What Do I Need to Travel to Costa Rica

Last updated: Apr 27, 2022 xvi:56 ET

Latest updates: Editorial alter

On this folio

• Risk level
• Safety and security
• Entry and exit requirements
• Wellness
• Laws and culture
• Natural disasters and climate
• Need help?

Risk level

Costa Rica - Do a high caste of caution

Exercise a loftier degree of circumspection in Costa rica due to law-breaking.

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Safety and security

COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions

COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations.

These could include:

• curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
• mandatory mask use
• required proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and spaces

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

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Crime

The rate of drug-related violent crimes, including homicides, is on the rise in Costa Rica. Drug trafficking is common. Local drug apply, including fissure, is a major concern.

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners, though not frequent, is a concern. Incidents of armed robberies, carjackings and home invasions have occurred in beach areas and on the chief highways in the Cardinal Valley region, even in daylight. Violent assaults against Canadians have occurred in Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo.

• Do not walk solitary after dusk or at dawn
• Avert remote or isolated areas, including roads and trails
• If you are threatened past armed criminals, do as they ask without hesitation, as resisting may result in the escalation of violence

Express kidnapping

Cases of limited kidnapping, where victims are picked upwards from the street and forced to withdraw funds from ABMs, have occurred, sometimes at gunpoint.

Petty crime

Petty crime—including pickpocketing and bag snatching—occurs frequently. Tourists are mutual targets for theft because they are perceived equally being wealthy.

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

• Stay alarm and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid isolated areas and never walk alone at night
• Avoid showing signs of abundance and never exit valuables such as money, credit cards, jewellery, jail cell phones and other electronics unattended, especially on beaches
• Don't comport big amounts of greenbacks and use circumspection at automated banking machines (ABMs)

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

Bear a photocopy of the identification page of your passport, including the Costa Rican entry postage stamp, with y'all at all times.

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

• When travelling by public passenger vehicle, avoid placing personal belongings in the overhead compartment or under your seat.
• Continue your pocketbook with valuables and identification in your lap.
• Stay at hotels and rental houses that accept security measures such as guards and security cameras.
• E'er lock your doors, fifty-fifty while in the room or if you lot leave for a few minutes.
• Don't leave valuables in plain sight

Exercise particular caution in the capital, San José. Loftier-risk areas for theft include:

• the Coca Cola omnibus concluding (near the Zona Roja or ruby-red lite commune)
• the inner downtown area and public parks

Caribbean area coast

On the Caribbean coast, be especially vigilant in Limón province towns of:

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

Pacific coast

In Puntarenas province,  the post-obit areas are of particular concern for theft:

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

Cars parked almost the popular crocodile viewing area along the Tárcoles River near Jacó are particularly vulnerable to theft when a designated police patrol car is not on site.

Theft from vehicles

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

The theft of rental cars is also common throughout the state. 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 y'all leave the car for only a few minutes
• Park your vehicle in supervised parqueos públicos (public parking lots)
• Continue your windows up and doors locked at all times
• Beware of "proficient Samaritans" offering to assistance modify a flat tire. Calmly refuse their aid and contact Costa Rican authorities and, if yous rented the car, the rental bureau.
• Don't terminate to change a flat tire in an isolated area, and go along the doors of the vehicle locked while changing a tire
• Ensure an emergency assistance is offered by the rental agency when renting a machine

Fraud

Credit carte du jour fraud is a growing trouble.

Women's safety

Incidents of sexual assault against foreigners at beach resorts and past taxi drivers in San José have been reported. The risk increases for women travelling alone and they may be subject area to some forms of harassment and exact abuse.

Prophylactic-travel guide for women

Spiked nutrient and drinks

Never leave nutrient 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 adventure of sexual set on and robbery.

