Costa Rica, renowned for its breathtaking rainforests, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife, is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. However, like any country, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide outlines the key travel warnings for Costa Rica, providing you with the information you need to stay informed and prepared.
Safety and Security in Costa Rica
Crime: A High Degree of Caution Advised
Costa Rica is considered to have a moderate level of crime. The primary concern for tourists is petty theft, but violent crime also occurs. Exercising a high degree of caution is recommended throughout the country.
Petty Crime: A Frequent Issue
Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, particularly in tourist hotspots. Travelers are often targeted due to the perception of wealth. Property crime, such as burglaries, car theft, and theft from vehicles, is also frequent. Passport theft is especially prevalent during peak tourist seasons (November to May and July to August).
Thieves often operate in teams, using distraction techniques to steal belongings. Common locations for petty theft include:
- Popular tourist areas and viewpoints
- Buses, trains, and transportation hubs (bus and train stations, airports)
- Hotel lobbies
- Restaurants, especially outdoor patios near streets
Safety Measures:
- Keep belongings secure at all times, including passports and travel documents.
- Carry your passport, ensuring it includes the Costa Rican entry stamp.
- Avoid displaying wealth or wearing expensive jewelry.
- Refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary valuables.
- Stay away from isolated or deserted areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Be vigilant of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Exercise extra caution when using ATMs.
High-Risk Areas for Theft
San José:
- Coca-Cola bus terminal area (between El Paso de la Vaca, Calle 12, and Coca-Cola market)
- Inner downtown area (between San Juan de Dios Hospital, National Museum, Avenida 1, and Avenida 14)
- Mercado central areas
- Public parks
Pacific Coast (Puntarenas province):
- Dominical
- Jacó (including the crocodile viewing area along the Tárcoles River)
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Quepos
- Cóbano area (Mal País, Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and the port of Puntarenas)
Caribbean Coast:
- Cahuita
- Puerto Limón
- Puerto Viejo
Residential Break-ins
Break-ins into residences, including rental accommodations and properties owned by foreigners, do occur.
Safety Measures:
- Choose well-secured accommodations.
- Ensure doors and windows are locked at night and when you are away.
Car Theft
Car break-ins and theft are widespread, with rental and luxury vehicles being prime targets. Common locations for car theft include:
- Hotels
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants
- Store parking lots
- National parks
- Beaches
Safety Measures for Drivers:
- Plan your route before driving.
- Keep windows and doors locked at all times.
- Keep belongings out of sight.
- Use secure parking facilities, particularly overnight.
- Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even if locked in the trunk.
- Avoid stopping to change flat tires in isolated areas and be wary of unsolicited help.
- Ensure your rental agency provides emergency assistance and car insurance.
Violent Crime: Risk Exists, Especially in Certain Areas
Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, does occur in Costa Rica. Drug trafficking is a significant issue, and many violent incidents are drug-related. Provinces most affected by violent crime include Alajuela, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José.
While less frequent, assaults against travelers have been reported on the Caribbean coast, particularly in Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo.
Safety Measures:
- If threatened, cooperate and hand over valuables without resistance.
Fraud: Credit Card and ATM Risks
Credit card and ATM fraud is a concern.
Safety Measures:
- Be vigilant when others handle your credit or debit cards.
- Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside banks or businesses.
- Avoid card readers that appear tampered with or have unusual features.
- Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Regularly check your account statements for unauthorized transactions.
Spiked Food and Drinks: Be Aware of the Risk
Be cautious of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could lead to robbery or sexual assault.
Safety Measures:
- Be wary of accepting items from strangers.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.
Unregulated Alcohol: A Health Hazard
There have been reports of serious health issues and fatalities due to the consumption of unregulated alcohol containing high levels of methanol.
Safety Measures:
- Purchase alcohol only from reputable establishments.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you feel unwell after consuming alcohol.
Women’s Safety: Harassment and Assault Risks
Women traveling alone may experience harassment or verbal abuse. Sexual assaults against foreign women have occurred at beach resorts and by taxi drivers in San José.
Demonstrations: Potential for Disruption
Demonstrations occur periodically, especially in San José, and can sometimes become violent, causing disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Safety Measures:
- Avoid areas where demonstrations or large gatherings are taking place.
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
- Monitor local media for updates on demonstrations.
- Be aware that Costa Rican law prohibits political activity by foreigners. Participation in demonstrations could lead to detention or deportation.
Water Activities: Exercise Caution
Coastal waters can be dangerous due to strong riptides. Drownings occur each year.
Safety Measures:
- Exercise caution when swimming.
- Do not swim alone, after dark, or outside marked safe areas.
- Consult locals and tour operators for information on hazards and safe swimming locations.
- Heed weather warnings.
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
- Be aware that lifeguard supervision and warning signs are limited on beaches.
Adventure Tourism: Safety Precautions
Adventure activities like white-water rafting, scuba diving, and canopy tours can be risky if not properly prepared. Trails are often unmarked, and weather can change quickly. Safety standards on smaller boats may be unreliable. Dangerous wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, wild pigs, and venomous snakes, are present in wooded areas.
Safety Measures for Adventure Tourism:
- Never engage in adventure activities alone.
- Gather detailed information about the activity and environment beforehand.
- Obtain travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.
- Ensure you are physically fit for the activity.
- Stick to marked trails.
- Avoid camping or sleeping on beaches.
- Ensure you have adequate equipment and water.
- Stay informed about weather and potential hazards.
- Learn about altitude sickness symptoms.
- Inform someone of your itinerary.
- Avoid using facilities or equipment if you have safety concerns.
National Parks: Permits Required
Permits are required to enter national parks.
Road Safety: Poor Conditions and Driving Habits
Road conditions and safety are generally poor, and Costa Rica has a high rate of traffic accidents.
Road Conditions: Hazardous
Many roads are unpaved, and paved roads are often in poor condition with potholes and sharp curves. Driving can be dangerous, especially in the rainy season, due to:
- Potholes
- Sharp curves
- Lack of traffic signs
- Landslides
- Narrow or unpaved roads
Driving Habits: Disregard for Laws
Many drivers do not respect traffic laws, and driving without lights at night is common.
Safety Measures for Driving:
- Be vigilant at intersections and stop signs.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Avoid driving at night.
Public Transportation: Safety and Reliability Concerns
Buses: Unreliable Schedules and Petty Theft
Public bus transportation can be unreliable, with schedules and routes often inaccurate and delays common due to traffic and road conditions. Pickpockets frequently target tourists on buses.
Safety Measures for Bus Travel:
- Keep IDs and valuables with you.
- Avoid placing bags in overhead compartments or under seats.
- Stay awake and alert.
Police checks on public transportation are common to identify visa overstays. Always carry proof of legal stay.
Taxis: Use Official Services
Official taxis are considered safe. Airport taxis are orange, while others are red with a yellow triangle.
Safety Measures for Taxis:
- Use only official taxis booked in advance.
- Avoid taxi stands or hailing taxis on the street.
- Note the driver’s name and license plate number.
- Ensure the driver uses the meter.
- Never use shared taxis.
Air Travel: Domestic Airline Safety
Assessments on the safety compliance of foreign domestic airlines are not conducted by the Canadian government.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Entry and exit requirements are determined by each country and can change. Verify information with the Costa Rican authorities or Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport: Validity Required
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Costa Rica. Check with your transportation company for their specific passport validity rules, as they may be stricter.
Visas: Tourist Visa Not Required for Short Stays
Tourist visas are not required for stays up to 180 days. Business and student visas are required.
Length of Stay: Determined by Immigration Officer
The permitted length of stay, up to 180 days for tourists, is determined by the immigration officer upon entry. Overstaying can result in deportation and a ban from re-entry for 5 to 10 years.
Entry Stamp: Mandatory
Obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon arrival.
Other Entry Requirements: Proof of Funds and Onward Ticket
Customs officials may request to see a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Minors with Dual Citizenship: Strict Departure Rules
Costa Rica has strict rules for the departure of minors with dual citizenship. Canadian-Costa Rican dual citizens require a Costa Rican departure approval from immigration authorities, requested jointly by both parents. Unaccompanied minors with dual citizenship need legally certified written consent from both parents.
Health Risks and Precautions
Health Risks in Costa Rica
Consult a health professional or travel health clinic ideally 6 weeks before travel for personalized health advice.
Routine Vaccinations: Ensure Up-to-Date
Ensure routine vaccinations are current, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, and influenza, as per your provincial or territorial guidelines.
Pre-Travel Vaccines and Medications: Recommended and Required
Discuss necessary vaccines and medications with a health professional based on your itinerary.
Hepatitis A: Vaccination recommended for all travelers due to the risk of hepatitis A from contaminated food and water. Practice safe food and water precautions.
Yellow Fever:
- Risk: No risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica itself.
- Entry Requirement: No entry requirement related to yellow fever for Costa Rica.
- Recommendation: Vaccination not generally recommended, but discuss with a healthcare provider.
Measles: Ensure you are protected against measles before international travel.
Hepatitis B: Vaccination recommended for all travelers due to the risk of hepatitis B transmission through blood and body fluids. Practice safe sex and avoid unsterile medical or cosmetic procedures.
COVID-19: Complete a COVID-19 vaccine series and any recommended booster doses before travel. Verify destination-specific entry/exit requirements.
Influenza: Annual flu vaccination is recommended, ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Malaria: Risk of malaria in certain areas and seasons. Antimalarial medication may be recommended. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Rabies: Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife. Avoid contact with animals. Rabies vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travelers.
Safe Food and Water Precautions: Essential
Consume safe food and water to prevent illnesses.
Travelers’ Diarrhea: Common illness. Practice strict food and water safety. Carry oral rehydration salts.
Typhoid: Risk of typhoid from contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas. Vaccination is recommended for at-risk travelers.
Insect Bite Prevention: Protection Against Diseases
Protect yourself from insect bites to prevent diseases like Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika virus.
Chikungunya: Risk present. Mosquito-borne illness causing fever and joint pain. Prevent mosquito bites.
Dengue: Risk present. Mosquito-borne illness causing flu-like symptoms, potentially severe. Prevent mosquito bites.
Zika Virus: Risk present. Mosquito-borne illness, also sexually transmitted. Can cause serious birth defects. Prevent mosquito bites and practice safe sex. Pregnant women should discuss risks with their healthcare provider and may consider postponing travel.
American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease): Risk is low for most travelers. Spread by triatomine bugs. Use mosquito nets in poorly constructed housing.
Animal Precautions: Avoid Contact
Avoid contact with animals to prevent diseases like rabies and influenza. Avoid undercooked wild game and supervise children closely around animals.
Mpox (Monkeypox): Risk is generally low for travelers. Avoid contact with animals and practice public health measures.
Person-to-Person Infections: Hygiene and Prevention
Practice good hygiene to prevent person-to-person infections. Stay home if sick, practice cough etiquette, and wash hands frequently. Reduce time in crowded spaces. Practice safe sex to prevent STIs, HIV, and Mpox.
Medical Services and Facilities: Good but Potentially Expensive
Healthcare is generally very good. Public hospitals offer good services but may have long wait times, and doctors may not speak English or French. Private facilities are excellent, mainly in San José, but can be expensive and require upfront payment. Emergency services may be limited in rural areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Medications: Legality and Availability
Check the legality of your prescription medications in Costa Rica. Bring sufficient quantities in original containers, carry prescriptions (paper and electronic copies), and pack medication in carry-on luggage.
Medical Tourism: Research and Reputable Providers
Exercise caution with medical tourism. Research thoroughly and use reputable providers.
Laws and Culture
Local Laws: Abide by Them
You are subject to local laws. Penalties for breaking laws, even unknowingly, can be severe.
Transfer to Canadian Prison: Possible but Not Guaranteed
Transfer to a Canadian prison from Costa Rica is possible under the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, but requires approval from both countries and can be lengthy and uncertain.
Drugs: Severe Penalties
Penalties for drug offenses are severe, including lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Child Sex Tourism: Serious Crime
Sex with minors is a serious criminal offense with lengthy prison sentences.
Identification: Carry at All Times
Carry valid identification at all times, including a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp, and a digital copy of documents.
Photography: Restrictions on Official Buildings
Photographing official buildings is illegal. Check with local authorities before taking photos in sensitive areas.
Investments: Seek Legal Advice
Property and investment disputes can be lengthy and costly. Seek legal advice in both Canada and Costa Rica before making investments and choose your own lawyer independently.
Dual Citizenship: Limitations on Consular Services
Canadian consular services may be limited for dual Canadian-Costa Rican citizens. They may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
International Child Abduction: Hague Convention Applies
The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction applies between Canada and Costa Rica. Contact the Central Authority in your province or territory for assistance if your child has been wrongfully taken to or is being held in Costa Rica.
Driving: Canadian License Valid for Short Stays
A valid Canadian driver’s license is accepted for driving in Costa Rica for up to 180 days. Carry your passport (not a photocopy) while driving.
In case of a car accident, do not move the vehicle, remain at the scene, and call 911. You may be prevented from leaving the country until claims are settled.
Automatic speed cameras are common. Fines can be paid at COSEVI or a bank. Complaints about police officers asking for money can be made to the Costa Rican Tourism Bureau.
Money: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
The currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Credit cards are widely accepted. US dollars are easier to exchange than Canadian dollars. Cash withdrawals require a 4-digit PIN.
Natural Disasters and Climate
Hurricane Season: June to November
Hurricanes are possible from mid-May to the end of November. Be prepared to change travel plans, stay informed of weather forecasts, and follow local authorities’ advice if traveling to coastal areas during this period.
Flooding: Rainy Season May to November
The rainy season from May to November can bring torrential rains and landslides, especially in lowlands and mountainous areas, causing power outages, travel disruptions, and reduced essential services. Roads may become impassable.
Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Seismic Activity
Costa Rica is in an active seismic zone with regular earthquakes and tremors. Tsunamis are possible after earthquakes. If on the coast, know tsunami evacuation plans.
Volcanoes: Active and Potentially Active
Several active and potentially active volcanoes exist, including Arenal, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, and Turrialba. Eruptions can occur anytime, potentially leading to evacuations. Heed warnings in national parks, monitor local media, and follow authorities’ instructions in case of volcanic activity.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Prepared
While Costa Rica offers incredible travel experiences, being aware of potential travel warnings is crucial for a safe trip. By staying informed about safety and security risks, health precautions, legal considerations, and natural disaster possibilities, you can minimize risks and enjoy your visit to this beautiful country. Always check for updated travel advisories from your government before your trip and follow local guidance while in Costa Rica.
