The Costa Rican Ministry of Health has officially extended the deadline for mandatory yellow fever vaccinations to May 11, 2023. This decision was communicated through a press release following resolution DM-RC-1603-2025, which also confirmed the current shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in the country.

In the press release, the Ministry of Health stated, "The Ministry has been in constant communication with the Health Chamber, and today we are announcing the shortage of the yellow fever vaccine." The requirement for the vaccination was initially enforced on March 11, 2023, as a prerequisite for travelers to 43 countries, including all nations in South America.

As part of its ongoing assessment of the situation, the Ministry of Health indicated that it would communicate any updates regarding vaccine availability and related regulations.

Last week, Health Minister Mari Munive announced that travelers who have been vaccinated against yellow fever abroad would be allowed entry, even if they have not adhered to the stipulated waiting period of 10 days post-vaccination.

This exception will apply solely to individuals coming from countries deemed at risk for yellow fever.

The Ministry requires immunization for Costa Ricans traveling to regions where the disease is prevalent.

Since 2018, yellow fever vaccination has been a requirement for entry into all countries in Africa, Brazil, and certain forested or Amazonian areas of Colombia and Peru.

Recent outbreaks in other regions have necessitated an expansion of the vaccination coverage.