The Foreign Office has confirmed four new travel warnings for UK tourists heading to Costa Rica. The FCDO has shared updated guidance for holidaymakers, published on Tuesday, May 19, covering entry requirements, safety, and security.
Gang-Related Violence
The FCDO advises: "Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas at night. Gangs occasionally carry out muggings and armed robberies. Gang-related violence, including shootings, has become more frequent in urban areas, including some locations popular with visitors. A number of foreign nationals including one British national have gone missing in recent years, with some incidents related to criminal activity."
If using a hire car, do not stop for strangers signalling for help — they could be carjackers. Criminals sometimes cause deliberate collisions to stop vehicles and commit robberies. If you suspect a collision was deliberate, drive on until you reach a safe place like a police station or garage. You will need to explain your actions to the traffic police.
Custom Rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Costa Rica. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. If you try to remove wildlife from the country, including seashells, you could be fined.
Unauthorised Entry
The FCDO adds: "If you are visiting jungle areas, go with an experienced local guide. There are fines for unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas. Make sure you get appropriate insurance that covers you for all the activities you want to do. This includes activities such as quad biking, surfing, rock-climbing and zip-lining which can be hazardous but are frequently excluded from general travel insurance policies."
Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity
There is a risk of earthquakes: small tremors are frequent and movements greater than magnitude 6 occur periodically. Local infrastructure is well-prepared, and earthquakes seldom have widespread effects. Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, several of which are active. The risk of eruptions is always present. There has recently been an increasing and significant series of eruptions at Poas Volcano.
