Health and vaccinations

You should consult your doctor on inoculations for travel to Costa Rica. Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. San Jose and the Central Valley can be particularly affected, and there is currently a high number of cases in southern areas of the country near the border with Panama. There is no vaccine or immunisation to prevent dengue fever and you should take usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Malaria is also common in Costa Rica, especially in areas close to banana growing areas. Areas near the border with Panama are particularly affected. Seek medical advice before travelling to Costa Rica and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

British Airways Travel Clinics also offer free health advice to anyone going abroad. Visitwww.britishairways.com/travelclinics for your nearest clinic. For general advice for your trip, please visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.

 

Insurance

Please note that travel insurance (including adequate cancellation cover) is a condition of booking, we can help arrange this for you through one of our business partners or you must arrange cover independently and we require a signed declaration from you stating that you have adequate alternative insurance for your trip.

 

Transport

Air conditioned cars, and people carriers and drivers will be provided for all road journeys where ever available. Generally speaking, most of the roads are in good, usable condition. It is only in the more remote areas that some roads may not be as well maintained. The driving times shown in our itineraries are estimates only. Commuter flights in Costa Rica are the easiest way to get around the country with a choice of two domestic airlines: Sansa and NatureAir.

 

Passport / Visa Info

Citizens of the United States, Canada and most western European and Latin America nations do not need visas to enter Costa Rica. U.S. citizens planning to stay fewer than 90 days can enter the country with a valid ID, a copy of their birth certificate, and a tourist card that can be obtained from their airline when they depart the United States.

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:

Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, United States, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Czech Republic, Republic of South Korea, Hellenic Republic (Greece), Romania, Vatican City, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Republic of China (Taiwan), Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay.

UK Government Advice

For up to the minute travel advice and tips, we recommend that you visitwww.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

 

Airlines

The main airport for travellers taking flights to Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is located about 20km (12 miles) northwest of San Jose. There are currently no direct flights from the UK and flights are via Miami, Atlanta, New York with Virgin, American Airlines, Continental and British Airways. It is also possible to fly via Madrid with Iberia.