Britons issued travel warning for beautiful beach destination as holidaymakers face health risks - what you need to do
Britons have been given an essential travel warning
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Costa Rica is unsurprisingly a hugely popular destination among holidaymakers, who flock to the Central American country year after year for its beaches, rainforests and incredible wildlife.
However, Britons planning a holiday there must be aware of specific health risks. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its information about vaccine recommendations and health risks.
The FCDO told Britons: "To enter Costa Rica, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
"For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Costa Rica guide.
Costa Rica is home to some exceptional landscapes
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"See what health risks you’ll face in Costa Rica, including malaria, dengue and Zika virus."
TravelHealthPro's Costa Rica guide contains essential information on vaccine recommendations, malaria, other risks (including altitude, biting insects or ticks, dengue, influenza, outdoor air quality and Zika virus), Covid and health news.
The FCDO provided essential health advice for Britons entering Costa Rica. Tourists were warned: "Before you travel check that your destination can provide the healthcare you may need and that you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
"This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant."
In an emergency, Britons were advised to "call 911 and ask for an ambulance".
The FCDO advised: "Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment."
For travellers who take medication, Britons were warned: "Prescriptions from the UK cannot be used locally.
"To find a pharmacy (‘farmacia’) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacia Fischel, Farmacia Sucre, FarmaValue, Farmacia Saba, or Farmacia Santa Lucia, among others. A quick search online should help you to identify the nearest one open."
Britons were advised to read about the best practices when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
As for the healthcare system in Costa Rica, the FCDO said: "Medical care in Costa Rica is of a generally high standard. Ambulance services in remote areas may vary.
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GETTY IMAGES"Only initial emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors. Subsequent treatment will be charged.
"Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
"FCDO has a list of medical providers in Costa Rica where some staff will speak English."
Holidaymakers are encouraged to consult the FCDO's guidance on travel and mental health, as well as the mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
This comes as Britons are given a fresh Europe travel warning for France as a new system is set to launch within months.