Costa Rica How to Say Until We Meet Again

Last updated: March xxx, 2022 16:31 ET

Latest updates: Editorial change

On this page

• Gamble level
• Rubber and security
• Entry and leave requirements
• Health
• Laws and culture
• Natural disasters and climate
• Demand help?

Risk level

Costa rica - Exercise a high degree of circumspection

Exercise a high degree of caution in Republic of costa rica due to crime.

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Safety and security

COVID-xix - Preventative measures and restrictions

In an endeavour to limit the spread of COVID-19, most governments have implemented preventative measures and restrictions.

These could include:

• curfews, motility restrictions, or lockdowns
• the obligation to article of clothing a face-covering, a surgical or respirator mask in some circumstances
• the obligation to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test effect to access public and private services and spaces, including transportation, restaurants and cultural sites

Foreign authorities might non recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.

Earlier travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are in effect.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Law-breaking

The rate of drug-related vehement crimes, including homicides, is on the rising in Republic of costa rica. Drug trafficking is common. Local drug apply, including cleft, is a major concern.

Violent crime

Violent criminal offense against foreigners, though not frequent, is a concern. Incidents of armed robberies, carjackings and home invasions take occurred in beach areas and on the main highways in the Central Valley region, even in daylight. Vehement assaults against Canadians accept occurred in Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo.

• Practise not walk lone afterward dusk or at dawn
• Avert remote or isolated areas, including roads and trails
• If you are threatened by armed criminals, do as they ask without hesitation, as resisting may upshot in the escalation of violence

Express kidnapping

Cases of express kidnapping, where victims are picked up from the street and forced to withdraw funds from ABMs, take occurred, sometimes at gunpoint.

Petty crime

Petty law-breaking—including pickpocketing and bag snatching—occurs frequently. Tourists are mutual targets for theft because they are perceived as existence wealthy.

Cases of passport theft are extremely common and increase in frequency during the pinnacle tourist seasons, from Nov to May and from July to August.

• Stay alert and exist aware of your environment
• Avoid isolated areas and never walk alone at nighttime
• Avert showing signs of affluence and never leave valuables such as coin, credit cards, jewellery, prison cell phones and other electronics unattended, especially on beaches
• Don't behave large amounts of cash and use caution at automatic banking machines (ABMs)

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport, including the Costa Rican entry postage, with yous at all times.

Foreigners are often victims of theft on buses and at omnibus stations, airports, ports, crowded tourist attractions, restaurants and resort areas. Thieves often piece of work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims' attention while the other snatches their possessions.

• When travelling past public bus, avert placing personal holding in the overhead compartment or under your seat.
• Keep your bag with valuables and identification in your lap.
• Stay at hotels and rental houses that have security measures such equally guards and security cameras.
• Always lock your doors, even while in the room or if you lot exit for a few minutes.
• Don't go out valuables in apparently sight

Exercise detail caution in the capital, San José. High-run a risk areas for theft include:

• the Coca Cola bus final (near the Zona Roja or cerise calorie-free commune)
• the inner downtown area and public parks

Caribbean coast

On the Caribbean coast, exist particularly vigilant in Limón province towns of:

• Cahuita
• Puerto Limón (its port areas)
• Puerto Viejo.

Pacific coast

In Puntarenas province,  the following areas are of particular business for theft:

• Dominical
• Jacó
• Manuel Antonion
• Quepos
• Cobano area, including Mal País, Montezuma and Santa Teresa, and the port of Puntarenas.

Cars parked well-nigh the popular crocodile viewing area forth the Tárcoles River nigh Jacó are peculiarly vulnerable to theft when a designated constabulary patrol car is not on site.

Theft from vehicles

Theft from vehicles is very mutual, especially at hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, store lots, national parks and beaches.

The theft of rental cars is too common throughout the country. Thieves know the makes and models of rental cars, making them easy targets.

• Don't leave your passport or your valuables in the car, even if yous go out the car for only a few minutes
• Park your vehicle in supervised parqueos públicos (public parking lots)
• Keep your windows up and doors locked at all times
• Beware of "skillful Samaritans" offer to help alter a flat tire. Calmly refuse their help and contact Costa Rican authorities and, if you rented the car, the rental agency.
• Don't stop to change a flat tire in an isolated area, and keep the doors of the vehicle locked while changing a tire
• Ensure an emergency assistance is offered by the rental agency when renting a car

Fraud

Credit card fraud is a growing problem.

Women's safety

Incidents of sexual assail against foreigners at beach resorts and by taxi drivers in San José have been reported. The take chances increases for women travelling lonely and they may be subject field to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Safe-travel guide for women

Spiked nutrient and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the intendance of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assail and robbery.

Unregulated booze

Some people died after consuming adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica during the summer of 2019. Bottles were chop-chop withdrawn from the market, however:

• be cautious if y'all choose to drink alcohol
• be wary of lesser known/illegal brands
• seek medical assist if you begin to experience sick

Booze, drugs and travel

Demonstrations

Presidential election – Second round

Following Costa rica'south general elections on February 6, 2022, a second round of the presidential ballot is scheduled to have place on April 3.

Demonstrations could occur earlier, during and after the ballot.

Demonstrations take place from time to time, particularly in San José. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn tearing at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Costa Rica'southward constitution prohibits political activity by foreigners; such actions may result in detention or displacement.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and big gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More than about mass gatherings (big-calibration events)

Route safety

Costa Rica has one of the highest traffic accident rates in the world. In some areas, potholes, abrupt curves, lack of traffic signs, landslides and narrow or unpaved roads create dangerous road weather condition. Driving atmospheric condition may be hazardous during the rainy flavor.

Exercise swell caution when driving or walking, as drivers don't respect traffic laws. Be careful after dark, especially on rural roads, as motorists frequently bulldoze without lights at night.

Remain vigilant when stopped at lights or finish signs, and e'er drive with the doors locked and windows closed. Keep your valuables out of plain sight when driving and avoid travel at dark to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

If y'all are involved in a car accident:

• call 911 to notify regime
• inform the car rental agency, if applicable
• don't move the vehicle until advised to exercise and so by the law

See Laws and culture for more than information.

Public transportation

Public motorcoach transportation is unreliable. Police force checks of passengers on public transportation occur and are often used to determine whether foreigners have overstayed the xc-day visa exemption menstruation.

Taxis

But use official radio-dispatched taxis (orangish taxis at the drome and red taxis with a xanthous triangle on the side elsewhere in the land).

• make sure the driver'south ID is clearly visible on the dashboard and that the commuter uses the meter
• avoid taxis that do not have working door handles, locks and meters
• don't ride in the front end seat with the driver

Maritime travel

If navigating the coasts, proceed with caution, as safety and rescue operations are limited due to a lack of resources.

Air travel

We exercise not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Swimming

Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Very few beaches are supervised with lifeguards or accept signs warning of dangerous conditions.

• Never swim lone
• Seek the communication of local authorities before venturing into the water

The Costa Rican Tourism Bureau provides of import advice on safety matters, such as swimming in the body of water and avoiding crocodiles.

Costa Rican Tourism Bureau

Adventure tourism

White-water rafting, scuba diving, bungee jumping, canopy touring and other take chances sports should only be undertaken with a well-established company that has insurance. Safety features on small-scale boats are non always reliable. If y'all have whatever doubt concerning the safety of the installation or equipment, refrain from using them.

• Ensure that the recreational activities yous choose are covered past your travel insurance.
• Never walk or hike solitary..
• Avoid camping or sleeping overnight on beaches.
• If you intend to visit jungle areas, e'er go with an experienced and reputable guide.

National parks

The Costa Rican government requires all visitors to national parks to register their entry with the National Park Service and to obtain a permit to enter the park. Life-threatening animal such as jaguars, pumas, wild pigs and poisonous snakes are common in some parks, especially in the densely wooded areas

General security information

 Few services exterior major hotels are available in English language (or French). Near taxi drivers, law officers, lawyers and hospital workers don't speak English (or French).