Unregulated alcohol

Some people died subsequently consuming adulterated booze in Costa Rica during the summer of 2019. Bottles were quickly withdrawn from the market, yet:

• exist cautious if you choose to drink alcohol
• be wary of lesser known/illegal brands
• seek medical assistance if you begin to experience sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take identify from fourth dimension to time, especially in San José. Fifty-fifty peaceful demonstrations can turn fierce at any fourth dimension. They tin can as well lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Costa Rica'due south constitution prohibits political activity by foreigners; such actions may result in detention or deportation.

• Avert areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local regime
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Costa Rica has 1 of the highest traffic accident rates in the globe. In some areas, potholes, sharp curves, lack of traffic signs, landslides and narrow or unpaved roads create dangerous road conditions. Driving atmospheric condition may be chancy during the rainy season.

Do great caution when driving or walking, equally drivers don't respect traffic laws. Exist careful after dark, particularly on rural roads, every bit motorists frequently bulldoze without lights at nighttime.

Remain vigilant when stopped at lights or stop signs, and always drive with the doors locked and windows closed. Go on your valuables out of plain sight when driving and avoid travel at night to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of criminal offense.

If you are involved in a motorcar accident:

• telephone call 911 to notify authorities
• inform the car rental agency, if applicable
• don't move the vehicle until advised to practice so by the police

See Laws and culture for more than information.

Public transportation

Public coach transportation is unreliable. Police checks of passengers on public transportation occur and are often used to make up one's mind whether foreigners have overstayed the 90-twenty-four hours visa exemption period.

Taxis

Only use official radio-dispatched taxis (orangish taxis at the airport and red taxis with a xanthous triangle on the side elsewhere in the state).

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

Maritime travel

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

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international rubber standards.

General information virtually foreign domestic airlines

Swimming

Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each yr.

Very few beaches are supervised with lifeguards or have signs alert of unsafe weather.

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

The Costa Rican Tourism Bureau provides important advice on safety matters, such as swimming in the ocean and avoiding crocodiles.

Costa Rican Tourism Bureau

Adventure tourism

White-h2o rafting, scuba diving, bungee jumping, canopy touring and other adventure sports should but be undertaken with a well-established company that has insurance. Prophylactic features on minor boats are non e'er reliable. If you accept any incertitude apropos the safety of the installation or equipment, refrain from using them.

• Ensure that the recreational activities you cull are covered by your travel insurance.
• Never walk or hike alone..
• Avert camping ground or sleeping overnight on beaches.
• If you intend to visit jungle areas, always get with an experienced and reputable guide.

National parks

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

General security information

 Few services outside major hotels are bachelor in English (or French). Virtually taxi drivers, police force officers, lawyers and hospital workers don't speak English (or French).

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Entry and exit requirements

COVID-xix - Entry, get out and transit restrictions and requirements

Most governments have implemented special entry and go out restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can exist imposed suddenly and may include:

• entry or exit bans
• quarantine
• mandatory proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing
• suspensions or reductions of international transportation options

Strange regime might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may demand to obtain a translation, a notarization, an hallmark, or the legalization of the document.

Before travelling:

• verify if the local government of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this state of affairs
• consider even your transit points, as there are transit rules in place in many destinations
• monitor the media for the latest information
• reconfirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator

The situation could disrupt your travel plans. Yous should non depend on the Authorities of Canada for assist to change 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 state or territory decides who tin can enter or get out through its borders. The Regime of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not run across your destination'southward entry or get out requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Costa Rican authorities. It can, notwithstanding, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Strange Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you lot travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more than stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid to visit Costa Rica. In order to avoid unexpected delays, we recommend that your passport exist valid for at least 1 month beyond the date of your expected departure from Costa Rica.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may utilise.

Official travel

Passport with "X" gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an "X" gender identifier, information technology cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the "X" gender identifier. Before you go out, bank check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel certificate. Before y'all leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays upwardly to xc days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Yous may stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa, but the length of your stay upon entering the state is adamant past immigration officers. If yous wish to apply for residency status, you must contact the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa rica's clearing department). Overstaying the 90-solar day menstruum is punishable past possible deportation. Persons deported from Costa Rica volition non exist immune to re-enter the state for five 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 be in possession of a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay to enter Costa Rica.

