Costa Rica

Översikt

Costa Rica is a relatively low-risk country in comparison with its regional neighbours, although violent crime against tourists has increased. It enjoys positive diplomatic relations with its neighbours and the risks of civil conflict and terrorism are negligible. Strikes and protest movements are common in Costa Rica and can severely disrupt business and transport operations in their affected localities. Such protests, however, rarely trigger violent exchanges between demonstrators and security personnel. Incidents of violence against individuals have seen a rise as organised crime increases its presence in the country; petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Susceptibility to flooding especially during the rainy season has caused growing displacement and damage to infrastructure.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Costa Rica. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Costa Rica has confirmed Dengue cases and ongoing Chikungunya transmission. Risk is present throughout the country and year-round. Malaria risk is absent in most of Costa Rica, risk exists in Limón province. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is active Zika virus transmission in Costa Rica. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. A vaccination certificate is not required for travellers arriving from Argentina and Panama.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as travelling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Medical facilities in Costa Rica are adequate, although high standard private hospitals and clinics exist mainly in the capital, San José. Services are often crowded and staff may only speak Spanish. Cash payments in private facilities are usually required in advance, irrespective of health insurance. Most towns in Costa Rica have at least one well supplied pharmacy and various 24-hour facilities can be found in San José.

Pass

A passport is required for all nationalities entering Costa Rica. Nationals of the UK, France, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, US and most EU countries must hold a passport valid for at least 30 days after the date of entry into the country. Most other nationalities must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from entry.

It is possible that visitors will be requested to prove a valid return ticket or evidence of an onward journey and/or evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

Visum

A visa is not required for citizens from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, US and most EU and South American countries for stays of 90 days or less. It is possible to extend this stay for a period of up to two months. Applications should be made to the Immigration Department of Costa Rica at least 20 days before the authorized period expires. Costa Rican authorities are strict with visitors that overstay their allotted time and punishments include fines, deportation and possible refusal of entry for future visits.

Nationals from other countries are likely to require a visa and in all instances it is advisable to contact your nearest Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate to learn of specific entry requirements.