Costa Rica

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching. Thieves often target overhead compartments on buses.

Unattended vehicles are targeted:

• in downtown San José
• near beaches
• in national parks
• around tourist areas

To keep your belongings safe:

• use established tour operators and registered taxis
• be aware of your surroundings and personal security

Violent crime

Violent crime is common in Costa Rica, 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.

Be alert to drink spiking with any drink bought in a store or bar. Don't leave drinks unattended. Make sure the brand is known, and watch your drinks being made. Drink spiking with methanol is common and has killed people. 

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 of Costa Rica, 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 crimes

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 section.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Express kidnappings can occur in urban areas, they are often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal. If threatened, do not resist. 

More information:

• Kidnapping

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 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Women Travellers

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

More information:

• Advice for Women Travellers

Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave your drinks unattended, especially in stores or bars. Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are common and have killed people. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.

Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.

Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you or someone you're travelling with has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.

• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

More information: 

• Partying safely while overseas

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 in Costa Rica.

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 and severe storms
• landslides and mudslides
• earthquakes
• volcanic activity
• tsunamis

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plans
• identify your local shelter
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• contact your tour operator or airline
• keep in contact with family and friends

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.

Severe weather may affect:

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

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• essential services may be disrupted

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• closely monitor alerts and advice from authorities

Volcanoes

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

After a volcanic eruption, ash, dust, and toxic fumes are a significant health risk. Take care if you have a respiratory condition.

To protect yourself if a volcano erupts:

• stay inside with the windows and doors shut
• place damp towels under doors and windows if ash is falling
• wear a disposable face mask if you go outside
• wear long clothing and goggles
• avoid contact with ash
• monitor advice from local authorities

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Costa Rica experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen.

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

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

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, monitor local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation: the Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Costa Rica. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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 in Costa Rica.

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 in Costa Rica.

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

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.

You may need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency. Doctors may only speak Spanish. Doctors rarely agree to work with your travel insurer, meaning you may need to ask for reimbursement after paying cash for your treatment.

Decompression chambers are available in Liberia and Samara.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

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

Authorities will arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:

• carrying even a very small amount of drugs, or
• with someone who's using them
• If you're found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, authorities will arrest you. 
• Border officials may screen you for drugs, including on departure.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers 

Avoid public displays of affection.

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

Same-sex marriages are recognised in Costa Rica.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

Strict laws protect native animals and plants.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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

More information:

• Advice for 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

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for Chile

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 Costa Rica. Airlines may require you to show this certificate before departure.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

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.

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.

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Costa Rica than in Australia.

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

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.

More information:

• Advice for women

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.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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

Ruben Dario No 55 (Polanco)
Col Bosque de Chapultepec., C.P. 
11580 Mexico D.F. Mexico

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

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