What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Costa Rica, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 19 May 2026
Latest change, in the source's words:Updated information on customs rules; gang-related violence; fines for unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas and earthquakes and recent volcanic activity ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Costa Rica” of the UK government's travel advice for Costa Rica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Costa Rica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Personal ID
As a foreigner, you must carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy. Make sure you have the original available somewhere safe in case they ask to see it.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Do not get involved with drugs of any kind. The Costa Rican authorities treat the possession of drugs and drug trafficking severely. The minimum sentence is 8 years imprisonment.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Costa Rica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Prescriptions from the UK cannot be used locally. To find a pharmacy (‘farmacia’) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacia Fischel, Farmacia Sucre, FarmaValue, Farmacia Saba, or Farmacia Santa Lucia, among others; a quick search online should help you to identify the nearest one open.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Costa Rica, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The hurricane season usually runs from June to November – the same as the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Monitor the National Hurricane Center forecasts and the World Meteorological Organization warnings. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Keep up to date with FCDO travel advice and social media. Plan any local travel carefully.
Flooding
The June-November period is also the peak rainy season. Flooding and landslides may occur, resulting in road closures and driving hazards.
Earthquakes
There is a risk of earthquakes: small tremors are frequent and movements greater than magnitude 6 occur periodically. Local infrastructure is well-prepared, and earthquakes seldom have widespread effects. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or a tsunami.
Volcanic eruptions
Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, several of which are considered active. The risk of eruptions is always present. There has recently been an increasing and significant series of eruptions at Poas Volcano.
Check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes. Avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there’s increased risk of lava flows.
Ash plumes can affect air quality and have an impact on health. If you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions, you might be at increased risk of triggering or worsening your symptoms. A properly fitted face mask may provide some protection.
What to pack
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesAB
Voltage120/240 V, 120/208 V
Frequency60 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
24 °C (76 °F)
Lows
20 °C (69 °F)
Highs
28 °C (83 °F)
Rain
123 mm (4.8 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
February
Average
25 °C (76 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
87 mm (3.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
March
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
83 mm (3.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
April
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
139 mm (5.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
May
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
29 °C (85 °F)
Rain
323 mm (12.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
June
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
21 °C (71 °F)
Highs
29 °C (83 °F)
Rain
319 mm (12.6 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
July
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
29 °C (83 °F)
Rain
326 mm (12.8 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
August
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
28 °C (83 °F)
Rain
300 mm (11.8 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
September
Average
25 °C (76 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
28 °C (83 °F)
Rain
331 mm (13.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
October
Average
24 °C (76 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
28 °C (83 °F)
Rain
443 mm (17.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
November
Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
20 °C (69 °F)
Highs
28 °C (82 °F)
Rain
311 mm (12.3 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
December
Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
20 °C (69 °F)
Highs
28 °C (82 °F)
Rain
178 mm (7.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Costa Rica.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.