According to the latest Global Peace Index update, Costa Rica is considered the safest country in Latin America. It’s also the most peaceful country in Central America with a low violent crime rate and high political stability.

Costa Rica is the only country in the world that has no army.

Thus, for those still wondering, yes, Costa Rica is very safe.

LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from COSTA RICA:

March 23 – U.S. Issues New Travel Advisory For Costa Rica

Nearly 1.3 million Americans visited Costa Rica in 2022 due to its close proximity to the US.

Two weeks ago, the U.S. requested that visitors to Costa Rica take extra precautions, when it issued a Level 2 alert for the Central American nation.

The U.S. government has a four-level system to inform visitors about the safety situation in each nation:

• Level 1 – U.S. citizens should exercise normal precautions
• Level 2 – U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution
• Level 3 – U.S. citizens should reconsider travel plans
• Level 4 – U.S. citizens should not travel

On its website, the US Embassy in Costa Rica said:

“The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica advises U.S. citizens of increasing levels of crime, particularly violent crime, in Costa Rica and specifically San Jose. For this reason, the Embassy would like to remind you of the importance of personal safety and situational awareness.”

Read our full post: U.S Raises Travel Advisory For Costa Rica To Level 2 Amid Recent Spike In Violence

February 23 – U.S. donates $14M in security equipment to fight Costa Rican crime

According to Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, the United States has provided Costa Rica with more than $14 million worth of security equipment to help reduce violence in the Central American country, which has an “extremely high” murder rate.

For border control and “especially in the fight against international criminal gangs,” Chaves added, the donation includes telecommunications equipment, drones and maintenance gear for police aircraft.

According to the Judicial Investigative Agency, Costa Rica had 12.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, a record high. According to police, gang warfare was a determining factor in 63% of the 656 deaths.

February 3 – Costa Rica developed a Certification of Sustainable Tourism

An accreditation created by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) can help travelers recognize establishments that truly practice sustainability.

The main objective of this certification is to confirm that businesses have adopted measures that have a good impact on the environment and the community. It is also a technical tool that aims to support sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.

With this award, companies are honored for their good management and efforts to reduce the negative impact of their operations. The certification strengthens the work done in the destinations in terms of social, cultural, environmental, economic and development initiatives.

December 13 – Costa Rica reports an increase in crimes committed by Venezuelan migrants

The country has seen an upsurge in crimes, brawls, and other criminal actions by groups of Venezuelan migrants, according to the Municipal Police of San José (PMSJ).

Due to the United States’ decision to restrict the entry of Venezuelan migrants in October, authorities claim that crimes are being committed more frequently by Venezuelans who have chosen to live permanently in the country.

“We have seen an increase in violent acts and crimes committed by people of Venezuelan nationality. In the specific case of San José, we have also noticed an increase in Venezuelan informal workers, who have already gathered in some streets in the city center”, explained Marcelo Solano, director of the municipal police.

Safety measures to keep in mind:

• Do not engage in physical resistance to any robbery attempt.
• Keep an eye on your surroundings
• Do not show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• When visiting abroad, Americans should always be cautious.
• Follow the State Department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Review Costa Rica’s country safety report.
• Prepare a contingency plan in case an emergency occurs. Check out the checklist for travelers.

Why travel to Costa Rica

First and foremost, Costa Rica has virtually 0 entry restrictions for vaccinated visitors. No test, no quarantine, no extra expenses, no hassle.

If that is not enough, here you have 3 excellent reasons to pack your bags.

1. Puerto Viejo

This Caribbean coast is popular among young people and backpackers because of its great beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere. In the town, nearby visitors will find some fun activities going on every day.

When in town, you must pay a visit to the jaguar rescue center where local wildlife is rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

2. Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero is Spanish for “a lot of turtles.” With more than 77,000 acres, this Amazon rainforest-like is home to rivers, jungles, and “a lot of turtles” coming to nest along the shoreline.

3. Corcovado National Park

Costa Rica is known for its amazing national parks, where tourists can enjoy some thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and wildlife spotting.

This one in particular is the right fit for adventurous people. It features 13 major ecosystems including a rainforest, highland cloud forest, swamps, and beaches.

Requirements to enter Costa Rica

Travelers to Costa Rica are not required to show proof of vaccination status or proof of a medical insurance policy to cover COVID-19 related illness.

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Update archives

October 27 – 65.5% of Costa Ricans consider that Costa Rica is not very safe or not at all safe

Despite its high worldwide reputation, 65.5% of Costa Ricans believe the country is not very safe or at all safe. At the same time, women are more likely than males to be victims of crime, including sexual assault, according to a study released Thursday by the Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) and the School of Statistics (EEs) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR).

