Costa Rica - Consular Information Sheet
October 9, 2001

 Country Description: Costa Rica is a developing country. Tourist facilities, particularly in the capital, are generally adequate.

 Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica. At the discretion of Costa Rican authorities, travelers are sometimes admitted with a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate and valid photo I.D. for tourist stays up to 90 days. Additional information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2114 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-6628, or the consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, St. Paul, San Diego, or San Francisco.

Medical Facilities: Medical care in the capital city of San Jose is adequate. However, in areas outside of San Jose, medical care is more limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies.

 For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Detailed information is also available on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.

 Crime Information: Never leave valuables in the vehicle, and park in paid lots whenever possible. Travelers who keep valuables out of sight, do not wear jewelry, and travel in groups during daylight hours lessen their risk. Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities. Money exchangers on the street pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency.

 Some trails in national parks have been closed because of low numbers of visitors and reported robberies of hikers in the area. Tourists should check with forest rangers for current park conditions.

 The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose. Travelers may wish to carry a copy of their passport data page and leave the passport itself in the hotel safe or other secure location. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

 Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Costa Rica for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.

 Aviation Oversight: As a result of its October 1991 assessment, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found the government of Costa Rica civil aviation authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Traffic Safety/Road Conditions: Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored; turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians generally are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes capable of causing significant damage to vehicles are common. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility because of heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, many roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and some out-of-the-way destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension vehicles.

 Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, where they may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Costa Rica. The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is located in Pavas, San Jose, tel. (506) 220-3050. The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays. For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer.

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