Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | 1 | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | 2 | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | 1 | Yes |
| USA | Yes | 1 | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | 1/2 | Yes |
Passport Note(a) Nationals of
countries listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months at date of entry required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a)
1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays of up to 90 days;
(b)
2. nationals of Australia, Estonia, Ireland and Slovak Republic for stays of up to 30 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
WarningMost visits to Costa Rica are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Incidents of violent crime, some targeted at tourists, are on the increase.
The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever | No | No |
| Cholera | 1 | No |
| Typhoid and Polio | No | N/A |
| Malaria | 3 | N/A |
Health CareOther risksHepatitis A,
B and
C occur.
Paragonimiasis (oriental lung fluke) and
lymphatic and
bancroftian filiariasis have been reported in Costa Rica.
Cutaneous and
mucocutaneous leishmaniasis have also been reported.
Rabies is widespread throughout Central America. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Health insurance is recommended. Reliable medical services are available in Costa Rica. Standards of health and hygiene are among the best in Latin America.
Note1Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry into Costa Rica. However, cases of cholera were reported in 1996 and precautions should be considered. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
2Malaria risk exists throughout the year, mostly in the benign
vivax form, in the rural areas below 700m, especially in the cantons of Matina, Los Chiles (Alajuela province) and Talamanca (Limón province). Lower transmission risk exists in 20 cantons in the provinces of Guanacaste, Alajuela and Heredia. There is negligible or no risk of malaria in the other cantons of the country. There have been many confirmed cases of
dengue fever in the areas of Puntarenas and Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast, and Limón on the Atlantic Coast. Cases have also been reported in the Central Valley around the capital, San José. Deaths from secondary infections have occurred. Travelers should take strict prevention measures against mosquito bites, by using repellents and by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
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