Costa Rica

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  

• Dial 911 for police and ambulance in Costa Rica.
• Dial +506-2519-2000 to contact the U.S. embassy or email [email protected].

Beach safety

Costa Rican beaches have dangerous rip currents. Most beaches do not have lifeguards or warnings about unsafe conditions. U.S. citizens and foreign nationals drown every year while swimming in Costa Rica.

Beaches with lifeguards

Costa Rican authorities have a limited lifeguard presence at the following locations. However, stations may or may not be staffed, may be far apart, poorly equipped, or have limited visibility.

• Pacific Coast: 
  • Pelada Beach (Guanacaste)
  • Guiones Beach (Guanacaste)
  • Grande Beach (Guanacaste)
  • Jacó Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Hermosa Beach (Garabito, Puntarenas)
  • Hermosa Beach (Osa, Puntarenas)
  • Dominical Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Santa Teresa Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Caldera Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Manuel Antonio Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Esterillos Oeste Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Ventanas Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Bahía Ballena Beach (Puntarenas)
  • Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)
• Caribbean Coast: 
  • Chiquita Beach (Limón)
  • Cocles Beach (Limón)
  • Grande Beach (Cahuita, Limón)
  • Punta Uva Beach (Limón)
  • Manzanillo Beach (Limón)
• General safety tips:
  • Be aware of strong rip currents at beaches in Costa Rica.
  • Do not swim at beaches without a lifeguard present.
  • Do not swim alone or dive into water of unknown depth.  
  • Do not let children enter the water alone or unsupervised.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs while swimming.   
  • Do not walk alone or go into the water at night.  
  • For water sports, only take lessons or rent equipment from certified tour companies.  
  • Ask your hotel or host about beach safety and water conditions before you go.   
  • All beaches in Costa Rica are open to the public. You should not leave valuables unattended while you go into the water.   
  • Double check that your car is locked. Thieves often use signal blockers to prevent your key fobs from working.

Further resources on beach safety and rip currents:

• U.S. Embassy San Jose Safety Tips
• The Oceanographic Information Module  
• NOAA National Weather Service's Rip Current Toolkit

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common in Costa Rica. Protests or strikes can affect transportation, fuel supplies, and other public services. Foreigners are not allowed to participate in public political demonstrations. If you do, you might be detained or deported. 

• Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. 
• Avoid areas where protests are happening. 
• Check local news for updates and traffic information.

Crime

• Petty theft and pickpocketing are common crimes for U.S. travelers.  More serious crimes, like sexual assault and murder, also happen.
• Armed robbers often target smartphones, wallets, or purses. If someone with a weapon confronts you, do not resist.
• Never leave valuables unattended on the beach or in an unlocked room.
• Do not leave valuables in an unattended vehicle.
• Even a locked car in a parking area can be a target. Always check that car doors are locked, as thieves can block key fob signals with electronic jammers.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight.
• People have reported robberies, including armed robberies, at short-term rental properties. Read reviews for any mention of security concerns. Ensure your rental has good security and lock all doors and windows. Ask hosts or property managers if lock codes have been changed after each guest. Visitors are encouraged to choose rentals that are not isolated and have guards onsite or nearby.
• U.S. citizens and other foreigners have reported robberies, break-ins, and extortion at their businesses or homes.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Costa Rica. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. U.S. citizens have been robbed, assaulted, and in rare cases, killed through scams. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Lotteries

If using dating apps or websites in Costa Rica:  

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault. 
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.   
• Meet in a popular public place.  
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app). 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.  
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. 
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. 
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. 
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

The Costa Rican Investigative Police (OIJ) is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. But they will only act if the victim files a police report (denuncia).  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 911 or visiting the local office of the OIJ (Investigative Police).  You can find the closest location through the OIJ app ‘OIJ CR Safe.’   

In the following locations, Tourist Police can provide limited assistance to start the process:  

• San Jose city office – Central Park 
• Airports 
• Puerto Viejo Beach 
• Cahuita Beach 
• Tamarindo Beach 
• Brasilito Beach 
• Flamingo Beach 
• Nosara Beach 
• Santa Teresa Beach 
• Dominical Beach 
• El Coco Beach 

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.  
• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home as part of a repatriation loan service.
• A police report with a case number is necessary for case follow up, insurance claims, and waiving of rebooking fees on certain airlines. Check with airlines regarding their rebooking policies.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. Costa Rica’s response protocol includes time-sensitive medical treatment and evidence collection.  

