This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Crime (update), Local Travel (update) and Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate (earthquake near San Jose). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Civil disturbances, including work stoppages and strikes, may cause disruption to local public services.

Demonstrations, protest marches, road blocks and strikes may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services may be disrupted. You should avoid demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent. You should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica because of the high risk of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

There is a growing incidence of violent crime including armed carjackings, home invasions and gang muggings in Costa Rica. 'Express kidnappings', where individuals are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from ATM machines to secure their release, are becoming increasingly common. Foreigners have been the target of armed robberies and drug-related crime. Areas in the vicinity of tourist attractions, resorts, airports, bus stations, harbour facilities (particularly the ports of Limon and Puntarenas) and public transport are a particular target of criminals due to poor security. Security risks are heightened in the capital city of San Jose. Visitors to San Jose should aim to arrive before 10pm in the evening to reduce risks of serious criminal activity on the road from the airport.

The incidence of petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, continues to increase. You should pay careful attention to your luggage when travelling on local buses. Thefts from unattended vehicles can occur in the downtown area of San Jose, near beaches, in national parks and in other places that tourists visit.

A common ploy used by thieves is to slash car tyres and then assist in repairs, while an accomplice steals from the vehicle.

Travellers should avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars and places of entertainment. There have been reports of drink spiking resulting in theft and assault.

Incidents of sexual harassment and assault of women have occurred. The risk of sexual assault or harassment increases when alone on beaches or travelling alone in taxis. We recommend that you do not camp on beaches in Costa Rica.

Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Local Travel

Driving in Costa Rica can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, local driving practices, and inadequate road lighting. Driving at night should be avoided when possible. Serious traffic accidents are common. Travellers involved in a traffic accident are required to stay with the vehicle and not move it until the Traffic Police have inspected the accident. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

When renting vehicles, you should ensure you have insurance for theft, park in secured carparks whenever possible and never leave valuables in the vehicle. Rental vehicles are clearly marked and often subject to robbery and attack.

Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted. Travellers should only use official red taxis, which have a yellow triangle on their side panels. Prepaid vouchers for official airport taxis can be purchased in front of the San Jose airport terminal. We recommend you not ride in the front seat of a taxi.

Strong coastal currents, including rip tides on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, can make swimming dangerous. Two crocodile attacks have been reported on the Pacific Coast. Local authorities can provide advice regarding local conditions.

The safety standards you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports such as white-water rafting and jungle canopy tours. Sufficient life jackets for rafts and adequate safety equipment for jungle canopy tours may not be provided. Travellers should only use experienced and reputable local guides or travel companies.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur. Monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

If you are travelling during hurricane season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

Costa Rica is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. An earthquake which occurred near San Jose in January 2009 measured 6.1 on the Richter Scale and caused deaths, injuries and some infrastructure damage. Information on earthquakes and volcanic activity can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis in the Indian and Pacific Oceans because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

The incidence of credit card fraud continues to increase in Costa Rica. Street money changers often pass counterfeit Costa Rican and US currency.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, Costa Rican entry stamp, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Costa Rica, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

It is illegal to photograph official buildings. You should check with local authorities before taking photos.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

Photographing children and women may be met with suspicion and violence. You should always seek permission from the child's parents before taking photographs of children, or talking to children.

Information for Dual Nationals

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica for the most up to date information.

Under Costa Rican Law, children under the age of 18 who are born in Costa Rica are automatically considered to be Costa Rican citizens, even if travelling on another passport. Notarised written consent from both parents or a Costa Rican passport is required in order to leave Costa Rica. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica for further information.

If you are travelling to Costa Rica through the United States of America (US), including if you are transiting Honolulu or other cities in the US, you will need to meet US entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa requirements with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel. See also our travel advice for the United States of America.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza 09 in a number of countries throughout the world, including Costa Rica. For a list of these countries, visit the WHO website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on H1N1 Influenza 09.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Public medical facilities are of a reasonable standard in the capital San Jose, and very limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Private medical facilities are available and well equipped. Doctors and hospitals require cash payment prior to providing treatment. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation, at considerable cost, to the USA where the cost of medical treatment is very high. The cost of a medivac could exceed $A65,000.

Costa Rica has decompression chambers on beach resorts such as Liberia and Samara.

Malaria is a serious risk in the provinces of Limon and Puntarenas, including near the border with Panama. Dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases (including Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers, particularly during the wet season (April to November). We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. We advise you not to swim in freshwater lakes and rivers as they can be contaminated and not have danger signs. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Costa Rica.

By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports. The address is:

Canadian Embassy
La Sabana Executive Business Centre
Building No. 5, 3rd Floor
Sabana Sur, San Jose, Costa Rica
Telephone (506) 242 4400
Facsimile (506) 242 4410

You can also obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Mexico:

Australian Embassy
Ruben Dario No 55 (Polanco)
Col Bosque de Chapultedpec., C.P.
11580 Mexico D.F. Mexico
Telephone (52 55) 1101 2200
Facsimile (52 55) 1101 2201
e-mail embaustmex@yahoo.com.mx
website www.mexico.embassy.gov.au

If you are travelling to Costa Rica, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.