Warnings and Recommendations
Visitors should be vigilant at all times when travelling in the country due to high levels of crime.

Safety
Crime
Petty crime such as pick pocketing, bag-snatching and theft from vehicles, buses and hotel rooms occurs regularly. Crimes against tourists are particularly common at airports, bus stations, ports, car rental lots, crowded tourist attractions and resort areas.

Canadians should stay in busy and well-protected hotels, and ensure personal belongings are secure at all times. Valuables should never be left unattended in vehicles, on the beach, in hotel rooms or in bus stations. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp, and any other travel document, while keeping your original documents in a secure place, such as the hotel safe.

Travellers should be alert to their surroundings near the ports of Limón and Puntarenas. In San José, high-risk areas for theft include the Coca Cola bus station, the inner downtown area and the public parks. Travellers should also be cautious in Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and Manuel Antonio on the pacific coast; and in Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic coast.

Armed robberies and home invasions are on the increase, including in beach areas and on the main highways in the central valley. Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions. Beware of “good Samaritans” offering their help to change a flat tire, as they are often the cause of the situation. Carjackings occur, often at gunpoint. Remain vigilant in a stopped car (e.g. at traffic lights) and always drive with the doors locked and windows closed. You should park vehicles in supervised commercial parking lots only and avoid travelling at night.

Sleeping on beaches overnight and camping in Costa Rica are strongly discouraged.

Cases of express kidnapping, where victims are usually picked up from the street and forced to withdraw funds from automated bank machines (ABMs), are becoming increasingly common. Avoid showing signs of affluence, and remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship, hospitality, or assistance.

Foreigners have been sexually assaulted at beach resorts as well as by taxi drivers in San José. Travellers should use official taxis only, and avoid taxis that do not have working door handles, locks and meters. Do not ride in the front seat with the driver. As incidents of sexual assault sometimes involve the use of sedative drugs, travellers should also avoid leaving their drinks or food unattended in bars and places of entertainment.

Local Travel
Costa Rica has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise great caution since traffic laws and speed limits are routinely ignored. Traffic signs are not sufficient. In some areas, potholes, sharp curves, landslides, and narrow or unpaved roads create dangerous road conditions, therefore be careful after dark, especially on rural roads.

Terms and conditions of car rentals in Costa Rica are unlike most North American contracts. You should carefully review contracts and, in particular, be aware of the mandatory insurance liability coverage. Many driving situations can nullify insurance.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

It is strongly recommended to use official taxis only. At the airport, licensed taxis are orange. Other official taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the side.

Public bus transportation is disorganised. Police checks of public transportation occur. These checks are often used to determine whether foreigners have overstayed the three month visa exemption period.

Traffic enforcement is the responsibility of the Transit Police (222-9330 or 222-9245). Transit Officers often perform roadside inspection of vehicles and request the driver’s permit, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Traffic fines are not supposed to be collected on site. Travellers involved in driving accidents should call 911 to notify authorities of the accident. Do not move the vehicle until advised to do so by the police.

Health
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that anti-malarial medication and the use of personal protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended to prevent getting malaria.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

As in many other areas of Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. For information and recommendations, see PHAC’s Webpage.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Costa Rica is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

Medical facilities are limited outside urban areas. Travellers should drink bottled water or soft drinks during their stay.

Natural Disasters
The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

During the rainy season (may to November, sometimes to January), flooding and mudslides occur frequently in the lowlands and in mountainous areas, including in the Caribbean zone and in the central cordillera. Road transportation may be affected. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Costa Rica is located in an active seismic and volcanic zone. The Arenal volcano regularly erupts. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued for National Parks and specifically for the Arenal volcano area. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in San José in the event of an emergency.

Entry and Exit Requirements
It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Costa Rica. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica for up-to-date information.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Costa Rica. The passport must be valid for at least thirty days from the date of arrival in Costa Rica. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and of the Costa Rican Immigration entry stamp at all times. Costa Rican Immigration authorities state that all foreigners must carry original identification documents; however, local authorities will accept photocopies as long as the original documents are accessible.

Canadians arriving in Costa Rica may remain for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. Those wishing to apply for residency status or intending to stay beyond 90 days must apply for their visa from outside the country. Travellers overstaying the 90-day period can expect to pay a fine and risk being deported. Persons deported from Costa Rica will not be allowed to re-enter the country for a 10-year period.

Students must obtain a Visa from the Costa Rican Immigration Department. They must provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited school.

Under Costa Rican law, minors (under the age of 18) born in Costa Rica and holding Canadian citizenship are considered to be citizens of Costa Rica, even if they are travelling on a Canadian passport. In order to leave Costa Rica, the minor’s Canadian passport must have a Costa Rican departure approval, or the minor’s departure will be denied. Also, minors with dual citizenship who are travelling unaccompanied are required to have legally certified written consent from both parents. The Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica in Canada should be contacted for further information.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination when arriving from infected countries. Please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in Ottawa for details.

