Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. However, like any country, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of safety in Costa Rica, addressing common concerns and offering practical advice for a secure travel experience.
Understanding the General Risk Level in Costa Rica
The official risk level for Costa Rica is categorized as “Exercise a high degree of caution.” This is a standard advisory level for many tourist destinations and doesn’t necessarily mean Costa Rica is inherently dangerous. It signals that travelers should be vigilant and aware of potential risks, particularly regarding crime.
Safety and Security: Key Concerns for Travelers
Crime: A Predominant Concern
Petty crime is the most common issue affecting tourists in Costa Rica. Due to the perception of wealth, travelers are often targeted for theft.
Petty Theft:
- Common Tactics: Pickpocketing and purse snatching are frequent, often involving teams of thieves where one distracts the victim while another steals belongings.
- High-Risk Locations:
- Tourist Hotspots: Popular viewpoints, beaches, and crowded tourist areas are prime locations.
- Public Transportation: Buses, trains, stations, and airport terminals are risky, especially in crowded conditions.
- Hospitality Zones: Hotel lobbies and restaurant patios near streets are also vulnerable.
- Prevention Strategies:
- Secure Belongings: Keep passports and travel documents secure at all times, ideally in a hidden money belt or secure bag.
- Passport Essentials: Always carry your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp, as proof of legal entry.
- Minimize Valuables: Avoid displaying wealth by not wearing expensive jewelry or flashing large amounts of cash.
- Cash Awareness: Carry only necessary cash and avoid unnecessary valuables.
- Situational Awareness: Be alert in crowded and tourist areas.
- Nighttime Caution: Avoid walking alone at night and deserted areas.
- ATM Vigilance: Exercise extra caution when using ATMs, especially in less secure locations.
Specific High-Risk Areas for Theft:
-
San José:
- Coca-Cola Bus Terminal Area (between El Paso de la Vaca, Calle 12, and the 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:
- Risk: Rental accommodations and properties owned by foreigners are often targeted.
- Safety Measures:
- Secured Accommodation: Choose well-secured lodging.
- Lock Up: Always lock doors and windows at night and when leaving your accommodation.
Car Theft:
- High Occurrence: Car break-ins and theft are prevalent nationwide, with rental and luxury vehicles being prime targets.
- Common Locations: Hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, store lots, national parks, and beaches.
- Driving Safety Tips:
- Route Planning: Familiarize yourself with your route before driving.
- Locked Doors and Windows: Keep doors and windows locked at all times while driving.
- Conceal Belongings: Keep belongings out of sight.
- Secure Parking: Use secure parking facilities, especially overnight.
- Never Leave Valuables in Car: Even locked or hidden in the trunk, valuables are not safe in unattended vehicles.
- Flat Tire Caution: Avoid stopping in isolated areas to change tires and be wary of unsolicited help.
- Rental Agency Check: Ensure your rental agency offers emergency assistance and car insurance.
Violent Crime:
- Nature of Violent Crime: While less frequent than petty crime, violent crime, including murders and armed robberies, does occur. Drug trafficking is a significant factor, with many incidents being drug-related.
- Affected Provinces: Alajuela, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José.
- Caribbean Coast Assaults: Violent assaults against travelers, though not common, have been reported in Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo.
- Response to Threat: If threatened, immediately hand over valuables without resistance.
Fraud and Scams
Credit Card and ATM Fraud:
- Risk: Credit card and ATM fraud is a concern.
- Prevention:
- Card Handling: Be vigilant when others handle your cards.
- ATM Selection: Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside banks or businesses.
- Card Reader Check: Avoid card readers with suspicious features.
- PIN Protection: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Statement Monitoring: Regularly check your account statements for unauthorized transactions.
Spiked Food and Drinks:
- Danger: Snacks, beverages, gum, and cigarettes can be laced with drugs, posing risks of sexual assault and robbery.
- Safety Advice:
- Accepting Items: Be cautious about accepting food or drinks from new acquaintances.
- Unattended Items: Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.
Unregulated Alcohol:
- Health Hazard: Consumption of unregulated alcohol containing high levels of methanol has caused casualties.
- Safe Consumption:
- Reputable Sources: Buy alcohol only from reputable establishments.
- Seek Medical Help: If you feel unwell after consuming alcohol, seek immediate medical assistance.
