Since Abaco Travelers have a tendency to be well traveled, especially to the Caribbean area, this page will carry U.S. State Department Travel Advisories issued for popular Caribbean and near-Caribbean vacation destinations. This page will be updated within 48 hours of the issuance of any relevant advisory.

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COSTA RICA
April 21, 1998 12:21:05
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Country Discription:
Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition. Tourist facilities, particularly in the capital city, San Jose, are generally adequate. English is widely spoken.

Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica. At the discretion of Costa Rican authorities, travelers are sometimes admitted with a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate and valid photo I.D. for tourist stays up to 90 days.

Medical Facilities:
Costa Rica has suffered a reemergence of dengue fever in recent years, although the incidence remains lower than in other Central American countries. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bite and there is no vaccine. Travelers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Medical care in the capital city of San Jose is adequate. In areas outside of San Jose, however, medical care is more limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies.

Crime Information:
Crime is increasing, and tourists as well as the local populace are frequent victims. Most crimes are non-violent, including pickpocketings and house and car break-ins, but criminals have shown a greater willingness to use violence in recent years. Travelers should ensure that they purchase an adequate level of locally-valid theft insurance when renting vehicles. Never leave valuables in the vehicle, and park in paid lots whenever possible. Carjackings have occurred in recent years, and motorists have been confronted at gunpoint while stopped at traffic lights or upon arrival at their homes. One U.S. citizen was killed in October 1997 during an apparent robbery attempt, and five U.S. citizen women have been victims of sexual assaults at beach resorts on both coasts and in San Jose since 1995. There have been several kidnappings, including of foreigners, in recent years. Incidents of crime commonly occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, at the airport, and at national parks and other tourist attractions.

There were assaults on tourist buses in recent years. Travelers who keep valuables out of sight, do not wear jewelry, and travel in groups during daylight hours lessen their risk. Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities. Money exchangers on the street pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit card fraud is growing.

Some trails in national parks have been closed because of low numbers of visitors and reported robberies of hikers in the area. Tourists should check with forest rangers for current park conditions.

Drug Penalties:
U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Costa Rica for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Aviation Oversight:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Costa Rica's civil aviation authority as Category 1--in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http: www.faa.gov avr iasa.htm.

Traffic Safety Road Conditions:
Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored; turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians generally are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility because of heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. Many roads to beaches and other rural locations, however are not paved, and some out-of-the-way destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension vehicles.