Costa Rica Country Report

Costa Rica is a developing country in Central America. By and large, the country has experienced relative peace and political stability which have been elusive in much of the rest of the region. Its economy has also grown as one of the most stable in Latin America. There are no known threats to the current leadership.

Crime is not a major concern for travelers, although there has been an increase in incidents of violent crime in the country in recent years. Civil and labor unrest can cause disruptions, although episodes of protests and strike actions are typically conducted peacefully. The threats of terrorism and conflict are low. Corruption is unlikely to have a significant impact on business activity, whilst the rule of law is generally observed.

Several parts of the country are prone to powerful earthquakes. The threat of powerful hurricanes is low, although episodes of torrential rain and thunderstorms are common during the wet period. In addition, the El Nino and La Nina phenomena can alter climate conditions. Adequate healthcare is available, although hospitals and clinics with modern facilities are limited to urban centers.

The main threat that foreigners face stems from petty criminal activities, although overall crime rates are still lower compared to regional averages. The threats of terrorism and conflict are low. Although protests and strike actions have the potential to escalate into violence and result in disruptions, they rarely target foreign nationals.

Air travel is generally safe and reliable.

Road travel can be hazardous due to poor road conditions and reckless driving habits amongst local motorists.

The ports are considered efficient.

Power, mobile communications and internet connections are generally stable in major urban centers, although the general Internet speed is assessed to be one of the slowest in the region.

Cyber-crime is a growing threat, especially due to an increase in the number of Internet users and the lack of a comprehensive, national framework to mitigate the impact of online attacks.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate and is generally hot year-round. Rainfall amounts vary in different regions of the country but can be plentiful at times, posing a risk of flooding. Episodes of harsher and more extreme climatic conditions have occasionally affected much of the country due to the El Nino and/or La Nina phenomena. In addition, there is a credible risk of powerful earthquakes, notably on the Nicoya Peninsula, and the possibility of eruptions at the country's six active volcanoes poses a constant threat.

Mosquito-borne and insect-related diseases are present, including dengue fever, chikungunya, and malaria. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Adequate healthcare and medicinal supplies are available in major urban centers, although accessibility is significantly lower in rural areas. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

The current government remains stable. Levels of corruption are low, whilst rule of law is generally observed. However, allegations of corruption and abuse of authority are occasionally reported.