Costa Rica

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching. 

Take extra care of your valuables in:

• airports
• bus terminals
• public transport

To prevent petty crime:

• be alert after dark
• avoid being on the streets alone
• pay attention in crowded areas
• use ATMs in daylight hours
• withdraw or change money in secure areas like hotels, banks, or shopping centres

More information:

• Theft and robbery

Violent crime

Violent crime is common, including:

• armed robberies
• carjackings
• home invasions
• gang muggings

Travellers have been the target of armed robberies or drug-related crimes.

Criminals often target:

• tourist attractions
• resorts
• airports
• bus stations and public transport
• harbours, especially Limon and Puntarenas ports

If you use an unofficial taxi, there's a risk of robbery and assault.

Women are at risk of sexual harassment and assault, particularly when alone on a beach or in a taxi.

Take care in San José, particularly after dark. High-risk areas for theft include:

• the Coca-Cola bus station
• inner downtown areas
• public parks
• roads leading to the San José International Airport

Take care in other areas, including:

• Jaco
• Quepos
• Manuel Antonio
• Tarcoles River
• Puerto Viejo, Puerto Limónand Cahuita

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• don’t walk outside or travel after dark
• pay close attention to your surroundings
• make sure your accommodation is secure
• avoid openly changing large amounts of money at border crossings
• don't travel alone or after dark
• don't use ATMs on the street

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Armed criminals may injure or kill you.

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get immediate medical attention. Costa Rica has a moderate HIV/AIDS infection risk.

Other crime risks

Road-based crime is common. Criminals who target vehicles may:

• stage accidents and rob you when your car stops
• slash your car tyres and offer to help with repairs while a partner steals from the car

Carjackings happen, often at gunpoint. Criminals target stationary cars and rental vehicles for robberies.

In tourist areas, you can get help from the tourist police (see 'Local contacts').

Scams and fraud

Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.

Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards.

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Costa Rica. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.

Cyber security 

Women Travellers

Women travelling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.

More information:

• Advice for Women Travellers

Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes offered to you as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Methanol poisoning

Demonstrations and protests against the government can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country and often affect public transport.

It’s illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• Avoid demonstrations, protests, and public gatherings
• Check the media for reports of unrest
• Follow advice from local authorities

If you see a protest, leave as soon as it’s safe. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong coastal currents and rip tides occur on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. These can make swimming dangerous.

You may not find lifeguards on public beaches. You also may not see warning signs for dangerous conditions.

Crocodile attacks have been reported on the Pacific Coast.

Get local advice before swimming.

Costa Rica can experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• hurricanes
• landslides
• earthquakes
• volcanic activity
• tsunamis
• mudslides

To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow advice from local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• contact your tour operator or airline

Get local advice before visiting areas affected by a disaster.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

More information:

• National Hurricane Center
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November.

Landslides, mudslides and flooding can happen.

If you’re travelling during the rainy season, contact your:

• tour operator to check if services are affected
• airline for flight updates

Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. Hurricanes can change direction and strength suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or cancelled
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• electricity supply, communication networks and transport options may be disrupted. 

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as electricity and water

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• listen to the instructions of local authorities
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor advice from authorities

Check the US National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center for weather forecasts.

Earthquakes

Costa Rica experiences earthquakes.

Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.

Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis may occur.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Volcanoes

Costa Rica has active volcanoes. Before you trek or climb in an area with volcanic activity, ask local authorities for advice.

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• avoid the affected areas
• monitor local media to remain informed
• contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
• be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
• follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System can give you general volcano alerts.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a serious risk in Limon and Puntarenas, including near the border with Panama.

Preventative anti-malaria medication can help protect you.

The risk of contracting other insect-borne illnesses increases in the wet season from April to November. These include:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• Chagas disease
• leishmaniasis 

To protect yourself from insect-borne diseases:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Zika virus

Zika virus is widespread.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk.

Take steps to protect yourself if you're at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals
• avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated
• avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Public medical facilities are reasonable in San José but limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

Private medical facilities are available and well-equipped but expensive.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive. You will likely need to pay up front and claim back later from your insurer.