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• Drones are regulated and must follow rules like formal registration, altitude limits, and obeying no fly zones. Visit Costa Rica’s Civil Aviation Authority to learn more.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated: 

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced, but some tour operators are not registered.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.  
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) has a list of Certified Tour Guides.
• ICT also has travel and safety tips.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Some tour operators may not follow international standards and best practices.   

• Be careful when doing adventure activities such as hiking, rafting, swimming near waterfalls or in rivers, zip lining, or sky diving.   
• U. S. citizens have died in Costa Rica while doing adventure sports.   
• Make sure your medical insurance covers your sport.   
• The Ministry of Tourism maintains a list of approved adventure sports operators.
• Do not do adventure sports alone.   
• Always carry ID and let others know where you are.  
• Before kayaking, rafting, or swimming in rivers, check river conditions and wear a life jacket and helmet.  Rivers can become dangerous, especially during rainy season, and flash floods may appear suddenly and without warning.  
• U.S. citizens have drowned swimming in rivers and near waterfalls. Check river conditions and only swim in authorized areas with a lifeguard present.
• It can be dangerous to walk, picnic, or recreate near rivers during the rainy season due to risk of sudden flash flood.
• Carry a first aid kit and know where the nearest rescue center is.   
• Follow all local or park rules and be careful in unknown places.

Hiking 

Follow signs in national parks, stay on marked trails, and enter only through official entry points. It can be hard for first responders to find missing people in remote areas. 

To hike in national parks, you should: 

• Register with the park 
• Have an entry permit 
• Use a certified tour operator. The Costa Rican Tourist Institute (ICT) has information on Certified Tour Guides.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Costa Rica, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 
• The U.S. embassy has received reports of impostors impersonating police officers and asking for money. If this happens, do not argue. Write down the officer's name and any numbers on their uniform or car. Report the incident by dialing 911.

Hallucinogens

Ayahuasca, kambo, and other dangerous hallucinogens are sometimes offered to travelers as part of spiritual ceremonies or rituals.  

• These substances are not regulated by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health and are illegal in the United States.  
• Exercise extreme caution if you choose to participate in a spiritual ceremony or ritual. 
• U. S. citizens have been victims of sexual assault, serious injury, and theft while under the influence of these substances. 
• Be aware that you may put your safety at risk if you take part in a ceremony that uses ayahuasca or other hallucinogens.

Alcohol and illegal drugs   

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Costa Rica.   
• You can get heavy fines and jail time for having, using, or selling illegal drugs.   
• Marijuana and marijuana-related products are illegal in Costa Rica.

Prostitution and sex tourism

Promoting or helping someone with prostitution is illegal.  Local laws on human trafficking and child exploitation have very harsh penalties, including fines and jail time.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to inform the U.S. Embassy in San Jose immediately.

• People accused of serious crimes can be held before trial.  
• Because local prisons are crowded, courts may instead put you on home arrest. You cannot leave Costa Rica and must check in with judicial authorities.
• You have the right to a public defender and a translator for most hearings.

Judicial process 

• Local court cases take longer than in the United States.  Civil cases usually take more than 5 years to finish.

Detention conditions

A detention facility in Costa Rica may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.  

• Detainees in Costa Rica often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications. Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical and dental care. Wait times for such treatment can last several months to years.  
• Detainees no longer have access to commissaries, cash, or other accounts to purchase supplementary food and hygiene items.
• Detention facilities provide a limited supply of hygiene items.
• Detention facilities may not provide enough quality food and sometimes have issues with potable drinking water. Detainees may lose weight or not receive adequate nutrition.
• Detention facilities may be overcrowded, and detainees may not immediately receive a mattress for sleeping.
• Detainees often experience challenges making and receiving international phone calls.

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

• Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in Costa Rica.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Costa Rica.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Costa Rica prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.  
• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible information and communication or access to services.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure. 
• Accessibility is more limited in rural areas.
• General public sentiment around disability is accepting. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Review safety and security information provided by your host. Students and volunteers have suffered serious crimes. 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Real estate 

Be cautious with real estate purchases or investments. Consult with reputable legal counsel and review contracts completely. 

• The U.S. Embassy cannot assist you with land or business disputes.
• Civil records of land title can be incomplete or contradictory.  
• Coastal land within 50 meters of the high tide line is public space. This land is closed to development. The next 150 meters inland (“Maritime Zone”) cannot be owned by foreign nationals. Land in this zone is governed by the local municipality.  
• The Costa Rican government has taken private land from some U.S. investors without enough or timely compensation.
• Property owners should keep their property secure. Squatter groups have taken over properties. They use laws that let them claim unused land. Victims have reported threats, harassment, and violence.
• Consider registering with the Costa Rican National Registry’s alert system to receive alerts every time a transaction occurs with your property.
• Check the embassy’s website for a list of local lawyers.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.  

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Costa Rica Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available in San Jose and other urban centers. However, response time of emergency responders may poor.  

• Response times and equipment availability may be poor in rural and coastal areas.
• Travelers can dial 911 for the public, free ambulance service (Red Cross).
• Travelers can also contact private ambulance or medical evacuation companies. These companies charge expensive fees upfront.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance available. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. An air ambulance flight can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and will often take place only after full payment is provided.  
• Costa Rica reserves the right to prevent the departure of people with unpaid bills. 
• The U.S. embassy has a list of doctors, hospitals, dentists, and medical evacuation companies on the embassy website. We do not endorse any specific doctors or clinics.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

• Yellow fever: Passengers coming from some countries in South America or Africa must show proof of vaccination. 
• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

In San José, medical care is usually sufficient. Outside of San José, services may be limited.  

• Some healthcare facilities might lack basic medical equipment. 
• Hospitals and doctors often need payment “up front” before service or admission. 
• Private hospitals usually want payment or proof of insurance before treating you and may not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• In public hospitals, medical staff may speak little or no English.  
• In public hospitals, only a few staff members may be present overnight. We recommend you request permission for a family member to stay with you.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.    

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.  
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Costa Rica.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Costa Rica. 
• Costa Rica has many elective and cosmetic surgery facilities that can match those in the United States. The quality of care can vary.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• For clinics offering alternative treatments, do your research. Unverified alternative treatments have led to hospitalization. Wellness centers are often not verified. 

Prescription medications

Check the Costa Rican Ministry of Health to ensure your medicine is approved and sold locally. 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Bring enough medication for your trip, some medications are not available and cannot be sent in the mail to Costa Rica.  
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine 

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Costa Rica.

We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medicine including ayahuasca or other hallucinogens. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Costa Rica to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Costa Rica with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Costa Rican courts. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Costa Rica via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water in Costa Rica is often not safe to drink, especially in rural areas.   
• Ask for bottled water when possible.   
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.  
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick. 
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.  
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Alcohol 

Drink alcohol in moderation. There have been reports of tainted alcohol causing serious health issues.  

• If you feel sick after drinking, dial 911 immediately.
• Dial 2223-1028 or 800-INTOXICA (4686-9422) for National Center for Intoxicants   
• Dial +506-2519-2000 for U.S. Embassy of San Jose (victims of health violations)  

Reporting tainted alcohol

Costa Rica asks you to report the sale of unregulated or tainted alcohol to the Investigative Police (OIJ) by dialing 911 or going to the nearest OIJ office.  If you are the victim of unregulated alcohol or another serious health violation:  

• Notify the U.S. Embassy in San Jose at +506-2519-2000.   
• Contact the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries). The Bureau is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide poisoning kills many people each year in Costa Rica. Check that your accommodations have functioning carbon monoxide detectors or consider traveling with a portable detector.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Costa Rica. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Common diseases 

• Dengue 
• Zika 
• Chikungunya
• Malaria 

Tips to stay safe

• The use of insect repellent is recommended.  
• Follow standard procedures to protect yourself from HIV and AIDS. 
• For more information, you can visit the CDC and WHO websites about traveling in Costa Rica.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Driving conditions vary across the country. Traffic laws, including speed limits, are often ignored. Turn signals are used inconsistently, and pedestrians don't always have the right of way. 