Safety for Women Travelers
Harassment and Assault:
- Verbal Abuse: Women traveling alone may experience harassment or verbal abuse.
- Sexual Assault: Incidents of sexual assault against foreigners have occurred at beach resorts and by taxi drivers in San José.
- Precaution: Women should be particularly vigilant, especially when alone, at night, or using taxis.
Demonstrations and Political Activity
Demonstrations:
- Occurrence: Demonstrations happen occasionally, especially in San José.
- Risk of Violence: Even peaceful demonstrations can become violent unexpectedly and disrupt traffic and public transportation.
- Legal Restrictions: Foreigners are prohibited from political activity in Costa Rica. Participation in demonstrations can lead to detention and deportation.
- Safety Measures:
- Avoidance: Stay away from areas with demonstrations or large gatherings.
- Local Authority Instructions: Follow instructions from local authorities.
- Media Monitoring: Monitor local media for updates on demonstrations.
Water Activities Safety
Coastal Waters:
- Riptides: Dangerous riptides are common.
- Drowning Risk: Drownings occur each year.
- Lifeguard and Warning Sign Shortage: Very few beaches have lifeguards, and warning signs for dangerous conditions are lacking.
- Safe Water Practices:
- Exercise Caution: Be extremely cautious when swimming.
- Swim with Company: Avoid swimming alone, after dark, or outside marked safe areas.
- Local Advice: Consult residents and tour operators about hazards and safe swimming areas.
- Weather Awareness: Monitor weather warnings.
- Follow Local Guidance: Heed instructions from local authorities.
Adventure Tourism Risks
Outdoor Activities:
- Adventure Sport Hazards: Activities like white-water rafting, scuba diving, bungee jumping, and canopy tours can be risky if not properly prepared for.
- Trail and Weather Dangers: Trails are often poorly marked, and weather can change rapidly.
- Boat Safety: Safety standards on small boats used for excursions may be unreliable.
- Wildlife Risks: Dangerous animals like jaguars, pumas, wild pigs, and venomous snakes are present in wooded areas.
- Adventure Tourism Safety Guidelines:
- Never Alone: Never engage in adventure tourism alone and stay with your group.
- Information Gathering: Get detailed information about activities and environments beforehand.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.
- Physical Condition: Ensure you are physically fit for the activity.
- Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid venturing off marked trails.
- No Beach Camping: Do not camp or sleep overnight on beaches.
- Adequate Equipment: Ensure you have sufficient equipment and water.
- Weather Updates: Stay informed about weather and hazardous conditions.
- Altitude Sickness Awareness: Know the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Inform Someone of Itinerary: Tell a family member or friend your travel plans.
- Equipment Inspection: Refrain from using facilities or equipment if you doubt their safety.
National Parks and Permits
Park Access:
- Permits Required: Permits are necessary to enter national parks.
- Information Source: Nation Parks – Costa Rica Tourist Board provides details.
Road Safety and Transportation
Road Conditions:
- Poor Roads: Road conditions are generally poor throughout Costa Rica.
- Driving Hazards:
- Potholes
- Sharp curves
- Lack of traffic signs
- Landslides
- Narrow or unpaved roads
- Rainy season conditions exacerbate these issues.
Driving Habits:
- Traffic Law Disregard: Drivers often don’t respect traffic laws.
- Night Driving Danger: Motorists frequently drive without lights at night.
- Safe Driving Practices:
- Vigilance at Stops: Be alert at lights and stop signs.
- Locked Doors and Windows: Keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Conceal Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight.
- Avoid Night Travel: Minimize driving at night.
Public Transportation:
-
Buses:
- Unreliable Schedules: Public bus transportation is unreliable with inaccurate schedules and routes.
- Delays: Buses are often late due to traffic and road conditions.
- Itinerary Changes: Itineraries may deviate from announced routes.
- Pickpocket Risk: Pickpockets target tourists on public buses.
- Bus Safety Tips:
- Keep Valuables Close: Keep ID and valuables with you.
- Bag Security: Avoid overhead compartments or under-seat storage for bags.
- Stay Awake: Avoid sleeping on buses.
- Police Checks: Police checks on buses are common to verify visa status. Always carry proof of legal stay.
