General Safety & Exit/Entry Requirements for Costa Rica: A Practical Guide

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, admitting most tourists in for travel and exploration. Like any country, there are some considerations to keep in mind before entering and throughout your travels in Costa Rica. While travel advisories vary depending on where you come from, this guide dispels some of the safety myths that plague Costa Rica’s reputation, offering a balanced perspective on crime, health, and environmental risks, with some additional insights on general entry and exit requirements. 

Entry/Exit Requirements

Costa Rica allows foreign nationals to visit for tourism from all over the world, with maximum stays varying depending on your nationality. In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay, proof of economic means equivalent to $100.00 USD per month of your stay, and a return or onward travel ticket indicating your exit date from Costa Rica. 

Regardless of whether your nationality permits your stay to be up to 30 or 180 days, upon arriving in Costa Rica, the immigration officer will determine the maximum duration of your stay, indicating that date on your passport stamp. You are not permitted to stay beyond this date unless you receive an official extension from the Costa Rican immigration authority. 

If you are arriving from any country where yellow fever transmission occurs, you will need to display a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. The Costa Rican embassy’s website provides the most up-to-date information on maximum durations based on your nationality and yellow fever vaccine certification requirements. 

Physical Safety and Petty Theft

Despite what many government websites, such as Canada's, indicate, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Crime, such as petty theft, does take place in Costa Rica, particularly in the city centers of San José and Liberia. While violent crime does occur in Costa Rica, it is no more significant than in most other countries and major cities. Tourists are at a slightly higher risk of petty theft because they are seen as wealthy. 

The U.S. Department of State recommends that tourists do not wear flashy statements of wealth, such as overt jewelry, designer clothing, or expensive watches, to minimize attention. Petty theft tends to occur in organized groups, where one member of the group will distract the target and the others will perform the theft. This kind of organized crime is typical of tourist-targeted  crime around the world in other hotspots such as Rome and London. If you are aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables at home, you are unlikely to be the target of crime. 

If you choose to drive in Costa Rica, you will need to purchase valid and comprehensive insurance coverage. If you do enter into a collision, the Costa Rican immigration authority may not let you leave the country until all financial damages are settled. It is highly recommended to research driving laws, customs, and routes prior to driving in Costa Rica. 

Health Risks

Given Costa Rica’s diverse landscape and proximity to the equator, there are a few health risks to consider before arrival. It is worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider to ensure you are up-to-date on relevant vaccinations, including, but not limited to, Hepatitis A and B, Measles, Typhoid, Influenza, and COVID-19. Visitors to Costa Rica from certain regions may need to prove a valid yellow fever vaccination in order to enter the country. Antimalarial medication is also recommended in certain regions during certain times of the year.

In general, protecting yourself from mosquito and other bug bites at all times is highly recommended, due to the risk of malaria, zika, American trypanosomiasis, dengue, chikungunya, and Chagas’ disease. If you have been bitten by a bug and are concerned about any flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms, consult with a medical professional. 

Like in much of the rest of the world, travellers may come into contact with animals infected with rabies and monkeypox. Keeping a healthy distance from wild animals, including street dogs and cats, is highly recommended. If bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, seek immediate medical attention to receive a preventative rabies vaccine. 

In addition to general bug bite prevention, it’s important to ensure you have access to clean and safe drinking water by either purchasing bottled water or boiling water prior to consumption. Also, ensure you wash, boil, or peel your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. 

Environmental Risks

Costa Rica is a dual-coastal country in an active seismic zone. Tropical storms can quickly escalate into dangerous hurricanes, particularly along the coast, though the whole country is susceptible to damaging storm winds and torrential rain. The country is also at risk of earthquakes, which may cause tsunamis along the coast on short notice. If you are staying near the coast, familiarize yourself with local evacuation plans for both hurricanes and tsunamis. Finally, the country has active volcanoes such as Arenal that could erupt or produce ash without notice. Being familiar with volcanic shelters and evacuation plans is also recommended when visiting these areas.  

We recommend that you verify this information with respect to your own nationality and with your medical providers before traveling to Costa Rica to ensure following the most up-to-date safety and medical adivce. We at Nature Ways Travel are here to help you navigate your way to and through Costa Rica, and we are only a quick message away!

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