Costa Rica Travel Information

Due to the corona virus, no foreign travelers will have access to Costa Rica, but Norwegian citizens can use Costa Rica as a transit country for travel to Europe. For more information about coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, CRI stands for Costa Rica in geography.

Safety

Costa Rica is an interesting and beautiful country, and in most cases staying in the country goes smoothly. Central America generally has a high crime rate and very high homicide rates in some areas, but this is less true for Costa Rica. One must be vigilant for what is going on around them, and be careful about the choice of place of residence and where to travel, especially in the evening. By taking the right precautions, you can avoid being exposed to unpleasant episodes.

Norway is represented by an honorary consulate general in San Jos¨¦. The Norwegian Embassy in Mexico City is responsible for the Norwegian Embassy for Costa Rica. Contact information for consulates and the embassy in Mexico can be found under “Emergency”.

Visitors are encouraged to take reasonable precautions and obtain information on the safety conditions in which they are planning to travel. The crime that affects tourists is usually financially motivated, in the form of theft and robbery, often in areas where tourists travel, including such events have increased somewhat in the capital of San Jose.

The possibility of political unrest or violent demonstrations is considered small. Risk of terrorist incidents in Central America is considered low.

There is right-hand traffic throughout Central America. Traffic accidents are a frequent cause of death and accident that also hit tourists. The roads are of varying quality.

When using a taxi, prices should be agreed in advance and the taxi should not – as is often the case – bring other passengers on the trip. Tourists should also be wary of people begging at traffic lights and generally keep windows and doors closed and locked.

  • Countryaah: San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

There are no rail networks in Central America. There are frequent flight connections, including to remote locations, but when using small airlines, it is recommended to use those who partner with or are part of the larger international airlines in the region.

Costa Rica is prone to earthquakes, but mostly of low strength, without destruction. The lowlands are subject to flooding at the start of the rainy season. The country has active volcanoes. The most active volcano, Arenal, had its last eruption in 2010.

With the exception of Belize, relationships between two people of the same sex are legal in all Central American countries. However, most residents have a conservative relationship with homosexuality, and it is recommended that gays exercise discretion to avoid getting into unpleasant situations.

Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance. Make sure that the insurance also covers hospital stays and be aware of the type of activities that are not covered.

The local emergency number is 911. The tourist police «Direcci¨®n de Seguridad Tur¨ªstica» can be reached on +506 2586 4287.

In crisis and emergency, Norwegian citizens are encouraged to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Mexico on +52 (55) 50 47 37 00. The embassy’s central table is open Monday-Thursday from 09:00 to 15:00 and Friday 09: 00-12: 00.

Norwegian citizens can also contact Norwegian honorary consulates and general consulates for assistance. There are Norwegian honorary consulates in Belize City (Belize), Managua (Nicaragua), Panama City (Panama), San Jos¨¦ (Costa Rica), San Salvador (El Salvador) and Tegucigalpa (Honduras). Updated contact information can be found here.

Major Landmarks in Costa Rica

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Due to the corona virus, no foreign travelers will have access to Costa Rica, but Norwegian citizens can use Costa Rica as a transit country for travel to Europe.

Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for tourist and business stays of less than 90 days in Costa Rica. The passport must be valid for up to six months after the scheduled departure date.

For stays longer than 90 days, an extension beyond 90 days can be applied for. Alternatively, one can travel out and inland. You can be fined or imprisoned if staying in the country illegally.

For up-to-date information on entry rules, travelers are encouraged to check with Costa Rica’s nearest embassy.

Although Norwegian citizens do not initially need a visa to travel to Central America, only a passport (including an emergency passport) is the approved identification document. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after scheduled departure. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents are valid and that entry and stay regulations are complied with.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): No foreign travelers have access to Costa Rica, but Norwegian citizens can use Costa Rica as transit country for travel to Europe.

Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus in the country. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.

Also, keep track of information from local authorities for exceptional entry regulations. Please note that information may change quickly.

You can find more information and guidance from Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also the Foreign Ministry’s travel and coronavirus information.

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There are excellent and reputable hospitals in Costa Rica, especially in the capital, San Jose, such as. La Clinica Biblica and Clinica Cima. These are private hospitals where tourists can pay by credit card. Outside the big cities, hospital facilities are far more primitive.

Malaria and dengue fever are widespread in the region. It is therefore advisable to protect against mosquito bites.

No vaccines are required for entry into Costa Rica, but the Public Health Institute recommends vaccination against hepatitis, diphtheria and tetanus. For longer journeys or stays in areas with poorer hygiene and sanitary conditions, typhoid vaccine is also recommended. Contact the Norwegian health authorities before departure for further information on which vaccination is recommended for travel in the region.

The access to medicines is acceptable. There are no official rules for the import of medications for personal use only.

Practical information

Costa Rica is one of seven countries that form Central America. The Norwegian embassy in Bogot¨¢ covers two of these countries. The official language is Spanish.

Tropical and subtropical climate. About the same temperature throughout the year. The rainy season is May to November.

Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners are mostly accepted credit cards in major locations. It is mostly problematic to withdraw cash from vending machines with these cards, but cloning of cards occurs.

Tica bus operates all over Central America, with modern buses with air cooling and toilet. There are frequent domestic flight connections (small aircraft).

According to allcitycodes, the area code for Costa Rica is +506. The telephone and mobile networks are stable. The Internet domain is.cr.

Usual opening hours for shops are 9-17. Banks are usually open 9-15: 30.

Public Holidays – January 1 (New Year’s Day). Easter Thursday. Easter Friday. April 11 (Juan Santamaria Day). May 1 (Labor Day). July 25 (Guanacast Day). August 2 (Virgin de Los Angeles). August 15 (Ascension of the Virgin Mary). September 15 (Independence Day). October 12 (Cultural Days). December 25 (Christmas)