Departure tax

There is a deviation tax, payable past cash or credit bill of fare.

Minors with dual citizenship

In order to leave Costa rica, the Canadian passport of a minor with dual citizenship must take Costa Rican departure approval, or the pocket-size'south divergence will be denied. Both parents must request this approval from Costa rica's immigration department or through the Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada prior to departure. There have been several cases of departure denials because proper documentation was lacking. Minors with dual citizenship who are travelling unaccompanied must have legally certified written consent from both parents.

Run across Laws and Civilization for more than information.

Children and travel

Learn near travel with children.

Yellow fever

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

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Health

Related Travel Health Notices

Consult a health intendance professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably half dozen weeks before you travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be certain that your routine vaccines, every bit 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

Y'all may exist at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this state. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for yous.

COVID-19

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

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

For destination entry and go out requirements, including for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please cheque the Entry/leave requirements section.

Regardless of where y'all are going, talk to a health care professional person before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a affliction of the liver spread through contaminated food and h2o or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should become vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

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

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season unremarkably runs from Nov to Apr in the northern hemisphere, between Apr and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is acquired by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or past touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the influenza shot.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral affliction. It can spread speedily from person to person by directly contact and through droplets in the air.

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

Regardless of where y'all are going, talk to a wellness 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 animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellowish fever is a illness caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

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

Gamble

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

State Entry Requirement*

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

Recommendation

• Vaccination is non recommended.
• Talk over travel plans, activities, and destinations with a wellness care provider.
• Contact a designated Yellowish Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Xanthous Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

*Information technology is important to annotation that country entry requirements may not reflect your gamble of yellowish fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular role of the destination(south) you will be visiting to verify whatsoever boosted entry requirements.

Food/Water

Food 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 Fundamental America and Mexico, nutrient and water tin can as well behave diseases like cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid. Practise prophylactic food and water precautions while travelling in Cardinal America and Mexico. Remember: Boil information technology, melt it, peel it, or go out it!

Travellers' diarrhea

• Travellers' diarrhea is the most common affliction affecting travellers. Information technology is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
• Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practice safe food and water precautions.
• The about important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Conduct oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread past contaminated food or water. Take chances 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 run a risk typhoid, particularly those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a wellness intendance professional person about vaccination.

Insects

Insects and Disease

In some areas in Central America and United mexican states, sure insects carry and spread diseases like American trypanosomiasis (Chagas illness), chikungunya, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), Due west Nile virus, and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Chikungunya

At that place is currently a chance of chikungunya in this country. 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 be severe and terminal for months or years.

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

Dengue

• In this country, dengue is a chance to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue tin cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it tin atomic number 82 to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from yr to year. The level of risk besides varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically seize with teeth during the daytime, particularly effectually sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from musquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is a gamble in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Information technology can as well exist sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

Significant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health intendance professional before travelling to talk over the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country.

Travel recommendations:

• Preclude mosquito bites at all times.
• If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this state for the elapsing of your pregnancy.
• Women: Expect ii months subsequently travel to this land or later on onset of disease due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) earlier trying for a pregnancy. If your male partner travelled with you, wait three months after travel or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
• Men: Wait 3 months afterward travel to this land or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.

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

Malaria

Malaria

• There is a limited take a chance of malaria in this country.
• Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal illness that is spread by the seize with teeth of an infected musquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.
• Protect yourself from musquito 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 under an insecticide-treated bednet.

Animals

Animals and Disease

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

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions tin increase your run a risk of sure illnesses. Remember to wash your hands oftentimes and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

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

Medical services and facilities

COVID-nineteen - Testing

Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to discover out where yous can become a COVID-19 test.

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

Costa Rica has decompression chambers at some embankment resorts, including in Republic of liberia and Samara.

