Travelling & Living Overseas

North and Central America and Caribbean

Costa Rica Flag of Costa Rica

Still current at: 06 September 2008
Updated: 25 June 2008


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (malaria).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)                    

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

  • Around 47,000 British nationals visit Costa Rica every year (Source:  Institute of Tourism Costa Rica).  Most visits are trouble-free.  The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Costa Rica in 2007 was to replace stolen passports and travel documents.
  • 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.  The country is recovering from the damage caused by tropical Storm Alma, which affected parts of the country in May 2008.  See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes/Floodings) 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.

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 an 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 moneychangers.  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 infrequent in Costa Rica, but there have been occurrences in 2006.  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, you might decide it would be safer to drive on until you reach a place e.g 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 but especially on the Atlantic coast.  Rip tides are very common.  There are normally no lifeguards.  You should seek reliable local advice

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.

Local laws and customs

You should not get involved with drugs of any kind in any way as drug trafficking is dealt with severely.  Despite what people may say, the authorities are well trained and perceptive.  The minimum sentence is eight years imprisonment.
 
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas
 
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica and can stay as visitors for up to three months.  Passports should have a validity of more than six months from the date of entry.  If a longer stay is required or for employment, the Costa Rican Embassy should be contacted for advice.  The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.
 
Prospective residents should make applications in their country of residence as it is no longer possible to apply in Costa Rica although, having applied, you may enter the country and stay for three month periods until the procedure is finalised.
 
Passport validity
 
Passports should have a validity of more than six months from the date of entry.
 
Yellow Fever requirements
 
All visitors to Costa Rica arriving from any of the following countries (Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guyana, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia and Sudan) are now required to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis documenting yellow fever vaccination before entry to Costa Rica will be granted. Certificates are valid 10 days after the date of vaccination.
 
Travelling with children

Under Costa Rican law, children under the age of 18 born in Costa Rica are automatically considered to be Costa Rican citizens, even if travelling on a British passport.  Notarised written consent from both parents, or Costa Rican passport, is required in order to leave Costa Rica.  The nearest Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate should be contacted for further information on laws regarding the international travel of Costa Rican children.

Health

Medical care in Costa Rica is of a high standard.  Only emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.  In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue. San Jose and the Central Valley can be particularly affected.  

Malaria is also common in Costa Rica, especially in areas close to banana growing areas.  In October and November 2006, there was a significant increase in the number of cases reported in Limon Province. There have been more cases, reported in June 2008, in areas around Laurel close to the border with Panama.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 7,300 adults aged 15 or over in Costa Rica were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Costa Rica and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

Hurricanes/Floodings

The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Flooding can occur and heavy rains or hurricanes can cause landslides (though roads are normally cleared quickly).  On 29 May 2008 Tropical Storm Alma, began developing off the north-west Pacific coast of Costa Rica near the Guanacaste region and a Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.  The warning has now been removed but heavy rainfall and strong winds were experienced over parts of the country resulting in four fatalities.  Many homes and roads were damaged, some areas are still without water and electricity, and a state of emergency was declared in 23 parts of the country.  Local relief efforts are underway to recover from the damage.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre.  For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

There is the possibility in Costa Rica of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  The last earthquake which caused damage in Costa Rica was in 1993, and the country experiences significant tremors from time to time.

Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, four of which are considered active (Arenal, Poás, Irazú and Rincón de la Vieja).  Although there has not been serious or widespread damage caused by any of these for many years the possibility of eruptions always exists.  You should follow instructions in the national parks.  Do not go into the prohibited areas, which are clearly signposted.  Any warnings should be heeded seriously.

General

Insurance
 
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 the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
 
Travelling to, or via, the USA
 
Since many trips to Costa Rica are made via the United States, it is important to note that with effect from 26 October 2004, all passport holders who wish to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (See Entry Requirements in the Travel Advice for the USA) must present an individual machine-readable passport.  Travellers without a machine-readable passport must obtain a non-immigrant visa from the nearest US Embassy prior to travel.  Should you need to replace your passport in Costa Rica, you should apply to the British Embassy.  For further details, in particular concerning children travelling on a parent's passport, please contact the US Embassy.

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