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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Costa Rica, please see Ireland.ie.

Costa Rica

If you’re travelling to Costa Rica our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security status

High Degree of Caution

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes up to 90 days. 

A valid passport is required for travel to Costa Rica, and Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months. Passport cards cannot be used.

The hurricane season usually runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, several of which are considered active.

Visitors to Costa Rica are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Mexico on social media Twitter @IrishEmbMexico and Facebook to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

For tourist advice, including on accommodation and travel, call +506-2299-5827 or via WhatsApp on+506-8628-3247.

You can contact the emergency services in Costa Rica by dialling 911. Specific emergency numbers are:

  • Police Emergency - 911;
  • Ambulance - 911 or 128;
  • Fire Service - 911 or 118;
  • Police Investigative Service - 911 or 2221-5337.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

 As there is no Irish Embassy in Costa Rica. we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico City.

 

Safety and Security

Safety and security

General Security

You should remain vigilant and aware, including when using ATMs. Petty theft of passports and other personal belongings is common. You should be particularly aware when on the beach and when travelling on public transport as bags left in overhead compartments can be stolen.

Only use official taxis and avoid poorly lit or remote areas.

Exercise caution when purchasing spirit-based drinks as there have been a number of cases of serious illness or death caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol. If you, or someone you are travelling with shows symptoms of alcohol-induced methanol poisoning (including headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting), seek medical attention immediately.

Hurricane season 

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Don’t get involved with drugs of any kind in any way. Penalties for drug offences are severe in Costa Rica, with convictions for drug possession or trafficking carrying very long sentences.

Health

Health

Take all relevant precautions in relation to Covid-19. Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country and consult them on any other health related concerns.

Medical care in Costa Rica is generally of a good standard but can vary, particularly in remote areas. Make sure you have adequate travel and health insurance and access to funds in order to cover the cost of any medical treatment. If you require medical attention, you should promptly contact your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Additional information

Additional information

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes up to 90 days. 

A valid passport is required for travel to Costa Rica, and Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months. Passport cards cannot be used.

The immigration authorities are strict about foreigners who have overstayed. Fines of $100 per month of overstay and restrictions on return can be applied under local law.

There is a departure tax of $29 in place, generally included as part of your airline ticket.

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

The Embassy operates an out of hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance on weekends and public holidays.

If you are in need of emergency assistance during these times, you should leave a message on the emergency message system by calling +52 55 5520 5803.

Embassy of Ireland
Goldsmith 53
Piso 4
Polanco
Miguel Hidalgo,
Ciudad de México,
México

Tel: +52 55 5520 5803

Monday to Friday 09:30 to 13:30

Contact us