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Entry and get out requirements

COVID-nineteen - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements

Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19.

Strange authorities might non recognize or take proof of vaccination issued past Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an hallmark, or the legalization of the document.

Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this state of affairs.

Restrictions imposed could include:

• entry and exit bans, particularly for non-citizens and not-residents
• quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
• quarantines before your planned deviation if yous examination positive for COVID-19, resulting in a delayed deviation
• health screenings and certificates likewise as proof of adequate travel health insurance
• border and drome closures
• flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
• suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options

Boosted restrictions can exist imposed all of a sudden. Airlines can also append or reduce flights without discover. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making information technology difficult for you to return home. Consider even your transit points, as transit rules are in place in many destinations.

• Monitor the media for the latest information
• Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the state of affairs volition disrupt your travel plans
• Contact the nearest strange diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions

You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assist to modify your travel plans.

Useful links

• Travel restrictions and health requirements - United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot arbitrate on your behalf if y'all practise not meet your destination's entry or leave requirements.

We have obtained the data on this page from the Costa Rican authorities. Information technology tin can, however, change at whatever time.

Verify this data with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the blazon of passport y'all use for travel.

Before yous travel, check with your transportation company near passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country'south entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid to visit Costa Rica. In order to avoid unexpected delays, nosotros recommend that your passport exist valid for at least 1 calendar month across the appointment of your expected divergence from Costa Rica.

Passport for official travel

Unlike entry rules may employ.

Official travel

Passport with "X" gender identifier

While the Regime of Canada bug passports with an "10" gender identifier, information technology cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face up entry restrictions in countries that exercise not recognize the "X" gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Unlike entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel certificate. Earlier you get out, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Strange Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You lot may stay in Republic of costa rica for upwardly to 90 days without a visa, but the length of your stay upon entering the country is determined by clearing officers. If you wish to apply for residency condition, you must contact the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa rica'due south immigration section). Overstaying the 90-day menses is punishable by possible deportation. Persons deported from Costa rica will non exist allowed to re-enter the state for v to x years.

Students must obtain a visa from the Costa Rican immigration department. They must provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited school.

Other entry requirements

You must exist in possession of a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay to enter Costa rica.

Deviation tax

There is a departure tax, payable by cash or credit menu.

Minors with dual citizenship

In order to exit Costa Rica, the Canadian passport of a small-scale with dual citizenship must have Costa Rican departure blessing, or the minor's deviation will be denied. Both parents must request this approval from Republic of costa rica's immigration section or through the Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada prior to divergence. In that location take been several cases of departure denials because proper documentation was lacking. Minors with dual citizenship who are travelling unaccompanied must take legally certified written consent from both parents.

See Laws and Culture for more than information.

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn near potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Health

Related Travel Health Notices

Consult a health intendance professional person or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks earlier you travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are upward-to-engagement regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), flu and others.

Vaccines to Consider

You lot may exist at take a chance for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.

COVID-19

Coronavirus affliction (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through aerosol in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine serial along with any additional recommended doses in Canada earlier travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-xix. While vaccination provides better protection against serious affliction, you may however exist at gamble of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased take a chance of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-xix and is at greater gamble for astringent affliction when travelling internationally.

For destination entry and exit requirements, including for COVID-xix vaccination requirements, please bank check the Entry/go out requirements department.

Regardless of where y'all are going, talk to a health care professional earlier travelling to make sure y'all are adequately protected confronting COVID-xix.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a illness of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a take a chance of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through claret or other actual fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (eastward.yard., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from Nov to Apr in the northern hemisphere, betwixt April and October in the southern hemisphere and twelvemonth circular in the tropics. Influenza (influenza) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the influenza shot.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. It can spread chop-chop from person to person past direct contact and through aerosol in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of beingness infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where yous are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make certain you are fully protected against measles.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected creature. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who accept a loftier adventure of exposure (e.yard., are children, have an occupational take chances, or in shut contact with animals, including gratuitous roaming dogs in communities).

Yellow Fever - State Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease acquired past a flavivirus from the seize with teeth of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a state or because information technology is recommended for their protection.

Risk

• There is no risk of yellowish fever in this country.

Land Entry Requirement*

• Proof of yellowish fever vaccination is required if you are coming from a land where xanthous fever occurs, excluding Argentina and Panama, or if you are coming from Tanzania or Zambia.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health intendance provider.
• Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Eye well in accelerate of your trip to accommodate for vaccination.

About Xanthous Fever

Yellowish Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

*It is of import to note that country entry requirements may non reflect your gamble of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you lot contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(south) you lot will be visiting to verify any boosted entry requirements.

Food/Water

Nutrient and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the earth can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Central America and Mexico, food and water can as well carry diseases similar cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid. Practice safe food and water precautions while travelling in Central America and United mexican states. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel information technology, or leave it!

Travellers' diarrhea

• Travellers' diarrhea is the most mutual illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated nutrient or water.
• Gamble of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
• The about important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Run a risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health intendance professional about vaccination.

Insects

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Key America and Mexico, certain insects carry and spread diseases similar American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), chikungunya, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), West Nile virus, and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to have precautions against bites.

Chikungunya

There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this land. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya tin cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can exist severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine bachelor for chikungunya.

Dengue

• In this country, dengue is a take a chance to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can crusade flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk besides varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes conveying dengue typically bite during the daytime, especially around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected musquito. Information technology tin besides be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health intendance professional earlier travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may cull to avert or postpone travel to this country.

Travel recommendations:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• If you are pregnant, e'er use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the elapsing of your pregnancy.
• Women: Wait 2 months after travel to this land or afterwards onset of disease due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy. If your male person partner travelled with y'all, wait 3 months later travel or later onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
• Men: Wait 3 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.

For more travel recommendations, see the travel wellness notice: Zika virus: Advice for travellers

Malaria

Malaria

• At that place is a limited take chances of malaria in this country.
• Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. At that place is no vaccine against malaria.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed, air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping nether an insecticide-treated bednet.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Central America and United mexican states, similar rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Recollect to wash your hands oftentimes and practice proper coughing and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through claret and bodily fluids; practise safer sex activity.

Medical services and facilities

COVID-xix - Testing

Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Authorities of Canada function abroad to detect out where you can get a COVID-19 examination.

Good wellness care is but available in major cities. Quality of intendance varies greatly throughout the country.

Costa Rica has decompression chambers at some beach resorts, including in Liberia and Samara.

Carmine Cross ambulances may not take emergency equipment on board, especially in rural areas; nonetheless, private ambulances are amend equipped. Y'all may have to pay in accelerate for medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you lot may need it in example of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel wellness and condom

Medications

All medication must be transported in its original container and have a clear characterization. Prescription and controlled medication must be accompanied by a prescription from the prescribing physician on letterhead jotter and include the medication's generic name.

Medical tourism

Practice your enquiry if yous are contemplating undergoing a medical procedure in Republic of costa rica.

Receiving medical care outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The conclusion to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is likewise responsible for his or her ain personal safe.

Be prepared. Practice not expect medical services to be the aforementioned as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major urban center centres.

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Laws and culture

You must abide past local laws.

Larn nearly what you should do and how we tin help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

Canada and Costa Rica are signatories to the 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.

If you violate Costa Rica's laws, even unknowingly, you lot may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Overview of the criminal law organisation in Costa rica

Sex tourism

Soliciting the services of a minor for sexual purposes is illegal in Costa Rica and is punishable by imprisonment.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are astringent. Bedevilled offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences or heavy fines.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Driving

Canadian driver'southward licences are valid in Costa Rica. You should carry an international driving allow.

You must deport your original passport at all times when driving in the country; photocopies are not acceptable. Failure to provide proper documentation when stopped by a traffic officer could issue in a fine.

