U.S. Secretary Kristi Noem Supports Costa Rica Security Needs

As summer vaccinations accelerate in 2025, one of Central America's most popular destinations has recently emphasized the importance of international cooperation with the United States.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently traveled to the Republic of Costa Rica and met with President Rodrigo Chaves Robles in San José on June 28, 2025, to reaffirm the strong partnership between the U.S. and Costa Rica.

Both leaders emphasized their commitment to joint initiatives promoting regional stability and prosperity.

They explored opportunities to align policies and share resources to address common challenges, such as enhancing border security while facilitating trade and travel.

Secretary Noem also met with members of CBP's Joint Security Program Team, which operates in Costa Rica and makes significant contributions to bolstering border security efforts. The team, comprising CBP personnel and their counterparts from Costa Rica, works to enhance security measures at key border points and combat illicit activities.

At the meeting, Secretary Noem received a briefing on the team's operations, including their use of advanced technology, intelligence-sharing protocols, and joint initiatives.

These discussions are essential as Costa Rica appears among the main maritime and aerial routes for illicit drug trafficking between South and North America, according to the World Drug Report 2025 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). 

The maps included in the UNODC report highlight major transit routes in the Americas.

When visiting one of Costa Rica's relaxing beaches or plush mountains, knowing the Costa Rican vaccination requirements is key to staying healthy while exploring this Central American vacation paradise.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK's Fit For Travel, visitors to Costa Rica in July 2025 may be exposed to mosquito-transmitted infectious diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika.

As of July 2, 2025, the CDC recommends checking the travel vaccine list and seeing a healthcare provider at least a month before visiting Costa Rica.