provider. 

Not all U.S.-based health insurance plans offer international coverage, and it is strongly advised that travelers and long-term residents obtain supplemental health insurance that includes international benefits, emergency care, and medical evacuation coverage when necessary.

For those residing long-term in the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José, subscribing to a private ambulance service is a recommended option to ensure timely access to emergency transport with English-speaking paramedics and trained medical personnel. These services can be especially valuable in urgent situations where rapid coordination and communication are essential.

Food

Food safety standards in Costa Rica are generally high, particularly in well-established restaurants. Most upscale and mid-tier dining establishments are diligent in maintaining hygiene protocols and reputational standards, which helps ensure that food is prepared and served under sanitary conditions. As a result, cases of foodborne illness linked to reputable restaurants are uncommon.

It is recommended that all meats be thoroughly cooked before consumption to reduce the risk of parasitic or bacterial infections. As a general precaution, eating raw fish or shellfish is not advised unless it is sourced from a well-known, reputable supplier with high food safety standards.

Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly or peeled before consumption. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, should be rinsed first, then soaked in a diluted bleach solution prepared with one tablespoon of household bleach (Clorox or equivalent) per gallon of clean water. After disinfection, they should be rinsed again in clean water to remove any residual taste or chemical residue. Hydroponically grown lettuce, which is widely available in supermarkets, is typically free from soil-borne contaminants and does not require this additional disinfection step.

Locally grown peanuts should be avoided, as they are not routinely tested for aflatoxins, which are carcinogenic substances produced by certain molds that may contaminate improperly stored or processed nuts. Dairy products in Costa Rica are of high quality. Most products available in grocery stores are pasteurized and safe for consumption. Yogurt, milk, cheese, and other refrigerated dairy items sold in commercial packaging meet national food safety regulations.

Water

Tap water in Costa Rica is generally considered safe to drink in the capital city of San José and surrounding urban areas, as it is treated and regulated by national water authorities. However, episodes of contamination have occurred in the past due to pipe breakages following earthquakes or seismic activity, which are relatively common in the region. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about the long-term protection of aquifers, particularly with respect to contamination from agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, or infrastructure vulnerabilities.

While tap water in Costa Rica is not fluoridated, the country has implemented a nationwide public health program in which table salt is fortified with both iodine and fluoride to address common micronutrient deficiencies. This strategy serves as a substitute for water fluoridation and supports dental and thyroid health in the general population.

Outside the capital and larger cities, water quality can vary significantly. Tap water and ice may be sourced from private wells, small-scale municipal systems, or untreated surface water, and may not consistently meet U.S. standards for potable water. Travelers to rural areas, coastal zones, or regions with unreliable infrastructure should take additional precautions, such as drinking bottled water, avoiding ice from unknown sources, and using filtered or boiled water for brushing teeth.
Bottled water is widely available throughout the country, including in remote areas, and is recommended for individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal systems or during periods of known municipal contamination. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores carry bottled water in various sizes, including options for delivery in homes or rental properties

Air Quality

Air quality in the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José is generally classified as good by international standards. According to real-time monitoring from the U.S. Embassy air quality station and NASA’s Aeronet platform, San José recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31 and a PM2.5 concentration of five micrograms per cubic meter on September 3, 2025, which falls within the “good” range. These levels indicate minimal health risk for the general population. However, occasional fluctuations to moderate levels may occur due to traffic congestion, dry-season dust, or smoke from agricultural burning in nearby regions.

Environmental factors such as volcanic activity also contribute episodically to air quality variability. Volcanic emissions from Turrialba and Poás volcanoes may include ash, sulfur dioxide, and fine aerosols, which can cause short-term irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Seasonal weather patterns influence indoor air quality as well. During the rainy season, from May to November, high humidity levels promote the growth of indoor mold, especially in poorly ventilated or moisture-prone environments. In contrast, the dry season, from December to April, often results in increased airborne dust, particularly in urban areas and near unpaved roads. Year-round, pollen counts remain relatively high due to the country’s rich biodiversity and the abundance of flowering plants and grasses, which may trigger allergic symptoms in predisposed individuals.

To mitigate the effects of mold during the rainy season, residents are advised to maintain adequate ventilation, control indoor humidity levels using dehumidifiers, and promptly address any sources of water intrusion. Regular cleaning of air conditioning systems and closets can further reduce the risk of mold accumulation. Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis may benefit from air purifiers and limiting outdoor exposure during periods of elevated dust or volcanic emissions.

