By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to safeguard public health amidst a busy travel season, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has significantly expanded its vaccination campaign against yellow fever. The new guidelines now accommodate individuals with confirmed travel to Colombia up to January 22, 2026, a notable extension from the previous deadline of December 31, 2025.
This extension provides a crucial window for thousands of Costa Ricans planning post-holiday travel to the South American nation. The CCSS has streamlined the process through its digital infrastructure, allowing eligible individuals to schedule their appointments immediately. The self-management portal, accessible via a dedicated microsite, is designed for user convenience, enabling travelers to select their preferred vaccination date, time, and health facility based on real-time availability.
To better understand the legal framework and implications surrounding Costa Rica’s vaccination requirements for international travelers, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, like any sovereign nation, has the full legal authority to establish public health requirements for entry, including mandatory proof of yellow fever vaccination. This right is rooted in the protection of its citizens and is supported by international health regulations. While these measures are legally sound, they create a crucial point of intersection between public health law and economic policy, as the tourism and business sectors must adapt to these non-negotiable health security protocols.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal analysis underscores the critical balance Costa Rica must maintain between its sovereign duty to protect public health and the economic realities faced by its vital tourism sector. The clarity on this non-negotiable intersection of law and policy is essential for all stakeholders to understand. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
To secure a slot, applicants must complete a simple online form requiring their full name, identification number, phone number, and mandatory travel date. An email address can be provided optionally. This digital-first approach is intended to manage the high demand efficiently and prevent overcrowding at health centers, ensuring a smooth and orderly immunization process for all involved.
Addressing the needs of those with later travel plans, the CCSS has also confirmed that immunizations will be available for trips scheduled after the new January 22 cutoff. Dr. Elvis Delgado of the CCSS Epidemiological Surveillance unit provided clarity on the forward-looking strategy.
People who have an airline ticket for after January 22 will be able to get vaccinated; however, the appointments will be made available in the coming days.
Dr. Elvis Delgado, Epidemiological Surveillance, CCSS
To be eligible for the vaccine, travelers must adhere to three key requirements. First, the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to the departure date to ensure full efficacy. Second, individuals must present a valid official identification document, such as a national ID card (cédula) or residency card. Finally, proof of travel in the form of an airline ticket is mandatory to confirm eligibility under the program’s scope.
The public response to the initiative has been robust. Since the vaccination strategy was launched on December 2, a total of 2,247 people scheduled to travel to Colombia have already received their immunization. This figure underscores the significant demand and the public’s awareness of the health risks associated with travel to regions where yellow fever is endemic.
To support this expanded campaign, the country has secured a new shipment of 10,000 vaccine doses. The CCSS is actively distributing these supplies to authorized health facilities across the nation based on regional demand. The procurement involves the Stamaril vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical laboratory Sanofi, and represented a total investment of $16,129, highlighting a cost-effective measure to protect international travelers.
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can be severe and is prevalent in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. The proactive stance taken by the CCSS not only protects individual travelers but also prevents the potential importation of the virus into Costa Rica, reinforcing the country’s comprehensive public health framework.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the cornerstone of Costa Rica’s public health system. As an autonomous government institution, it is responsible for administering the nation’s social security programs, which include universal healthcare and pension systems. Founded in 1941, the CCSS manages a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers, providing comprehensive medical services to the majority of the Costa Rican population and ensuring a high standard of public health and wellness.
For further information, visit sanofi.com
About Sanofi:
Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. Headquartered in Paris, France, the company discovers, develops, and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, human vaccines, rare diseases, multiple sclerosis, and oncology. The company is dedicated to making a difference in patients’ daily lives and enabling them to enjoy a healthier life.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, built upon a bedrock of principled conduct and a relentless pursuit of exceptional service. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm champions progressive legal thought and meaningful community engagement. Its core mission extends beyond representation, focusing on democratizing legal information to cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable society.