Drive with extreme caution: 

• Roads can have unclear lane markings, narrow shoulders, deep drainage ditches, and large potholes.   
• Signs may not be very clear.  
• Visibility at intersections may be blocked by vegetation or other obstacles. 
• Roads are often poorly lit.
• If you have car trouble or a flat tire, find a well-lit and busy location like a gas station to stop. Be careful of strangers offering help, especially in less populated areas. 
• Main highways in cities are paved. Roads to beaches and rural areas might not be.  Some places may only be accessible with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 
• Drive carefully when crossing moving water, such as riverbeds. Avoid crossing water of unknown depth. Even a small amount of water can make your vehicle unstable. 
• During the rainy season, some roads may be blocked due to landslides. If you're staying outside urban areas, check with your hotel about road conditions. 
• Try not to drive outside of urban areas at night. 
• Try not to stop on the side of the road or at a gas station at night. Call 911 if you have an emergency.
• Expect traffic jams in and around San Jose. 
• Motorcyclists may not follow road rules, often passing on the right or weaving through traffic.   
• Buses and cars often stop suddenly. 

Bridges

• Bridges, even on heavily traveled roads, may be only a single lane.   
• Rural roads sometimes lack bridges.   
• Do not drive through water if you can't see its depth.

Unpaid traffic tickets 

U.S. citizens have reported to the U.S. embassy that car rental companies charge credit cards for unpaid tickets. The U.S. embassy cannot help in such cases. 

Traffic laws 

You must have a valid passport and a U.S. driver's license or an international driving permit. 

• Fines for routine traffic violations can be over $500 USD. Police may remove your vehicle’s license plates and impound your vehicle until the fine is paid. This process can take several days.
• In the event of a traffic accident, do not move the vehicle. Both the traffic police and an insurance investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles can be moved.  
• Drivers using rental cars should understand their company’s policy in the event of accidents. Rental companies may fine drivers for failing to file a report. 
• There is a high fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles or motorcycles. In the event of a traffic fatality, a judge must arrive at the scene to pronounce a person dead. This could take several hours. Ongoing investigations may prevent you from leaving the country for months.

Taxis and ride-shares 

• Use only licensed taxis or well-known ride-sharing services. Never accept rides from unlicensed vehicles.

Public and commercial transportation

Stay aware of your surroundings when using public transport.   

• Avoid showing expensive items like jewelry. Keep your bags close to you.  
• You are strongly advised to avoid public buses, especially local buses, due to pickpocketing.   
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  
• Visit the website of Costa Rica’s National Tourist Office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Costa Rica’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program

Maritime travel 

Mariners planning travel to Costa Rica should also check the following:   

• U.S. Maritime Advisories  
• U.S. Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings   
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Natural disasters

Costa Rica is in an active earthquake and volcanic zone.   

• There are 3 volcanoes that have become more active:  Rincon de la Vieja, Turrialba, and Poas.  Eruptions from Turrialba can disrupt air traffic and cause breathing issues. Follow park service guidance and alerts about volcanic activity. Never try to climb or access an active volcano without permission. 
• Tsunamis can happen after significant earthquakes. 
• Flooding is common in the rainy season (April to October). The most affected provinces are Limon, Puntarenas, and Guanacaste. 
• Flash floods and severe landslides occur in many parts of Costa Rica. Do not drive into water if you don’t know how deep it is. 
• Wildfires commonly occur between January and the end of May. Affected areas include Guanacaste and the northern region but can affect other areas of the country. Follow guidance from Government of Costa Rica authorities on preventing wildfires and follow evacuation routes. 

For information concerning disasters: 

• U.S. Embassy Costa Rica - The Embassy also sends out emergency information via e-mail, text, Radio Dos (FM 99.5) or Radio Columbia (FM 98.7.) 
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) - general information about natural disaster preparedness.  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - information on disease. 
• U.S. Geological Survey- updates on recent seismic and volcanic activity. 

For more information about natural disasters, volcanic activity, and wildfires in Spanish:  

• Costa Rican National Emergency Commission 
• Costa Rican Volcanic and Seismic Observatory
• Costa Rica National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits. 

Costa Rica residency

U. S. citizens who want to live or stay long-term in Costa Rica should seek local legal guidance.  

• A qualified attorney can advise you on the requirements for legal residency.
• U.S. citizens who misuse their tourist status to live in Costa Rica can be deported and banned from entering the country.

Embassies and consulates