Posted on 03/17/2025 12:38:59 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A Peruvian tourist in transit was barred from leaving Juan Santamaría International Airport upon arriving in Costa Rica because he lacked a yellow fever vaccination. Minister of Health Mary Munive clarified the policy amid growing confusion. “He planned a day visit to see a friend before flying onward. Transit passengers staying in the airport are exempt, but leaving—for sightseeing or otherwise—requires the vaccine. He was told, ‘Comply or stay,’ and chose to stay,” Munive said. The rule aims to protect Costa Rica, a tropical nation free of yellow fever, from imported cases.
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In a similar case, a Paraguayan citizen over 60 arrived to participate in San José’s annual book fair but was denied entry at the counter for lacking a vaccination certificate. “In South America, seniors over 60 are often exempt from the vaccine and don’t receive certificates. Without it, he couldn’t proceed, risking delays,” Munive explained. She noted Costa Rica is refining its rules—mandatory for travelers from Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, and other high-risk nations—amid regional differences.
The incidents spotlight a nationwide yellow fever vaccine shortage, worsened by global supply chain disruptions and rising cases in the Americas (14 reported in 2025 by PAHO/WHO). The Costa Rican Association of Travel Agencies (ACAV) and National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) urged the Ministry to suspend the decree until doses are available. “The shortage makes compliance impossible, threatening travelers and our $4 billion tourism industry,” said Canatur’s Shirley Calvo. On March 11, 2025, the Ministry launched a border vaccination campaign and digital certificate system, but full resolution remains uncertain.
Munive stressed adaptability as Costa Rica balances public health and tourism. With thousands of annual visitors from risk zones, clear communication and vaccine access remain critical to avoid further disruptions.
You should check the rules prior to buying your ticket.
Yellow fever is really bad.
There are stories from the Yellow Fever epidemic that hit Memphis in the 1800s. People would get up, go to work, go back home for lunch and never return.
Other people literally would just go out for errands (walking of course) fall sick on the way and die in the street.
They are denying him exit, not entrance.
Airports are a weird sort of limbo. Technically you are in a country and yet you are not. Certain laws apply and others do not.
Wise choice. There is still a 10-day gestation period after receiving the vaccine before they will let you into the country.
-PJ
There are a lot of gravestones in the old Nashville cemetery with Yellow Fever on them.
You would think that the illegal immigrant flow through Central America would be a risk.
My thought exactly.
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