Red Cross ambulances may not have emergency equipment on board, especially in rural areas; however, private ambulances are better equipped. You lot may accept to pay in advance for medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and y'all may need it in case of serious affliction or injury.

Brand sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and infirmary stays.

Travel health and safety

Medications

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

Medical tourism

Do your inquiry if yous are contemplating undergoing a medical procedure in Costa rica.

Receiving medical care outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, specially if yous will be travelling away from major city centres.

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Laws and civilisation

You must abide by local laws.

Learn nigh what you should practice and how we tin assist if y'all are arrested or detained abroad.

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

Canada and Republic of costa rica are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Republic of costa rica to asking to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the understanding of both Canadian and Costa Rican government.

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

Overview of the criminal law system in Republic of costa rica

Sexual activity tourism

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

Drugs

Penalties for possession, apply or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Bedevilled offenders can await lengthy jail sentences or heavy fines.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Driving

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

Y'all must carry your original passport at all times when driving in the land; photocopies are not acceptable. Failure to provide proper documentation when stopped by a traffic officeholder could result in a fine.

Traffic fines are not supposed to exist collected on site. They may exist paid either at COSEVI (Costa Rican Route Safe Quango) or at a bank. If a police officer asks you for money, yous may make a complaint to the Costa Rican Tourism Bureau.

The Costa Rican government may prevent any driver involved in a vehicular accident from departing Costa Rica until all injury claims take been settled. This is true regardless of whether the commuter is at fault or covered by insurance. Travellers may exist prevented from leaving the country for months, or fifty-fifty years, until a local judicial resolution is reached.

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

• Costa Rican Tourism Bureau
• COSEVI - Costa Rican Road Prophylactic Quango (in Spanish)
• More most the International Driving Permit

Car rentals

Terms and weather condition of automobile rentals in Costa Rica are unlike most contracts in Northward America.

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

Identification documents

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

Photography

Information technology is illegal to photograph official buildings. Verify with local regime earlier taking photos.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Costal Rica.

If you are a Canadian denizen, simply also a citizen of Costal Rica, our ability to offer you consular services may exist limited while you're there. You may too be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Under Costa Rican constabulary, minors (under the historic period of xviii) born in Costa Rica and holding Canadian citizenship are considered to be citizens of Costa rica, fifty-fifty 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 can assist parents with the return of children who accept 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 Costa Rica, and if the applicable conditions are met, y'all may utilise for the return of your child to the Costa Rican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you tin
• contact the Key Potency for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an awarding under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Costa rica to explore all the legal options for the render of your child
• study the situation to the nearest Canadian government function abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Middle

If your kid was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to make up one's mind if The Hague Convention applies.

Be enlightened that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in individual legal matters or in another land's judicial diplomacy.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Backside Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Eye

Investments

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

Money

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

It is extremely hard 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 terminate of Nov. During this menses, fifty-fifty small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

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

If you lot decide to travel to a coastal expanse during the hurricane season:

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

Useful links

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - The states' National Hurricane Centre

Flooding

The rainy (or monsoon) flavor 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 Key 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 agile seismic zone. Earthquakes and tremors occur regularly. Tsunamis are possible.

Volcanoes

At that place are several agile 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 can be raised and evacuations ordered on short notice. If you lot are travelling close to active volcanoes:

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

National Commission for Take a chance Prevention and Emergency Response (in Spanish)

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Demand help?

Local services

Emergency services

Dial 911 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Due to the ongoing pandemic, our consular services could be express. Contact us by email or telephone before visiting our offices.

San José - Embassy of Canada

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

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your pick and you lot are responsible for your personal safety abroad. Nosotros accept the condom and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information 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 we brand every effort to give yous correct information, information technology is provided on an "every bit is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does non assume responsibleness and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you lot need consular assistance while away, we will brand every endeavor to help yous. However, there may be constraints that will limit the power of the Regime of Canada to provide services.

Learn more well-nigh consular services.

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