Travel Report for Costa Rica

Country Profile for
Costa Rica

TRAVEL REPORTS:

Print Version

TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 14:43 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:06 EST

Costa Rica

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

BACK TO TOP

2. ATTENTION

The number of stolen Canadian passports is on the increase. The majority of cases involve tourists leaving their bags unattended. Canadians visiting

Costa Rica

are advised never to leave their valuables unattended in their vehicles, on the beach, in hotel rooms or bus stations. Be extra vigilant when stopping to repair a flat tire. A popular scam occurs when thieves stop to offer assistance and rob tourists of their valuables. Carry a photocopy of your passport, including the Costa Rican immigration entry stamp, at all times and keep your original documents in a secure place, such as the hotel safe.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

An increase in petty theft affecting foreigners has been noted throughout the country. Tourists are frequently the victim of armed robberies. Theft from hotel room safes and car break-ins occur throughout the country. Airports, bus stations (especially "Coca Cola" station in San José), car rental lots, and the inner downtown area of San José are areas vulnerable to theft. Park vehicles in commercial parking lots only and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.There have been incidents of foreigners being attacked by armed assailants on the main highways in the Central Valley. Canadians are warned to be extra vigilant and to avoid travelling at night.

Foreigners have been sexually assaulted at beach resorts as well as by taxi drivers in San José. Use only official taxis. Avoid taxis that do not have working door handles, locks, and meters. At the airport, licensed taxis are orange. Taxi vouchers (fixed prices) can be purchased at the official taxi stand located in front of the airport building. Other official taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the side. Do not ride in the front seat with the driver. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or French.

Beware of "good Samaritans" offering their help to change a flat tire, as they are often the cause of the situation and may take advantage. Carjackings, often at gunpoint occur. Remain vigilant in a stopped car (e.g. at traffic lights) and always drive with the doors locked and windows closed. Do not travel after dark and avoid stopping en route to your destination.

Stay in well-frequented and protected hotels or campgrounds. Avoid camping overnight on beaches.Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to Costa Rica should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

Photography of children must be approved by the parent, as there is concern that such photography may result in the child being identified either for child prostitution or for snatching.

Rip tides are very common on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. There are no lifeguards. Several drownings occur each year. Safety features on small boats are not always reliable. Whitewater rafting and other adventure sports (e.g. the popular Canopy Tour) should only be undertaken with a well established company. Be aware that Canopy accidents do occur from time to time, including one accident in November 2004 involving a Canadian who fell 11 meters after the Canopy cable broke. If you have any doubt concerning the security of the installations, we strongly recommend that you refrain from using them.

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

BACK TO TOP

4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Costa Rica has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise great caution since traffic laws are routinely ignored (e.g. speeding, illegal overtaking). In some areas, potholes, sharp curves, landslides, and narrow roads create dangerous road conditions, therefore be careful after dark, especially on rural roads.

Public bus transportation is chaotic and uncomfortable but inexpensive. Police checks of public transportation occur. These checks are often used to determine whether foreigners have overstayed the one or three month visa exemption period.

Traffic enforcement is the responsibility of the Transit Police. Transit Officers circulate in blue vehicles or motorcycles with blue lights. They 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.

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. Rental vehicles are distinguishable by their licence plates.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

BACK TO TOP

5. 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.

Flooding and mudslides occur frequently in the lowlands. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Natural disasters are possible due to regional seismic and volcanic activity. The Arenal volcano regularly erupts. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued for National Parks and specifically for the Arenal volcano area.

Costa Rica is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in San José (see below) in the event of an emergency.

BACK TO TOP

6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

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.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession and trafficking of illegal drugs is considered a serious offence. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or heavy fines. Persons violating Costa Rica's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

The Costa Rican government is actively trying to discourage sexual tourism. Those who engage in sexual activity with minors will be severely punished. 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.

BACK TO TOP

7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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, Costa Rica
Postal Address: P.O. Box 351-1007, San José, Costa Rica
Tel.: 506 242-4400
Fax: 506 242-4410
E-mail: sjcra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.sanjose.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Embassy of Canadain San José and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Costa Rica is 0-800-015-1161, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site ( www.infocanadadirect.com ).

BACK TO TOP

8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

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.

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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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 as well as a photocopy of the Costa Rican Immigration entry stamp at all times. Original documents should be kept in a secure place, such as the hotel safe. 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. Those intending to stay beyond 90 days, or applying for residency status, will have to do so outside of Costa Rica. 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 are required to register with the Costa Rican Immigration Department in order to organize their papers (i.e., a letter of acceptance into a school, the nature and duration of the program).

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. 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 should be contacted for further information on laws regarding the international travel of Costa Rican minors (see contact details below).

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required (for stays up to six months)

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

A tax of US$26 is charged upon departure.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

BACK TO TOP

9. MONEY

The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). To avoid complications, carry U.S. dollars 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 ATMs is available in major cities, where Scotiabank and Banco Popular accept PLUS system cards to a daily maximum withdrawal of 100,000 colones (approx. C$325). Only local currency can be withdrawn. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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.

BACK TO TOP

10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Costa Rica (capital: San José) is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The official language is Spanish. English is not widely spoken outside major hotels. Very few public service providers (e.g. police, lawyers, hospitals) are able to communicate in English or French. Tourist facilities are widely available.

BACK TO TOP

11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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 Medicine Program 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.

BACK TO TOP

12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

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

BACK TO TOP

13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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.

BACK TO TOP

15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

BACK TO TOP

16. 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.

BACK TO TOP

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

BACK TO TOP

18. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP