North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• Around 47,000 British nationals visit Costa Rica every year (Source:  Institute of Tourism Costa Rica).  Most visits are trouble-free.  23 British nationals required consular assistance in Costa Rica in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (2 cases); hospitalisations (4 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (7 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (81 cases)..
  
  
• Incidents of violent crime against tourists are increasing.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Earthquakes are also common in Costa Rica. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes/Floodings and Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions) section and Tropical Cyclones of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.