Traffic fines are not supposed to exist nerveless on site. They may be paid either at COSEVI (Costa Rican Road Safety Council) or at a bank. If a police force officer asks you lot for money, you lot may make a complaint to the Costa Rican Tourism Agency.

The Costa Rican regime may prevent any driver involved in a vehicular blow from parting Costa Rica until all injury claims take been settled. This is true regardless of whether the driver is at error or covered by insurance. Travellers may be prevented from leaving the country for months, or even years, until a local judicial resolution is reached.

Camera monitoring systems take been installed in various locations. Speeding fines are charged to individuals exceeding the speed limit.

• Costa Rican Tourism Bureau
• COSEVI - Costa Rican Road Safety Council (in Spanish)
• More about the International Driving Permit

Car rentals

Terms and conditions of car rentals in Costa Rica are unlike virtually contracts in North America.

Carefully review contracts and ensure that you have appropriate insurance coverage, including mandatory liability coverage. Many driving situations can nullify insurance.

Identification documents

You must carry photo identification. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it'south lost or confiscated.

Photography

It is illegal to photograph official buildings. Verify with local authorities before taking photos.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Costal Rica.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Costal Rica, our ability to offering you consular services may be express while you're there. You may also be bailiwick to different entry/get out requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Under Costa Rican law, minors (under the age of 18) built-in in Costa Rica and holding Canadian citizenship are considered to be citizens of Costa Rica, even if they are travelling on a Canadian passport.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It tin can assist parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Costa Rica.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Republic of costa rica, and if the applicable weather condition are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Costa Rican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as apace every bit you can
• contact the Primal Authorisation for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Costa Rica to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian regime part abroad or to the Vulnerable Children'south Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada past calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Exist enlightened that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in some other country'due south judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Government for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Backside Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Police force
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Sentry and Response Centre

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Republic of costa rica, seek legal advice in Canada and in Costa Rica. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could have time and exist costly to resolve.

Coin

The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC).

It is extremely difficult to exchange Canadian currency in Costa rica. To avoid complications, carry U.S. dollars or colones.

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Natural disasters and climate

Hurricane season

Hurricanes unremarkably occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you lot at gamble and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you make up one's mind to travel to a littoral area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious rubber risks
• exist prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local regime

Useful links

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
• Big-calibration emergencies abroad
• Agile storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' National Hurricane Center

Flooding

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November, sometimes January.

Seasonal flooding and mudslides mudslides occur frequently in the lowlands and mountainous areas, including along the Caribbean and in the Central Valley. This can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Seismic activity

Costa rica is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tremors occur regularly. Tsunamis are possible.

Volcanoes

There are several active and potentially active volcanoes in the country, including:

• Arenal
• Poás
• Rincón de la Vieja
• Turrialba

Turrialba Volcano, located in Cartago province, remains very active. Volcanic ash falls regularly in San José and surrounding areas and may disrupt domestic and international flights.

The Poás volcano is also very active. The Poás Volcano National Park is closed and visitor admission is restricted within a 3.5 km radius of the volcano.

Alert levels tin be raised and evacuations ordered on curt find. If you are travelling shut to agile volcanoes:

• Pay careful attention to all warnings issued for national parks
• Monitor warnings closely
• Contact your airline or bout operator to confirm your travel arrangements
• Follow the advice of local authorities in the result of an explosion or eruption (in Spanish)

National Committee for Gamble Prevention and Emergency Response (in Spanish)

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Need assist?

Local services

Emergency services

Punch 911 for emergency assist.

Consular assistance

Due to the ongoing pandemic, our consular services could be limited. Contact united states by e-mail or telephone before visiting our offices.

San José - Embassy of Canada

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Costa Rica, in San José, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may besides contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The conclusion to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal prophylactic away. Nosotros take the prophylactic and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely data in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While nosotros make every endeavor to give you correct data, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of whatever kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does non assume responsibleness and will not be liable for any amercement in connection to the information provided.

If you demand consular assistance while abroad, we will brand every endeavour to help you. Nonetheless, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Acquire more than most consular services.

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Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica

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