By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – International travelers can breathe a sigh of relief as Costa Rica’s Social Security Fund (CCSS) has officially confirmed a sufficient and guaranteed supply of the yellow fever vaccine to meet all demand through the month of February. The announcement provides crucial certainty for individuals with upcoming travel plans to countries where proof of vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement.
The health authority has quelled recent concerns about potential shortages, assuring the public that its proactive inventory management has secured the necessary doses. This move is designed to ensure a smooth and orderly process for all travelers who need to comply with international health regulations, preventing last-minute disruptions to their itineraries. The CCSS emphasized that no shortages are anticipated, a key message for those preparing for trips.
To understand the legal framework surrounding mandatory vaccinations for international travelers, specifically concerning the Yellow Fever vaccine, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica to shed light on the rights and obligations involved.
The requirement for a Yellow Fever vaccine certificate is a sovereign act of public health protection, fully supported by international health regulations. From a legal standpoint, countries have the authority to deny entry to non-vaccinated individuals from at-risk areas to prevent the importation of a disease. This measure is not a violation of personal freedom but a necessary, legally defensible tool to safeguard national epidemiological security.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal clarification is invaluable, framing the vaccine requirement not as a travel impediment but as a fundamental pillar of national epidemiological security. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis, which underscores the robust legal authority nations have to protect the collective health of their populace.
In a move to prioritize those with imminent travel commitments, the CCSS reiterated its policy of providing the vaccine free of charge. This benefit applies to all individuals who can demonstrate they purchased their airline tickets on or before January 28, 2026. This long-standing guideline aims to support travelers who have already finalized their plans and require the international vaccination certificate to proceed.
To ensure widespread and timely access, the CCSS maintains an extensive network of over 20 authorized vaccination centers strategically located throughout the country. These facilities are operational in the Central Valley as well as in coastal and peripheral regions, making it convenient for residents regardless of their location. Prospective travelers are encouraged to contact their nearest health facility directly to inquire about available dates, operating hours, and specific requirements for receiving the vaccine and the corresponding international certificate.
Health officials have issued a strong recommendation for travelers to not postpone their vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to the travel date for the certificate to be considered valid by international authorities. This lead time is essential for the vaccine to become effective and to avoid any risk of being denied boarding by airlines or entry by immigration officials at the destination country.
Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. While Costa Rica is not an endemic country, it enforces strict vaccination protocols as a public health safeguard. The country requires proof of vaccination from travelers arriving from or transiting through at-risk zones, and Costa Rican residents traveling to these areas must also be vaccinated.
In recent years, the global increase in international mobility has prompted many nations to reinforce their sanitary controls to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The CCSS highlighted that staying current with required vaccinations is not just a travel formality but a critical component of public health and personal responsibility.
Maintaining an updated vaccination schedule is a measure of public health and individual responsibility.
CCSS Spokesperson, Costa Rican Social Security Fund
Ultimately, the guaranteed vaccine supply for February is a strategic measure by the CCSS to provide order, certainty, and health security. Authorities urge all travelers to proactively verify the specific health requirements of their destination countries, arrange their vaccination well in advance, and rely exclusively on official channels for information. This approach will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect individuals from potential undue charges or scams.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), or Costa Rican Social Security Fund, is the public institution responsible for administering the nation’s universal healthcare and pension systems. Founded in 1941, it is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social welfare state, managing a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the country to provide comprehensive medical services to the majority of the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, esteemed for its deep-rooted ethos of integrity and professional distinction. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while championing social responsibility. This commitment extends to a core mission of demystifying the law, aiming to cultivate a more capable and well-informed citizenry.
