North and Central America and Caribbean

Costa Rica
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 18 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Health section (removal of swine flu). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There has been a continuing increase in crime against tourists over the past few years in Costa Rica. Opportunistic theft of personal belongings, passports and travel documents is the main problem. However, there has also been an increase in incidents of violent crime against tourists. Gang muggings and armed robberies can occur even in daylight on busy streets.

You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Avoid street money-changers. And avoid stopping in poorly lit or low-populated areas to make telephone calls or seek directions.
Watch your belongings carefully at all times and in all places.
Be particularly careful of your belongings when staying in hostels and hotels. It is important that you lock valuable belongings, passports and travel documents in hotel safes where possible. You should only leave your belongings in a safe for which you retain control of the key. Keep the key on your person.
You should be vigilant when using buses. Theft of bags from overhead compartments inside buses is a common problem and efficiently carried out. Thieves have simple but effective ways of distracting a target.
Be particularly watchful of your valuables at the beach and in popular tourist destinations.
Avoid leaving unattended drinks in bars and places of entertainment. There have been reports of "spiked" drinks resulting in assault and theft.
Only take official taxis. Avoid using unofficial taxis – ‘taxi piratas’ - as several violent incidents involving tourists have been reported. Official taxis are red with a triangular sticker and plastic box on the roof with the name and number of the taxi company. Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis. When getting into a taxi, ensure that the driver's identification number, name and photograph are clearly visible on the dashboard, and ensure that the driver indicates the meter.

Personal attacks, including rape and other sexual offences, are still infrequent in Costa Rica, but there has been increasing occurrences in the last couple of years. You are advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK We strongly advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

Theft of, and from, cars is common. Be particularly careful about leaving your valuables in hire cars and avoid leaving your belongings visible from outside the car. It is a good idea to park in paid car parks, which have an attendant watching your vehicle. Otherwise, park in well-lit or busy areas. Use the car alarm, if fitted. There have been incidents where slashed tyres have given thieves the opportunity to "assist" in changing tyres, while an accomplice steals from the car. There has also been an increase in armed attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hire cars.

There has also been an increase in the number of short-term and opportunistic kidnapping, called "express kidnapping", occurring in Costa Rica. Victims are normally selected at random and are forced at gunpoint to withdraw money from ATMs. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Costa Rica Country Profile

Local Travel

If you are visiting jungle areas you should be accompanied by experienced local guides.

If visiting volcanoes please pay strict attention to notices prohibiting entry to dangerous areas. When there is the danger of eruptions the national park is closed to visitors until the danger has passed.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

Police Emergency - 911

Ambulance – 911 or 128
Fire Service – 911 or 118

Police Investigative Service – 911 or 2221-5337

Road Travel

You can drive in Costa Rica on an UK Driving Licence or an International Driving Licence.

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, although potholes caused by heavy rains in the wet season are common. Landslides in the wet season, which block the road between San José and Guapiles on the way to Limón are frequent and can cause delays. However, they are cleared away quickly and there are longer alternative routes. Drivers should be cautious when approaching bridges as these are often only one-way, even if the road is two-way.

The standard of driving is lower than in the UK. Accidents in Costa Rica are often caused by speeding or overtaking irresponsibly. You should resist the temptation to overtake without clear visibility and adhere to speed limits, as traffic police are strict. If you have a collision when driving a car you must not move the vehicle, not even to the side of the road, until the traffic police have come to inspect it. The Traffic Police (Transito) and the Insurance Investigator (INS) must come to the scene of the accident to complete accident reports.

Traffic Police (Transito) – 222-9330 or 222-9245

Insurance Investigator (INS) – 800-800-8000

However, you should be aware that there have been instances of deliberate traffic accidents as a means of stopping vehicles in Costa Rica, with the intention of committing robberies or other crimes against the victims. If you have reason to suspect that the collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, consider driving on until you reach a place eg a police station or a garage where it would be safer to stop. In such circumstances it is essential that you are ready to explain your actions to the traffic authorities mentioned above.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Swimming

You should take special care when swimming from all beaches in Costa Rica. Rip tides are very common. There are normally no lifeguards. You should seek reliable local advice. You should also be aware that there has been a considerable increase in the numbers of crocodiles seen along the Pacific Coast near the beaches popular with surfers (from Playa Azul down to Playa Esterillos) and there were two reported attacks in September 2008.

Sea and River Travel

Safety features on small boats are not always of a good standard. If you plan white water rafting, you should arrange this with an established company.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Share this with:

Contacts

Costa Rica, San José, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
Apartado 815-1007
Edificio Centro Colón
(Piso/floor 11)
San José

Telephone:

(506) 2258 2025
(506) 8917 8317 - Out of hours

Fax:

(506) 2233 9938

Email: mailto:britemb@racsa.co.cr

Office hours:

Office hours (GMT):
Mon-Thurs: 1400-2200/Fri: 1400-1900
Office hours (Local):
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1600/Fri: 0800-1300

Website: http://ukincostarica.fco.gov.uk/en/nicaragua/

Sign-up for travel alerts

Subscribe to receive email alerts for the country of your choice