CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Costa Rica

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (earthquake information removed).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Costa Rica

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Visitors should be vigilant at all times when travelling in the country due to high levels of crime.

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Petty crime such as pick pocketing, bag-snatching and theft from vehicles, buses and hotel rooms occurs regularly. Crimes against tourists are particularly common at airports, bus stations, ports, car rental lots, crowded tourist attractions and resort areas.

Canadians should stay in busy and well-protected hotels, and ensure personal belongings are secure at all times. Valuables should never be left unattended in vehicles, on the beach, in hotel rooms or in bus stations. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp, and any other travel document, while keeping your original documents in a secure place, such as the hotel safe.

Travellers should be alert to their surroundings near the ports of Limón and Puntarenas. In San José, high-risk areas for theft include the Coca Cola bus station, the inner downtown area and the public parks. Travellers should also be cautious in Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and Manuel Antonio on the pacific coast; and in Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic coast.

Armed robberies and home invasions are on the increase, including in beach areas and on the main highways in the central valley. Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions. Beware of "good Samaritans" offering their help to change a flat tire, as they are often the cause of the situation. Carjackings occur, often at gunpoint. Remain vigilant in a stopped car (e.g. at traffic lights) and always drive with the doors locked and windows closed. You should park vehicles in supervised commercial parking lots only and avoid travelling at night.

Sleeping on beaches overnight and camping in Costa Rica are strongly discouraged.

Cases of express kidnapping, where victims are usually picked up from the street and forced to withdraw funds from automated bank machines (ABMs), are becoming increasingly common. Avoid showing signs of affluence, and remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship, hospitality, or assistance.

Foreigners have been sexually assaulted at beach resorts as well as by taxi drivers in San José. Travellers should use official taxis only, and avoid taxis that do not have working door handles, locks and meters. Do not ride in the front seat with the driver. As incidents of sexual assault sometimes involve the use of sedative drugs, travellers should also avoid leaving their drinks or food unattended in bars and places of entertainment.

Demonstrations

Occasional demonstrations occur in the capital and might cause traffic disruption. As a precautionary measure, Canadians should exercise caution, avoid large crowds and keep themselves informed of possible roadblocks. Strikes sometimes take place and disrupt local services.

General Security Information

Several drownings occur each year. Riptides are very common on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Few beaches are supervised and have signs warning of dangerous oceanic conditions. Travellers should seek the advice of local authorities before swimming.

Safety features on small boats are not always reliable. Whitewater rafting, sea diving, bungee jumping, canopy touring and other adventure sports should only be undertaken with a well-established company. If you have any doubt concerning the security of the installations or equipment, we strongly recommend that you refrain from using them.

Visitors to jungle areas should always be accompanied by an experienced guide.

Few people outside major hotels, and very few public service providers (e.g. police, lawyers, hospitals) are able to communicate in English or French. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or French.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Costa Rica. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica for up-to-date information.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Costa Rica. The passport must be valid for at least thirty days from the date of arrival in Costa Rica. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and of the Costa Rican Immigration entry stamp at all times. Costa Rican Immigration authorities state that all foreigners must carry original identification documents; however, local authorities will accept photocopies as long as the original documents are accessible.

Canadians arriving in Costa Rica may remain for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. Those wishing to apply for residency status or intending to stay beyond 90 days must apply for their visa from outside the country. Travellers overstaying the 90-day period can expect to pay a fine and risk being deported. Persons deported from Costa Rica will not be allowed to re-enter the country for a 10-year period.

Students must obtain a Visa from the Costa Rican Immigration Department. They must provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited school.

Under Costa Rican law, minors (under the age of 18) born in Costa Rica and holding Canadian citizenship are considered to be citizens of Costa Rica, even if they are travelling on a Canadian passport. In order to leave Costa Rica, the minor's Canadian passport must have a Costa Rican departure approval, or the minor's departure will be denied. Also, minors with dual citizenship who are travelling unaccompanied are required to have legally certified written consent from both parents. The Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica in Canada should be contacted for further information.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination when arriving from infected countries. Please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Ottawa for details.

A tax of US$26 is charged upon departure (in cash or credit card).

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Costa Rica - SAN JOSÉ, Embassy of Canada
Address: La Sabana Executive Business Centre, Building No. 5, 3rd Floor, behind the Contraloría General de la República, San José
Postal Address: P.O. Box 351-1007, San José,
Tel.: 506 2242-4400
Fax: 506 2242-4410
E-Mail: sjcra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.costarica.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Embassy of Canada in San José and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa toll free at 0-800-015-1161, or collect at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

As in many other areas of Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. For information and recommendations, see PHAC’s Webpage.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Costa Rica is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

Medical facilities are limited outside urban areas. Travellers should drink bottled water or soft drinks during their stay.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Costa Rica are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Costa Rica to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Costa Rican authorities.

Persons violating Costa Rica's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Possession and trafficking of illegal drugs is considered a serious offence. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or heavy fines.

It is illegal to photograph official buildings. You should verify with local authorities before taking photos.

The Costa Rican government is actively trying to discourage sexual tourism. Soliciting the services of a minor for sexual purposes is illegal in Costa Rica and is punishable by imprisonment.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and Costa Rica before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Costa Rica has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise great caution since traffic laws and speed limits are routinely ignored. Traffic signs are not sufficient. In some areas, potholes, sharp curves, landslides, and narrow or unpaved roads create dangerous road conditions, therefore be careful after dark, especially on rural roads.

Terms and conditions of car rentals in Costa Rica are unlike most North American contracts. You should carefully review contracts and, in particular, be aware of the mandatory insurance liability coverage. Many driving situations can nullify insurance.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

It is strongly recommended to use official taxis only. At the airport, licensed taxis are orange. Other official taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the side.

Public bus transportation is disorganised. Police checks of public transportation occur. These checks are often used to determine whether foreigners have overstayed the three month visa exemption period.

Traffic enforcement is the responsibility of the Transit Police (222-9330 or 222-9245). Transit Officers often perform roadside inspection of vehicles and request the driver's permit, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Traffic fines are not supposed to be collected on site. Travellers involved in driving accidents should call 911 to notify authorities of the accident. Do not move the vehicle until advised to do so by the police.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). To avoid complications, carry U.S. dollars (USD) or colónes. Street money changers often pass counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted. Credit card fraud is a growing problem.

It is extremely difficult to exchange Canadian currency and traveller's cheques in Costa Rica. Access to cash via ABMs is available in major cities. Only local currency can be withdrawn.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

During the rainy season (may to November, sometimes to January), flooding and mudslides occur frequently in the lowlands and in mountainous areas, including in the Caribbean zone and in the central cordillera. Road transportation may be affected. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Costa Rica is located in an active seismic and volcanic zone. The Arenal volcano regularly erupts. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued for National Parks and specifically for the Arenal volcano area. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in San José in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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