Transmissible Diseases

Please visit the U.S. Embassy in San José and the Costa Rican Ministry of Health websites to access the most current guidance regarding COVID 19 requirements and regulations. As of late summer 2025, Costa Rica continues to monitor COVID 19 cases and advises travelers to remain informed of evolving public health policies.

Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended for travelers and residents due to its increasing prevalence in some regions. Frequent and thorough handwashing remains one of the most effective protective measures.
Mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus remain active in Costa Rica. 

As of epidemiological week 25, of 2025, Costa Rica reported approximately 2,282 suspected dengue cases, which represents both a decrease compared to 2024 and regional trends in Central America. No prophylaxis for malaria is required for most travelers since transmission is extremely rare. However, six localized autochthonous malaria cases were confirmed in early 2025, indicating a very low but non-zero risk in certain areas. Recommended mosquito protections include applying repellent containing 25 to 30 percent DEET or 20 percent Picaridin, using window and door screens, eliminating standing water, and wearing long-sleeved clothing. These measures are particularly important in areas with higher vector presence.

Fungal skin infections are common due to the country’s humid climate. Maintaining good personal hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, staying dry, and changing out of damp clothing promptly are effective preventive strategies.
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS CoV 2 continue to circulate. The Pan American Health Organization recommends strengthening surveillance systems for influenza like illness and severe acute respiratory infections, ensuring early diagnosis and high vaccination coverage among high risk groups.

Acute diarrheal diseases are frequently observed. As of epidemiological week 27, 2025, Costa Rica reported 219,914 cumulative cases of acute diarrhea, signaling a mildly elevated trend in the alert. Maintaining hand hygiene, consuming safe water, and ensuring proper food preparation techniques help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

Sexually transmitted infections continue to be monitored. Preliminary data indicate rising cases of syphilis, herpes, and gonorrhea, with surveillance actively ongoing.

Meningitis and myiasis (screwworm infestation) remain under surveillance as well. Myiasis cases, although rare, are reported annually and primarily affect adults engaged in outdoor or agricultural activities.
Overall, public health authorities in Costa Rica continue to monitor infectious diseases closely. Travelers and residents are encouraged to consult official sources for the most recent updates, adhere to recommended preventive measures, and maintain routine vaccinations.

Other Health Risks

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a common health concern in Costa Rica due to the country’s equatorial latitude and high solar intensity. To reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, individuals are advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, typically between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The early morning and late afternoon offer safer conditions for outdoor activity, with less intense UV exposure. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses is strongly recommended, particularly for those spending extended time outdoors.

Traffic-related injuries and fatalities are another significant public health issue. Pedestrians and cyclists account for a disproportionately high number of road traffic deaths each year. Contributing factors include driver inattention, speeding, poorly marked pedestrian crossings, limited street lighting, and the absence of dedicated infrastructure such as sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Individuals walking or cycling should exercise heightened caution, especially in urban areas and along major roadways. Wearing reflective gear and using lights at night can help increase visibility and reduce the risk of injury.

For additional travel health information, including updates on disease prevention and region-specific recommendations, travelers are encouraged to consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

Local Time, Business Hours, & Holidays

Local time for Costa Rica is minus 6 hours Greenwich Mean Time (-6 GMT). Costa Rica is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time (EST), and two hours behind Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and does not have daylight savings time.

Typical working hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Most businesses are open with a continuous working schedule. Generally, the Costa Rican government offices have a continuous working schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Most public banks are open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while private banks are usually open until 6:00 P.M. Most public and private banks have some weekend hours.

Business trips to Costa Rica should not be scheduled immediately before or immediately after local holidays. Costa Rican residents tend to take vacations during school holidays, for example, from mid-December to late January, and during the month of July (mid-term vacations are the first two weeks of July), also the week prior, during and after Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Securing business appointments during these times can be difficult. The Embassy is closed on U.S. and Costa Rican holidays.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Costa Rican law requires checked luggage to be screened, and travelers to declare at customs the existence and value of any item in their possession different than their personal belongings like fruits, vegetables, meat and by-products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration for all members residing in the same household and traveling together to Costa Rica. The declaration is usually handled by the international transportation company; Customs usually have copies at their facilities in each entry for travelers to take in case they did not receive one before. 

No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which is defined as a series of items for personal, professional, and non-commercial use. If you are entering the country with other items different from personal luggage you should declare them, for example: commercial samples without commercial value, cash if this is equal or greater than USD10,000.00 and securities if its value is higher than USD50,000.00. 

1 Source: Wikipedia.org