A tax of US$26 is charged upon departure (in cash or credit card).

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

General
Travel Insurance
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Money
The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). To avoid complications, carry U.S. dollars (USD) or colónes. Street money changers often pass counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted. Credit card fraud is a growing problem.

It is extremely difficult to exchange Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques in Costa Rica. Access to cash via ABMs is available in major cities. Only local currency can be withdrawn.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

Registration
We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=67000

Warnings and Recommendations
Although the security situation is stable, Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in Panama due to high crime rates.

Demonstrations and protest marches over various social and political issues occasionally occur in Panama City near the university, and on main streets and highways. Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel beyond Yaviza located in the Darién province. The danger zone begins at the end of the Pan American Highway (past Yaviza, about 230 km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the Colombian border. This area includes parts of Darién National Park and privately owned nature reserves and tourist resorts. Due to the presence of Colombian guerilla groups and drug traffickers, levels of violent crime in this zone are extremely high, with numerous reports of kidnapping, armed robberies, deaths and disappearances.

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Safety

Crime
Petty theft is common in rural and urban areas of Panama, especially in Panama City and Colón. Violent crime is rare, but does occur throughout the country.

Theft from hotel rooms occurs in both urban and resort areas. Canadians should stay in busy, reputable and well-protected hotels. They should always verify the identity of a visitor before opening their door, and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

In Panama City, high crime areas include Calidonia, San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, El Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Veracruz Beach, Parque Soberania, Tocumen, bus stations, and shopping areas on Avenida Central. Travellers should not walk alone after dark in Panama City and should stay within well-known tourist areas. It is recommended to remain vigilant in all public places, especially at airports and bus terminals. Travellers should avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of cash, and be alert to their surroundings when using ABMs in public places.

Local police can be reached at 104 and the fire department at 103 from any telephone.

Boaters should be aware that Coiba Island on the Pacific coast and the southeastern coast of Comarca Kuna Yala, on the Caribbean coast are known as transportation corridors for narcotics. Tourists wishing to visit the National Park on Coiba Island need to obtain special permission from the Panamanian Ministry of Government and Justice and the National Environment Authority.

Local Travel
Poor road conditions, dangerous driving habits, and poorly lit streets and vehicles are hazards. Travellers should keep windows closed and doors locked at all times.

Night construction on the Pan-American Highway is frequent. Be prepared for possible roadblocks.

Canadian tourists can use their provincial driver’s licenses in Panama for periods of up to 90 days.

Although vehicle insurance is compulsory, many Panamanians drive without it. In the event of an accident, contact 104 and do not move the vehicle until you are advised to do so by a police officer.

Registered taxis are the safest way to travel in urban centres. It is recommended not to share a taxi with strangers, and to sit in the back of the vehicle. Taxis are not metered. Fares are calculated according to the number of zones crossed to get to a destination. As many fees are inflated for tourists, you should agree to a fare before departure.

Local buses do not follow a permanent route, and are relatively unsafe. Therefore, it is not recommended to travel by local bus.

Maintenance and crew standards of Panamanian airline carriers serving domestic routes may not meet Canadian and international standards. As well, many airfields to which domestic carriers fly are small, with rough, narrow runways, lacking even rudimentary safety equipment or standards.

Health
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

Panama City has very good private hospitals and clinics, whereas the public hospitals and clinics do not offer services comparable to Canadian facilities. Medical facilities outside Panama City are limited. Expect to pay in advance for medical services, including emergency care.

As in many other areas of the Caribbean, Central America and Latin America, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.

Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Boca del Toro, Darién and Kuna Yala but not in Panama City. For information and recommendations, see PHAC’s Webpage.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Panama is high. Travellers should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

Outside of urban areas travellers should boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food due to the risk of water-borne and food-borne diseases.

Natural Disasters
The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

The rainy season extends from April to December. Occasional flooding can occur and make some city streets impassable. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Western Panama is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians are encouraged to use our registration system in order to be contacted in case of emergency.

Entry and Exit Requirements
It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Panama. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Panama or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Panama. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa or a tourist card.

Tourist Card: Required (available upon arrival)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Tourist cards are the most common entry document for short stays (valid for 30 days). Cards may be purchased in advance from your travel agent or airline, or upon arrival at a land border or at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Travellers can request an extension to their tourist card prior to the expiry date (maximum additional 30 days), however the Migration authorities in Panama may refuse the request.

Visitors to Panama are required to have the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card, plus a return or onward ticket.

A US$20 airport tax (cash only) is charged upon departure, although it is often included in the price of the airline ticket.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

General

Travel Insurance
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Money
The official currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB), which is used interchangeably with the U.S. Dollar (USD). Because of problems with counterfeit $50 and $100 bills, travellers are encouraged to carry small denominations of U.S. dollars. Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted.

Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

Registration
We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=233000