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Canada has issued a travel warning for Costa Rica amid civil unrest and natural disasters.
On June 9, the Canadian government issued a level two travel advisory for the Central American country, moving it from a level one or "take normal security precautions."
Canadians aren't advised against travelling to the country, but some areas may pose a greater safety risk.
Visitors to Costa Rica are urged to exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, ranging from petty crime such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, to violent crime, including murders and armed robberies.
The advisory notes that most violent crime is drug and gang-related and isn't aimed at travellers. However, violent assaults sometimes occur against travellers on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo, although these incidents are infrequent.
Tourists are more likely to face theft "because they are perceived as being wealthy," according to the Canadian government's warning.
Passport theft is extremely common and increases in frequency during the peak tourist seasons, which are from November to May and July to August.
Thieves often work in teams. One thief will divert the victim's attention while the other steals their possessions. Thefts commonly occur:
While you’re in Costa Rica:
Thieves also steal from homes and cars frequently. Car thefts are common, often targeting rental and luxury vehicles. Theft typically occurs in the parking lots of hotels, supermarkets, stores, restaurants, national parks, and beaches.
Travellers should manually check vehicle doors are locked "since 'key jammers' could be used to interrupt signals from key fobs, preventing car doors from locking," according to the advisory.
If driving in Costa Rica:
Canada has more information about Costa Rica on its advisory.
Costa Rican authorities are closely monitoring the active Poás Volcano. Authorities reduced the alert level to “orange” (level three on a scale of four) for the surrounding area, Poás Volcano National Park remains closed.
An orange alert is also in effect for the nearby district of Toro Amarillo.
The Canadian government advises travellers near the Poás Volcano to monitor local media about the evolving situation.
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