According to the experts, the building of a successful, free, and equal society would be impossible under this perception.

The main problems mentioned in the country are the high cost of living (23.9%), a poor economic situation (22%), unemployment (19.2%) and the insecurity of citizens (13.3%).

In fact, the high crime perception in the country could also be explained by the economic difficulties.

“It is not possible to build a prosperous, free and egalitarian society under the threat of violence and dispossession. Feeling free from fear supposes guarantees for the protection of our integrity and properties, within the framework of social coexistence,” said José Vicente Troya Rodríguez, UNDP Resident Representative.

September: Costa Rica, the safest country in Latin America

This year, the Global Peace Index (GPI) rated 163 autonomous nations and territories on their “level of peacefulness.” To measure peace, the study uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from “well-regarded sources” and considers three major “domains.”

• The level of ‘Societal Safety and Security’
• The extent of any ‘Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict’
• The degree of Militarization

Only four of the 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean – Chile, Uruguay, Panama and Costa Rica – scored at least “light green.” With an overall safety index of 1.732, up 0.017 points from last year’s index, Costa Rica is now considered the safest travel destination in the group. (Source.)

Costa Rica, gearing up to attract adventurous American and Canadian travelers to this safe destination

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is working to promote Costa Rica as an adventure tourism destination for American and Canadian tourists.

The ICT estimates that Canada is the second most significant North American market for Costa Rica, while adventure tourism is the third most popular reason to visit the country. For this reason, the promotion and attraction of this tourist profile is of great importance to the institution.

“Canada is the second country that generates more tourists to Costa Rica after the United States. In 2019, it contributed to the arrival of 234,621 tourists and in the first three months of this year the arrival of 61,349 Canadians by air was reported,” said Ireth Rodríguez, head of ICT promotion.

August – The beaches of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica are not a safe space for local gay tourists

The beaches of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica are a gay paradise. It is a major LGBTQ destination on the Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas, known worldwide for its national park, unique flora and fauna, magnificent beaches, and hotels with the best ratings in the world. It is a place where LGBTQ tourists can find freedom, acceptance and joy, which is not always offered to the queer residents of Costa Rica.

The increase of gentrification has displaced natives, caused social-environmental change, and exacerbated inequality, affecting Costa Rica’s most vulnerable communities, such as Black, Indigenous, and gay people.

Even if there is no solution in sight yet, it is important that communities and local governments start to become aware of the problem and look for common solutions.

Costa Rica is on its way to becoming safer for the LGBTIQ+ Community

Members of the LGTBIQ+ Community are about to travel more safely when visiting Costa Rica as the country will punish “hate crimes” with prison sentences ranging from 20 to 35 years. This is according to a law passed Monday and welcomed by civil rights groups.

The law will put on trial anyone who “injures, attacks or kills on the grounds of race, age, religion, nationality, political opinion, disability or sexual orientation.”

“This was a necessity in this country. The law assures those of us who are different are also equal before the law,” said Enrique Joseph, commissioner of the Afro-descendant population.

April 6 – Costa Rica has further relaxed its entry restrictions

Travelers entering Costa Rica no longer need to fill out an online health passport or show proof of vaccination as of April 1.

Travelers also don’t have to provide proof of health insurance to cover Covid-19-related expenses like hospitalization and quarantine.

Travelers who wish to extend their stay beyond the date specified by immigration authorities must contact the Directorate General of Migration. For more information click here.

January 13 – Costa Rica reporting record numbers of new COVID-19 infections

On Wednesday, January 13, Costa Rica reported 4,170 cases of COVID-19, which is now the highest number of new daily infections there of the entire pandemic.

The second-highest number was recorded on Tuesday with 4,050 positive cases, and last Saturday, January 8, which brought 3,374 new infections. Before that, the highest number was reported on May 12, 2021, with 3,173.

COVID-19 hospitalizations also rose in Costa Rica. On Wednesday, 242 patients were hospitalized because of the virus, of which 55 were in Intensive Care Units.

Source: Tico Times

December 30 – Slight increase in cases; hospitalizations and fatalities dropping in Costa Rica

Last week, the Costa Rica Ministry of Health reported a slight increase (1.8%) in COVID-19 cases compared to the previous week.

On the other hand, during the same period of time, the number of hospitalizations decreased by 15.2%, while fatalities dropped by 61%.

Another good news is that by December 25, there have been only four cases of the new Omicron variant reported. None of them are related and have not required hospitalization.