-
Taxis:
- Official Taxis: Official taxis are generally safe. They are orange at the airport and red with a yellow triangle elsewhere.
- Taxi Safety Tips:
- Book Ahead: Use official taxis booked in advance.
- Avoid Street Taxis: Never take taxis from taxi stands or flag them on the street.
- Driver Information: Note the driver’s name and plate number.
- Meter Use: Ensure the driver uses the meter.
- No Shared Taxis: Avoid shared taxis.
Air Travel Safety
Domestic Airlines:
- Safety Standard Assessment: Assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards are not provided by travel advisories. Travelers should be aware and consider this when using domestic air travel in Costa Rica.
- Resource: Information about foreign domestic airlines
Entry and Exit Requirements: Passport and Visa
Passport Validity:
- Requirement: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Check with Transportation Company: Airlines may have stricter passport validity rules than country entry rules.
Visa Requirements:
- Tourist Visa: Not required for stays up to 180 days for many nationalities, including Canadians.
- Business Visa: Required.
- Student Visa: Required.
Length of Stay:
- Immigration Officer Decision: The immigration officer determines the permitted length of stay upon arrival, up to 180 days for tourists.
- Residency for Longer Stays: For stays exceeding 180 days, residency status from the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is needed.
- Overstay Penalties: Overstaying can lead to deportation and a re-entry ban of 5 to 10 years.
Entry Stamp:
- Mandatory: Obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon arrival.
Other Entry Requirements:
- Return/Onward Ticket: Customs may require proof of a return or onward ticket.
- Proof of Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay may be required.
Minors with Dual Citizenship:
- Strict Enforcement: Costa Rica strictly enforces departure requirements for minors with dual citizenship.
- Departure Approval: Canadian passport holders who are also Costa Rican citizens need Costa Rican departure approval from immigration authorities. This must be requested by both parents in advance from Costa Rican immigration or the Costa Rican Embassy in Canada.
- Unaccompanied Minors: Unaccompanied minors with dual citizenship need legally certified written consent from both parents.
Health: Staying Healthy in Costa Rica
Vaccinations:
- Routine Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal disease, and seasonal flu.
- Recommended Pre-Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A: Vaccination recommended due to risk from contaminated food and water. Practice safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis B: Vaccination recommended for all travelers due to risk of transmission through blood and body fluids.
- Typhoid: Vaccination advised, especially for those visiting rural areas or for extended periods.
Yellow Fever:
- Risk: No risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica itself.
- Entry Requirement: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk (including specific African countries and certain South American countries). Check the latest requirements as these can change.
Malaria:
- Risk Areas: Malaria risk exists in certain areas and seasons.
- Prevention: Antimalarial medication may be recommended based on itinerary and travel time. Consult a health professional. Protect against mosquito bites.
Rabies:
- Risk: Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife.
- Prevention: Avoid contact with animals. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched. Rabies vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travelers.
Measles:
- Risk: Measles is highly contagious.
- Prevention: Ensure you are fully vaccinated against measles.
COVID-19:
- Vaccination: Recommended to be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Entry/Exit Requirements: Verify destination’s COVID-19 requirements before travel.
Influenza (Flu):
- Year-Round Risk: Flu is present year-round in the tropics.
- Prevention: Flu vaccination is recommended. Practice good hand hygiene and wear a mask if sick.
Food and Water Safety:
- Precautions:
- Eat safely prepared food (boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it).
- Avoid swallowing water during water activities and ensure safe drinking water sources.
Travelers’ Diarrhea:
- Common Illness: Most common illness for travelers.
- Prevention: Practice safe food and water habits.
- Treatment: Carry oral rehydration salts.
Tick and Insect Bite Prevention:
- Diseases: Risk of diseases spread by insects like mosquitoes and ticks (Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika, American Trypanosomiasis).
- Protection:
- Use approved insect repellent.
- Wear light-colored, loose, tightly woven clothing.
- Use mosquito netting when needed.
- Check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Animal Precautions:
- Animal-borne Diseases: Risk of rabies, bird flu, and mpox from animals.
- Prevention: Avoid contact with stray dogs, livestock, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Avoid undercooked meat.
Person-to-Person Infections:
- Respiratory Infections (Flu, COVID-19): Practice hygiene measures, wear masks in crowded places, clean hands frequently.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV, Mpox: Practice safe sex, consider mpox vaccination if eligible.
