A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica. There is no visa requirement for US tourists, who can enter for stays of up to 90 days. At the discretion of Costa Rican authorities, travelers are sometimes admitted with a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate and valid photo I.D. for tourist stays up to 90 days. There are no required innoculations for Costa Rica, but it is a good idea to check with your physician for recommendations of optional innoculations and health precautions. Costa Rica is suffering an outbreak of dengue fever, although the incidence remains lower than in other Central American countries.
Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bite and there is no vaccine.
Anyone planning to travel in affected areas should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. These include wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent on exposed skin, and sleeping under mosquito netting. Medical care in the capital city of San Jose is adequate. However, in areas outside of San Jose, medical care is more limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.