Doctors may only speak Spanish.

If you are seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers 

Public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Same-sex relationships are legal, but the country is conservative.

Same-sex marriages are recognised.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

Strict laws protect native animals and plants.

Costa Rica recognises dual nationality. If you are an Australian citizen, and a Costa Rican citizen, the consular services we can provide to you may be limited.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Get permission before photographing anyone, especially women, children, and Indigenous people. 

Visa-free travel for short stays

On an Australian passport, you don't need a visa for a tourist visit of less than 90 days.

You might be refused entry if you can't show that you'll return home or travel onwards.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Embassy of Costa Rica for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Other requirements

You must pay a departure tax to leave Costa Rica. This might be included in your airline ticket. 

At airports, you can pay with US dollars or Costa Rican Colones (CRC), in cash or by credit card.

At other border crossings, you can pay at Bancredito kiosks.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, ensure you meet all US entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. 

More information:

• Travel advice for Canada

Travelling with children

If you're travelling with children, you may need to show proof of your legal relationship. This could be as a parent, custodian or someone with access rights.

A child travelling on a Costa Rican passport without 1 or both parents must have written consent from the absent parents to leave the country. The Costa Rican Ministry of Migration and Foreigners must sign these documents.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Yellow fever vaccination

Depending on which countries you have visited, you may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter. Airlines may require you to show this certificate before departure.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC).

You can't exchange Australian money in Costa Rica but you can exchange US dollars.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.

Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Costa Rica.

Tours and adventure activities

Take care if you're taking part in adventure activities, such as:

• whitewater rafting
• bungee jumping
• scuba diving
• jungle canopy tours

Transport and adventure tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards for:

• scuba diving equipment
• providing life jackets, seat belts and other safety equipment

Rescue services may not be as effective as those in Australia.

If taking part in adventure activities:

• check your travel insurance covers you for the activity
• check the operator's safety equipment before you book
• use reputable operators
• use life jackets and seat belts, even if others don't

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Driving permit

You can drive for up to 3 months with your Australian driver's licence. If your Australian licence allows, you can drive a car and motorcycle.

Road travel

Stick to sealed roads and well-travelled paths.

Road safety and driving in Costa Rica can be dangerous.

Driving standards can change across the country. Car insurance is essential.

If you're in an accident, call 911 for the national police or the fire brigade. Wait for the authorities to arrive before you leave.

Roads between tourist locations are usually in good or acceptable condition.

Locals sometimes steal manhole covers, leaving large holes in the road.

Roads are unsealed in isolated areas, so a 4WD vehicle is a good choice.

If you plan to drive in Costa Rica:

• check your insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• lock doors and keep car windows up, even when moving
• avoid travel at night

Try not to drive at night. Lock doors, keep windows up and take safety precautions. See Safety

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

• use official taxis from airports
• pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
• Official taxis are red and have a yellow triangle on their side panels.
• Official airport taxis are orange. You can buy prepaid vouchers for airport taxis in front of the San José airport terminal.

If you use an unofficial taxi, there's a risk of robbery and assault.

Arrange transport through your hotel, and book in advance if travelling at night.

Public transport

Travelling via public transport puts you at risk of theft. Don't put your passport and other valuables in luggage racks or under your seat.

Use first-class buses.

Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely
• Advice for women

Air travel

Check Costa Rica's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911 or 118.

Medical emergencies

Call 911 or 128.

Police

Call 911.

Tourist police operate in many tourist areas. You can contact them by calling 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in San José, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. The Consulate can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy.  The Consulate can’t issue Australian passports. You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Australian Consulate, San José

Grupo Nueva, 1st floor
Avenida 5, General Cañas,
San José, Costa Rica

Phone: (+506) 40818008
Email: aushonconsul.costarica@gmail.com

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Rubén Darío No 55 (Polanco)
Col Bosque de Chapultepec., C.P. 
11580 México D.F. México

Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
X: @AusEmbMex

Instagram: Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Check the Embassy website for details of opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia