www.CostaRicaTicas.com

While in Costa Rica next month I plan to take a short long-weekend trip to Cartagena (4 days) and then fly back from Cartagena to San Jose before flying back to US. My question concerns the Yellow Fever vaccine and I'm getting "mixed messages" from my online searches. I understand Cartagena is little to no-risk for YF and some suggest that the YF vaccine to re-enter CR is not necessary from Cartagena. Others suggest the YF is required to enter CR no matter where in Colombia you are flying from.
Any suggestions?

Don't remember the website but it's a government of Costa Rica site for information for travelers. There was a change recently, but not sure what it was. But I did hear that vaccination is required to enter Costa Rica from most places in Colombia. I think Bogota and Medellin direct flights may be exception as they are higher elevation but better get it from an official source. I have heard of people being refused entry into Costa without the vaccination.

Anyway, don't take a chance on what you might read here. That is the main point.

The Costa Rica Ministry of Health Lists travel from Colombia Todo el país (Colombia, all the country) as requiring a yellow fever vaccination 10 days before entering Costa Rica.
https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/ind ... rilla/file

There may be exemptions in practice for certain areas, but I do not see it reflected in official documents.

There is notice of an updated list of counties to be implemented March 11, but that adds a couple African nations without taking any off the list. The updated list is irrelevant as Colombia Todo el país does not change.

you HAVE to have the YF vaccine given AT LEAST 10 days before entering Costa Rica when coming from Colombia.

I know that 5 years ago you did not need the YF VAX if you were over I think it was 60 years of age. I was over 65 and I did not
need it. I recommend if you don't need it don't get it. I know a few people that got very sick after they got the SHOT.

I traveled from Medellin to San Jose last year, and wasn't asked about the YF vaccine. But I was 76 years old at the time, so that may be a reason. I searched the internet and even sent an inquiry to the Costa Rican Embassy asking if the vaccine was required. The Embassy's response was about the same as you can find on the internet. I asked about the age exemption and they didn't address that in the response.

I went to Cartagena about 25 years ago and flew my Colombian favorita down from CR...I know, like bringing coal to New Castle, but it was a birthday present to her. when we got her Yellow fever shot to return to CR, I was erroneously told that I needed the vaccine as well to return to US. I got severely ill for 2 weeks from the vaccine, had to go to doctor up here. Avoid it if you can is my advice from my severe negative reaction.