Medical Services:
- Healthcare Quality: Healthcare is generally very good, especially in private facilities.
- Public vs. Private: Public hospitals are good but may have long wait times and limited English/French speaking staff. Private facilities in San José offer excellent care but are expensive and require upfront payment.
- Emergency Services: May be limited in rural areas.
- Medical Evacuation: Medical evacuation can be expensive and necessary for serious conditions. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Medications:
- Availability: Some prescription medications may not be available in Costa Rica.
- Advice:
- Bring sufficient medication in original containers.
- Pack medication in carry-on luggage.
- Carry paper and electronic copies of prescriptions.
Medical Tourism:
- Risk: Serious complications have occurred from cosmetic and elective surgeries abroad.
- Recommendation: Research thoroughly and use reputable providers if considering medical tourism.
Laws and Culture: Legal and Social Norms
Local Laws:
- Abide by Laws: You are subject to local laws.
- Arrest and Detention: Understand procedures if arrested or detained.
Transfer to Canadian Prison:
- Convention: Canada and Costa Rica are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
- Process: Transfer requests are possible but can be lengthy and are not guaranteed.
Drugs:
- Severe Penalties: Penalties for drug offenses are severe, including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Child Sex Tourism:
- Criminal Offense: Sex with minors is a serious crime with lengthy prison sentences.
Identification:
- Carry ID: Carry valid identification at all times.
- Copies: Keep photocopies and digital copies of your passport and entry stamp.
Photography:
- Restrictions: Photographing official buildings is illegal. Check with local authorities before taking photos in sensitive areas.
Investments:
- Property and Investments: Disputes over property and investments can be costly and lengthy. Seek legal advice in both Canada and Costa Rica before making investments.
Dual Citizenship:
- Recognition: Costa Rica recognizes dual citizenship.
- Consular Assistance: Canadian consular assistance may be limited for dual citizens.
International Child Abduction:
- Hague Convention: The Hague Convention applies between Canada and Costa Rica.
- Legal Action: If a child is wrongfully taken to Costa Rica, legal options for return exist through Costa Rican courts.
Driving Regulations:
- Canadian Driver’s License: Valid for up to 180 days. Passport must also be carried while driving.
- Accidents: In case of accidents, you may be prevented from leaving the country until claims are settled. Do not move your vehicle after an accident and call 911.
- Traffic Fines: Automatic speed cameras are in use. Fines can be paid at COSEVI or banks.
Money and Finances:
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
- Credit Cards: Generally accepted.
- Currency Exchange: US dollars are easier to exchange than Canadian dollars.
- Cash Withdrawals: ATMs require a 4-digit PIN.
Natural Disasters and Climate Considerations
Hurricane Season:
- Timing: Mid-May to end of November.
- Risks: Hurricanes and tropical storms can pose significant risks and disrupt essential services.
- Hurricane Season Travel Advice:
- Be prepared to change travel plans on short notice.
- Stay informed about weather forecasts.
- Have emergency contact information readily available.
- Follow local authority advice.
Flooding:
- Rainy Season: May to November (sometimes into January).
- Risks: Torrential rains and landslides are common, especially in lowlands and mountainous regions. Flooding can cause power outages, disrupt travel, and affect essential services.
Earthquakes and Tsunamis:
- Seismic Activity: Costa Rica is in an active seismic zone with regular earthquakes and tremors.
- Tsunami Risk: Tsunamis are possible after earthquakes. Coastal areas should be aware of evacuation plans.
Volcanoes:
- Active Volcanoes: Several active and potentially active volcanoes exist (Arenal, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, Turrialba).
- Eruption Risk: Eruptions can occur at any time, leading to evacuations.
- Volcano Safety: Heed warnings in national parks, monitor local media, and follow instructions from local authorities in case of volcanic activity.
Conclusion: Traveling Safely in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is generally a safe country for tourists, but like any travel destination, it requires awareness and caution. Petty crime is the most common concern, and travelers should take precautions to protect their belongings. By staying informed, being vigilant, and following the recommended safety measures, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy a memorable and safe trip to beautiful Costa Rica. Remember to exercise a high degree of caution, be aware of your surroundings, and prioritize your personal safety throughout your journey.