Source: Outbreak News Today

November 23 – Costa Rica’s establishments to soon require proof of vaccination

While Costa Rica allows unvaccinated visitors, they will not be able to enter most local establishments from the beginning of next year. The mandate will affect most tourist attractions, including hotels, restaurants, museums, or bars, and should come into effect on January 8, 2022.

Children under 12 will not have to present proof of vaccination. Travelers who can prove they have a medical condition that doesn’t allow them to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will also be exempt from the rule.

Costa Rica still plans to welcome unvaccinated visitors next year. However, they might have to think twice before they go as hotels will not be able to host them.

Source: Lonely Planet

October 12 – Costa Rica removed from the U.K. COVID-19 travel ‘red list’

Yesterday, on October 11, Costa Rica was removed from the U.K. travel red list, along with 46 other countries.

Eligible vaccinated travelers arriving in the U.K. from Costa Rica are not required to quarantine anymore at their own expense. They only need to test after arrival.

However, as the Costa Rican vaccination program lacks proof of vaccination for travel to the U.K., those who have received their shots in Costa Rica must test before departure, on days 2 and 8, and complete a 10-day home quarantine.

The decision should help restore tourism between the two countries, as well as an early return of British Airways and Tui airlines before the start of the high season, added Gustavo Segura, Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister. The whole process should also help Costa Rica get back on the European market.

Source: The Tico Times

September 8 – Costa Rica reports near-record number of COVID-19 infections

Costa Rica suffered its second-highest total of COVID-19 cases in a single week between August 29 and September 4, announced the Health Ministry.

During that period, the country registered 16,601 new coronavirus cases. That is, on average, 2,371 new infections daily. At its highest point in early May 2021, there were 18,021 cases reported in a week.

In the last four weeks, Costa Rica also saw an increase in deaths and hospital admissions. Between August 29 and September 4, 136 patients died of COVID-19 in Costa Rica. Before, there were 89, 105, and 127 fatalities reported each week, respectively. Hospital admissions continue to increase by 15% week by week.

Based on the estimates of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, the situation will most likely not improve any time soon. We can expect to see up to 3,500 new cases a day by the end of September.

Source: The Tico Times

The post Is COSTA RICA Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Maria Valencia
Title: Is COSTA RICA Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/is-it-safe-to-visit-costa-rica-right-now/
Published Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2023 01:16:47 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why People Are Travelling?

People are traveling because it satisfies their desire for adventure, offers a respite from daily life, and provides opportunities for personal growth, learning, and cultural exchange.

How traveling improves your life?

Traveling improves your life by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone, develop problem-solving skills, enhance your creativity, and improve your communication abilities as you interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

What are the main benefits of traveling?

The main benefits of traveling include broadening one’s perspective, learning about new cultures and traditions, gaining new experiences, boosting mental and emotional well-being, and creating lasting memories.

Is traveling a good life?

Traveling can indeed be a good life, as it promotes personal growth, enhances well-being, and provides a wealth of experiences that enrich one’s existence.

Are There Health Benefits of Traveling?

Yes, there are health benefits of traveling, such as reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being. Travel can also strengthen the immune system and promote overall wellness.

Why Wouldn’t You Travel More When There Are So Many Benefits of Traveling?

You should travel more when there are so many benefits of traveling, including improved mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.

Statistics

• According to a 2013 study , more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. (forbes.com)
• A recent study reported more than half (52%) of respondents felt burned out, and more than two-thirds (67%) believed the feeling had worsened during the pandemic. (leehealth.org)
• In fact, 29 percent of American adults have never been abroad! (nbcnews.com)
• Affordability is evidently a big factor — about 71 percent of Americans say it’s too expensive to leave the country — but that’s hardly the whole story. (nbcnews.com)
• Researchers found that the people who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every 6 years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than people who vacationed once per year. (goodrx.com)

External Links

doi.org

• Association between real-world experiential diversity and positive affect relates to hippocampal–striatal functional connectivity | Nature Neuroscience

verywell.com

• Taking Vacations for Stress Relief and Overall Health

academic.oup.com

• Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Death among Women: Psychosocial Predictors from a 20-Year Follow-up of Women in the Framingham Study

hbr.org

• Are the People Who Take Vacations the Ones Who Get Promoted?
• When a Vacation Reduces Stress And When It Doesn’t

theatlantic.com

• For a More Creative Brain, Travel

How To

How to Stand Out in the Job Market by Unlocking the Career Benefits of Traveling

Stand out in the job market by highlighting the skills and experiences gained through traveling, such as adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. Network with fellow travelers and locals, and seek out opportunities to gain relevant work experience while abroad. Use your travel experiences to demonstrate your ability to navigate new environments and work with diverse teams.