Costa Rica Travel Advice for British Nationals
Latest Travel Advice for Costa Rica - If you are a national of the United Kingdom and travelling to Costa Rica, always check the latest travel advice for Costa Rica from any of the government travel advice websites:
- Australian Government Travel Advice for Costa Rica
- British Government Travel Advice for Costa Rica
- Canadian Government Travel Advice for Costa Rica
- US Government Travel Advice for Costa Rica
If you require information such as Costa Rican consulate contact details , visa info for Costa Rica, and other travel information please use the dropdown menu, below.
Latest Travel Health Advice for Costa Rica - Before travelling to Costa Rica from the United Kingdom you should ensure that you are up to date with the correct medical and immunization requirements for Costa Rica by learning more about Travel Health Advice for Costa Rica.
Buy Travel Insurance for Costa Rica - Purchase an appropriate travel insurance for Costa Rica in the United Kingdom to meet hospital treatment, medical evacuation and almost any activities, for example adventure physical activities, which you propose to do in Costa Rica.
Register Your Details At Local Costa Rican Embassy in the United Kingdom - Ahead of heading for Costa Rica register your travel and contact info on the internet or at your local embassy or consulate when you first arrive in Costa Rica, so they can speak to you in an emergency.
Tips on Travel Vaccinations for British Nationals Travelling to Costa Rica
- Before leaving the United Kingdom to Costa Rica, discuss your holiday plans with a health professional to make sure you have the appropriate vaccinations.
- Ensure to make an appointment with your doctor eight weeks before departing the United Kingdom.
- Research what diseases are prevelant in Costa Rica before going.
- If vaccinations are unable to keep you immune from certain diseases look for preventative medications.
- Check online to see what vacinations are needed for certain areas in Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica may require you to take vaccinations, make sure you are able to provide proof of vaccinations.
- Inquire essential information on vaccinations for Costa Rica, such as what vaccinations are needed and what diseases are prevalent prior to leaving the United Kingdom.
What Are The Things British CItizens Need to Know About The Costa Rican Local Laws?
When travelling in Costa Rica, please remember you are subject to all local laws and penalties in Costa Rica, including those that may appear harsh by British standards. We have listed some of the laws, which travellers to Costa Rica need to know, however, there are other laws which you need to be aware of. Research local laws in before travelling.
If you are arrested or jailed in Costa Rica, the staff from the British consulate can generally help you. However, remember the British consular staff cannot get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Drugs - Penalties for drug offences in Costa Rica are severe. If you are convicted of drug offences in in Costa Rica, you can get a long jail sentence.
When in Costa Rica, it is always best to carry a photo ID, such as your passport or driver’s licence. Police may conduct random checks, particularly at borders.
What Are The Crimes Committed Against Tourists in Costa Rica?
Petty theft in the form of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams are the most common crime tourists encounter in Costa Rica. Incidents of petty theft in Costa Rica are highest in San Jose, which is one Costa Rica’s biggest city and one of its most popular tourist destinations.
Be aware, there were some violent attacks against tourists in Costa Rica by groups of young people. These attacks happened late at night around major tourist attractions.
As a general rule, to protect yourself from a crime:
- Avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night.
- Keep your car doors locked.
- Keep luggage and valuables out of sight.
- Use ATMs in secure locations such as banks and shopping centres.
- Keep your ATM and credit cards in your sight.
- Monitor local sources for information about possible safety or security risks.
- Petty crime.
What Are The Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to Costa Rica?
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare when in travelling in Costa Rica. Check whether the health care providers in Costa Rica can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the United Kingdom can be different in Costa Rica. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, learn more about travelling with medicines in Costa Rica. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the Costa Rican embassy or consulate.
It is recommended to take out appropriate travel insurance for Costa Rica to cover any unexpected emergencies. Not all travel insurance policies are the same and not all the travel insurance policies cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.
What Are The Pre-Travel Vaccines You Need to Be Aware of When Going to Costa Rica?
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in Costa Rica. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for your upcoming trip to Costa Rica.
- Yellow Fever - Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- Measles - Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
- Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids.
- COVID-19 - It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
- Influenza - Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics.