Common menu bar links
|
Last Updated:
November 5, 2007 16:51
EST
Still Valid: November 15, 2007 22:59 EST |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. RECENT UPDATES Section 10 has been updated (water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases). The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Costa Rica
Visitors should be vigilant at all times when travelling in the country. Crimes such as theft from vehicles, buses and hotel rooms occur frequently. Armed robberies and home invasions are on the increase, including in beach areas. Crimes against tourists are particularly common at bus stations and harbour facilities frequented by foreigners. Ensure personal belongings are secure at all times. Always carry a photocopy of your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp, and any other travel documents, and keep your original documents in a secure place, such as the hotel safe. The passports of many Canadians have been stolen, and these documents are sometimes used for criminal purposes. 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 in a foreign country, 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. BACK TO TOP 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. 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. Airports, bus stations (especially "Coca Cola" station in San José), ports (especially Limón and Puntarenas), car rental lots, and the inner downtown area of San José are high-risk areas for theft. It is advisable to park vehicles in supervised commercial parking lots only. Foreigners have been attacked by armed assailants on the main highways in the central valley. 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. Canadians are advised to avoid travelling at night. Canadians are advised never to leave their valuables unattended in their vehicles, on the beach, in hotel rooms or in bus stations. Stay in busy and well-protected hotels. Sleeping on beaches overnight and camping in Costa Rica are strongly discouraged. 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. 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. There is a heightened risk of drowning. Riptides are very common on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. There are no lifeguards and several drownings occur each year. Safety features on small boats are not always reliable. Whitewater rafting and other adventure sports (e.g. canopy tours) should only be undertaken with a well-established company. Be aware that canopy accidents do occur from time to time. 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. Few people outside major hotels, and very few public service providers (e.g. police, lawyers, hospitals) are able to communicate in English or French. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Costa Rica and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on April 3, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. 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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade 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. 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 must obtain a Visa from the Costa Rican Immigration Department. They must provide confirmation of enrollment in an acredited 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. 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. Tourist Visa: Not required Business Visa: Not required Student Visa: Required A tax of US$26 is charged upon departure. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 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. 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. BACK TO TOP 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.: 506 242-4400 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-015-1161 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 Canada in San José and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL 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, 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. 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. LOCAL 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 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. 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 Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. 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 above) in the event of an emergency. BACK TO TOP 9. 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 10. 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) by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets and long sleeved shirts is also recommended. Medical facilities are limited outside urban areas. Travellers should drink bottled water or soft drinks during their stay. BACK TO TOP 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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 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 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
