Costa Rica

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

A- Regulated state with low corruption and a low frequency of crime risk against foreigners. The terrorism risk is low, the workplace HSE risk is low.The country scored 49/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.667 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

 

 

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue.

 

Crime

 

There has been a steady increase in crime. Petty theft of personal items including passports is the main problem, but gang muggings and armed robberies can occur even in daylight on busy streets. Eight foreign nationals (including one British national) have gone missing in the last few years, with some related to criminal activity.

 

Don’t wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Take particular care of your belongings in hostels and hotels. Lock valuables in a hotel room safe. Don’t use street money-changers.

 

Be vigilant when using buses. Bags in overhead compartments are particularly vulnerable. Thieves have simple but effective ways of distracting you. Be particularly watchful of your valuables at the beach. Avoid poorly lit or remote areas.

 

Avoid using unofficial taxis - ‘taxi piratas’. 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. Ideally, use radio-dispatched taxis. Make sure the driver’s ID is clearly visible on the dashboard and that the driver uses the meter.

 

Violent attacks including rape and other sexual offences are rare but there have been some in recent years. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK, including when using ATMs Don’t accept lifts from strangers. Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of ‘spiked’ drinks resulting in assault and theft.

 

Car theft and theft from cars is common. Don’t leave valuables in hire cars and avoid leaving belongings where they can be seen from outside the car. Park in secure car parks, or in well-lit busy areas. There have been incidents where slashed tyres have given thieves the opportunity to help change your vehicle’s tyres while an accomplice steals from the car.

 

Local travel

 

If you’re visiting jungle areas you should go with an experienced local guide. If you visit a volcano pay strict attention to restrictions on entry to dangerous areas. When there is the risk of an eruption the national park is closed to visitors until the danger has passed.

 

Emergency contact numbers are: 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 a EU Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit.

 

There may be delays on the road to Juan Santamaría Airport (between San José) due to road maintenance. Allow extra time for your journey.

 

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, although there can be potholes due to heavy rains in the rainy season. Landslides in the rainy season sometimes block the road between San José and Guapiles on the way to Limón and the new San Jose/Caldera Highway. Take care 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 other countries. Accidents are often caused by speeding or overtaking irresponsibly. Traffic lights are often ignored. Traffic police strictly enforce speed limits. If you have an accident you must not move the vehicle until the traffic police have arrived. The Traffic Police (Transito - telephone 2222-9330 or 2222-9245) and the Insurance Investigator (INS - telephone 800-800-8000) must come to the scene of the accident to complete accident reports.

 

Criminals sometimes cause deliberate collisions as a means of stopping vehicles in order to commit robberies or other crimes. If you think a collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, consider driving on until you reach a safe place like a police station or garage. In these circumstances you will need to be able to explain your actions to the traffic police.

 

Swimming

 

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. 84 people died in drowning and other beach-related incidents in 2013.

 

There are regular sightings of crocodiles along the Pacific Coast near beaches popular with surfers (from Playa Azul down to Playa Esterillos) and there have been attacks in recent years.

 

Sea and river travel

 

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

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive meanducto

 

Medical care in Costa Rica is of a high standard. Only emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Don’t get involved with drugs of any kind. The Costa Rican authorities treat drug trafficking severely. The minimum sentence is 8 years imprisonment.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should have at least one day’s validity from the date you are leaving Costa Rica. If you hold a passport other than a British Citizen passport, different regulations may apply.

 

Evidence of onward travel

 

Entry to Costa Rica may be refused if you are unable to produce evidence of return or onward travel (eg a return air ticket).

 

Airport tax

 

There is a departure tax of $29 when leaving the country by air. You can pay this by cash or credit/debit card in dollars or local colones.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

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 foreign passport. Either notarised written consent from both parents or a Costa Rican passport is required in order for the child to leave Costa Rica. Contact the Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate for further information on laws regarding the international travel of Costa Rican children.

 

Natural disasters

 

Flooding

 

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.

 

Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre.

 

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

 

Costa Rica experiences regular seismic activity. The last major earthquake occurred in September 2012 near the Pacific coastal area of Nicoya Peninsula and measured 7.6.

 

Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, several of which are considered active. The possibility of eruptions always exists. The popular Arenal volcano has regular activity and Turrialba has been active in recent months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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