LPHYS'26.    Travel Health and Vaccination:

Participants travelling to Costa Rica for LPHYS'26 may wish to review a few general travel health considerations before departure. This information is provided for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. Participants are advised to consult their healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist before travel, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions or specific health concerns.

Yellow fever entry requirements

Costa Rica does not normally require yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving directly from most countries. However, proof of vaccination may be required if a traveller's itinerary includes transit through or recent presence in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. In Latin America, this may include, for example, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia or Guyana. Participants whose travel plans involve such countries are strongly advised to review the applicable entry requirements well in advance of departure. Official guidance is available from the Costa Rica Tourism Board entry requirements page.

International travel health guidance is available from the World Health Organization (WHO), while country-specific practical information may be found via official Costa Rican sources such as the Costa Rica Tourism Board entry requirements page. Additional practical vaccination and travel health recommendations are also summarised by national travel medicine services including the CDC Travelers' Health page for Costa Rica.

Local climate

The conference venue is located in Belén, in the greater San José area, close to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Belén lies on Costa Rica's Central Valley plateau at approximately 850–995 metres above sea level, which results in generally milder conditions than in many coastal regions.

According to the Belén cantonal climate reference (ES), the area has a defined rainy season from May to mid-November, although rainfall often decreases temporarily in July due to the mid-season dry spell (veranillo). Typical daytime temperatures are around the mid- to upper-20s °C, with cooler nights averaging around 16 °C.

Participants planning additional travel should note that climatic conditions vary considerably across Costa Rica. Daytime temperatures in coastal regions may reach around 30–35 °C, while high-elevation mountain and volcano areas can be much cooler, with daytime temperatures occasionally dropping to around 10–15 °C, especially in cloudy or windy conditions. A light jacket or warmer clothing may therefore be useful for excursions to higher altitudes.

Routine vaccinations

Participants should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date in accordance with national recommendations. These commonly include tetanus-containing vaccines, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, influenza, and other standard immunisations as applicable. As with all international travel, this is best checked sufficiently in advance of departure.

Recommended travel vaccinations

No vaccinations are generally required specifically for short-term travel to Costa Rica beyond the usual international travel health precautions. Healthcare providers may review routine immunisation status and, as part of standard travel medicine practice, sometimes recommend vaccines such as hepatitis A depending on individual circumstances. Participants are advised to seek personalised medical guidance prior to travel. For practical background information, see the CDC Travelers' Health page for Costa Rica.

Mosquito-borne illnesses

As in many tropical countries, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue are periodically reported in Costa Rica. According to the Costa Rican Ministry of Health, a total of 456 dengue cases had been notified nationwide by epidemiological week 4 of 2026 (8.7 cases per 100,000 population), including 119 cases in the Central Sur region, which includes the greater San José area. For short-term conference travel, this is generally regarded as a routine precaution rather than a significant health concern. Basic measures such as occasional use of insect repellent during outdoor activities or additional travel elsewhere in the country are usually sufficient.

Malaria transmission in Costa Rica is currently very limited and geographically restricted. For example, only two locally transmitted cases were reported nationwide by epidemiological week 4 of 2026, both in a remote northern border area. Malaria prevention measures are therefore not normally considered relevant for conference travel to the Central Valley. Further details are available in the official epidemiological bulletin (ES) of the Costa Rican Ministry of Health (ES).

Drinking water

Tap water in the greater San José area is generally considered potable and is supplied by regulated public utilities. According to the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ES), approximately 94 % of the population receives treated drinking water at home. Bottled water is widely available for those who prefer it.

Travel health insurance

As with any international travel, participants are advised to ensure that they have adequate travel health insurance covering their stay in Costa Rica. While insurance is not normally required for entry, practical travel planning information may be reviewed on the official Costa Rica entry requirements page.

Prescription medication

Participants travelling with prescription medication are advised to carry it in original packaging and to keep essential medication in their hand luggage. Participants may also wish to carry a copy of the prescription or a brief doctor's note, particularly when travelling internationally.

Useful official resources

Disclaimer

This page is intended for general information only. It should not be interpreted as medical advice or as a substitute for official entry guidance. Participants should consult appropriate medical professionals and official government sources for recommendations relevant to their own health status and travel itinerary.