Costa Rica

Violent crime

Violent crime is common in Costa Rica, including:

• armed robberies
• carjackings
• home invasions
• gang muggings

'Express kidnappings' also happen, where criminals force you to withdraw funds from ATMs.

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

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.

Drink spiking with methanol is a very serious current problem. It usually happens with locally made alcoholic drinks. Methanol spiking has killed people.

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 of Costa Rica, including:

• Tamarindo
• Jaco
• Quepos
• Manuel Antonio
• Tarcoles River
• Puerto Viejo and Cahuita

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• plan to arrive or depart San José airport during daylight hours
• don't camp on beaches
• 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
• only use officially-registered taxis

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

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 tourist police. See Local contacts

Scams and fraud

Credit card fraud is a risk.

Street money changers often pass counterfeit Costa Rican and US currency.

To protect your money:

• keep your card in view when conducting transactions
• check your accounts for unauthorised purchases
• only change money at banks or official exchanges

Demonstrations and protests

Nationwide strikes and roadblocks have occurred.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Civil disturbances may happen, including strikes. This can disrupt local public services who may stop work.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• don't attempt to cross roadblocks or other protest actions
• be prepared for delays or disruptions to your travel plans
• have an alternative transport plan in case of public service disruption

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong coastal currents and rip tides occur on both 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 season is June to November, although tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

Landslides, mudslides and flooding can also occur, especially during heavy rainfall in the rainy season from May to November. The rainy season can sometimes extend to January.

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 in some areas

Severe weather may also affect:

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

If you're travelling to Costa Rica during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, monitor weather reports.

If you choose to stay when a hurricane approaches, adequate shelter may not be available.

Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes

Costa Rica is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can happen.

Costa Rica has several active volcanoes. Eruptions may occur at any time and can cause ash fall and vapours. Air travel may be disrupted.

More information:

• US Geological Survey
• Tsunami Warning System

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.

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 need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on (+61 2) 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Costa Rica.

For information on Costa Rica’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally.  The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

More information

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

Other health risks

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

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

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'll usually need to pay cash upfront before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency. Doctors will rarely agree to work with your travel insurer. This means you may need to ask for reimbursement after paying cash for your treatment.

Decompression chambers are available at 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.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph official buildings in Costa Rica.

Strict laws protect native animals and plants.

To avoid inadvertently breaking the law:

• check with local authorities before taking photos
• speak with your tour guide to understand local laws

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

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Locals may be suspicious if you photograph children and women, or talk to children.

To avoid giving offence:

• ask the child's parents for permission before you photograph children or talk to them
• ask women for permission before you take their photograph

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.

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including for COVID-19, even if you are only transiting through Hawaii. Passengers arriving in or transiting through the US will need to show onwards flight tickets from not only the US but also any country that borders the US (ie. Mexico and Canada). 

More information:

• US Embassy
• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Transit arrangements through Canada due to COVID-19 are strictly enforced. 

More information:

• Travel advice for Canada

Travel with children

You may require extra documents if only one parent or guardian is travelling with a child.

Dual national Australian and Costa Rican children need notarised written consent from both parents to leave the country. Contact the Embassy of Costa Rica to confirm this.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Border Measures

COVID-19 Measures

All temporary COVID-19 sanitary measures for entering Costa Rica have now been repealed. You don’t need to complete the Health Pass or show proof of medical insurance for unvaccinated foreigners.

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 (PDF 151KB)
• Returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

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.

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.

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

Adventure tour operators may not maintain safety gear or follow recommended safety standards.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper 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

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

Driving in Costa Rica can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• local driving practices
• poor street lighting
• poor signage
• potholes and landslides
• serious traffic accidents

Serious traffic accidents are common.

If you plan to drive in Costa Rica:

• check you have adequate travel and car theft insurance
• avoid driving at night
• keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight
• be aware of your surroundings when your car stops
• park in secured car parks where possible
• don't leave valuables in the vehicle

If you're in an accident, you must stay with the vehicle. Don't move it until the traffic police allow. You may be unable to leave Costa Rica until you settle any injury or insurance claims, even if you weren't at fault and have insurance. 

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.

To protect yourself and your money when taking a taxi:

• use official taxis
• don't ride in the front seat of a taxi

If you're female, don't travel alone in a taxi.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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. This consulate provides limited assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. 

The consulate doesn't issue Australian passports. They can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy.

Australian Consulate, San José

Third Floor, Oficentro Torre La Sabana
La Sabana, San José, Costa Rica
Phone: (+506) 8995 9900
Email: aushonconsul.costarica@gmail.com

You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.

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

See 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