Basic
Valuable Information
ENTERING
AND LEAVING - PASSPORTS AND VISAS
U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to travel
to all Central and South American countries with the
exception of Panama and short stays in French Guiana.
(Panama and French Guiana require proof of U.S. citizenship
such as a birth certificate or passport. However, the
U.S. Embassy in Panama encourages U.S. citizens to travel
to Panama using their U.S. passports.) Visa requirements
for U.S. citizens vary from country to country. Certain
countries do not require a visa for a short tourist
stay. For some, you need to obtain a tourist card from
the airline office or at the destination airport. Other
countries require you to obtain a visa in advance from
that country's embassy or consulate. Some places have
additional entry requirements such as proof of sufficient
funds and/or onward or return tickets. If you do NOT
meet the entry requirements upon arrival in a country,
you will not be admitted and will have to leave on the
next plane.
In addition, most Central and South American countries
require a departure tax. If you are departing to a neighboring
country, the tax may be small, but if you are returning
to the U.S., the tax could be fairly substantial per
person, regardless of age. Be sure to have enough money
at the end of your trip to be able to pay the departure
tax so you can get on the plane!
For authoritative information on a country's entry and
exit requirements, contact its embassy or consulate
(see the list of foreign embassies at the end of this
pamphlet). When you make your inquiries, ask about:
-- Where to obtain a tourist card or visa;
-- Visa price, length of validity, and number of entries;
-- Financial requirements: proof of sufficient funds,
proof of onward or return ticket;
-- Special requirements for children traveling alone
or with only one parent (see below);
-- Health requirements;
-- Currency regulations: how much local or dollar currency
can be brought in or out?
-- export/import restrictions; and
-- Departure tax: how much and who must pay.
RESTRICTIONS ON MINORS
Many countries impose restrictions on minor children
who travel alone, with only one parent, with someone
who is not their parent or who are nationals of the
country, including dual nationals. A child must present
written authorization for travel from the absent parent,
parents, or legal guardian. If the parent or guardian
traveling with the child is the sole custodian, the
court order granting custody may, in some cases, serve
as the authorization document. For certain countries,
the documentation must be translated into Spanish or
Portuguese and/or authenticated at the embassy of the
country in question before departure from the U.S.
If any of this applies to you, inquire about the following
at the embassy or consulate of the country your child
plans to visit:
-- The age of majority at which the restriction no longer
applies (i.e., age 15 in Argentina, age 18 in Brazil);
-- The type of document that can overcome the restriction
(i.e., court order, statement of absent parent or parents);
-- Whether notarizing the document is sufficient or
if it must also be authenticated by the country's embassy
or consulate;
-- Whether the document must be translated.
-- Whether the permission of the mother, father or both
parents is required.
BRINGING YOUR OWN CAR,
PLANE OR BOAT
If you plan to drive to Central or South America or
arrive in a private plane or boat, contact the embassy
or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn
what is required for entry and exit. You may not be
able to enter certain countries unless you have had
your vehicle documented by that country's embassy or
consulate before you leave the United States. Besides
title and ownership, at most borders you will need to
show insurance coverage effective for the country you
are entering. If your U.S. insurance does not cover
you abroad, you can usually purchase insurance when
you enter a country. In some countries, if you are involved
in an accident that causes injury, you will automatically
be taken into police custody until it can be determined
who is liable and whether you have the insurance or
financial ability to pay any judgment. There may also
be criminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages
are serious.
If you are a visitor, you will not ordinarily have to
pay import duty on your car, but you may have to post
a bond or otherwise satisfy customs officials that you
will not sell or dispose of the vehicle in the country.
Before you get behind the wheel, be sure you are in
compliance with the automobile import regulations of
your destination country or countries.
If driving, check the Consular Information Sheet for
information regarding security threats that might be
encountered on the highway. You should also keep in
mind that in many countries road conditions and local
drivers' concern for safety fall far short of what is
customary in the U.S.
HEALTH
Information for travelers on health precautions, immunizations
and areas with specific health issues can be obtained
from local health departments, private doctors, travel
clinics or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
in Atlanta, Georgia (CDC). The CDC can be reached by
telephone at 404-332-4559, or, you can visit their home
page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov . General
guidance can be found in the U.S. Public Health Service
book, Health Information for International Travel, available
for $14.00 from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.
Insurance- Review your health insurance
policy. If it does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing
insurance that does. Also consider obtaining insurance
to cover the very high cost of medical evacuation in
the event of accident or serious illness.
Insects- Mosquito avoidance measures, if used day and
night, may help prevent malaria and other less prevalent
insect-borne diseases found in parts of Central and
South America.
Food- Throughout most of Central and
South America, fruits and vegetables should be washed
with care and meats and fish thoroughly cooked. Water
is generally not potable and should be boiled or chemically
treated. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water
is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medical
attention.
Beaches- Certain beaches in the region
are dangerously polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches
that might be contaminated with human sewage or dog
feces. Swimming in fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis
is found should also be avoided.
Mountains- Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms
of altitude sickness such as insomnia, headache, and
nausea. If you become sick, descend to a lower altitude
if possible. Mountaineers should learn about the symptoms
of high altitude pulmonary edema, a condition that is
fatal unless remedied by immediate descent.
Another hazard of high altitudes is sunburn. Exposure
to ultraviolet radiation increases not only as you approach
the equator, but also as you ascend in altitude. Sunscreens
may help prevent this.
SAFETY TIPS - CRIME
As in a number of places around the world, crime in
many parts of Central and South America seems to be
increasing. Visitors should take common sense precautions:
- Safety
begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind.
Dress conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that
is too casual can mark you as a tourist. Use traveler’s
checks, not cash. Leave photocopies of your passport
personal information page and your airline tickets
with someone at home and carry an extra set with you.
Use a money belt or a concealed money pouch for passports,
cash and other valuables.
In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up and
valuables out of sight. A common trick is for a thief
to reach through a car window and grab a watch from
a person wrist or a purse or package from the seat
while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic.
When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking
lot. Lock the car and keep valuables out of sight.
When walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark
alleys and crowds. Do not stop if you are approached
on the street by strangers, including street vendors
and beggars. Be aware that women and small children,
as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse snatchers.
Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry
your purse tucked securely under your arm, and wear
the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your
chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk
away from the curb, carrying your purse away from
the street.
Use official taxi stands rather than cruising taxis.
Illegal taxis can be decoys for robbers.
Whenever possible, do not travel alone. If you travel
in isolated areas, go with a group or a reputable
guide.
Avoid travel at night.
Do not take valuables to the beach.
Any U.S. citizen who is criminally assaulted should
report the incident to the local police and to the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
SAFETY
TIPS - CIVIL UNREST
Some countries in Latin America experience periodic
political violence aimed at national government targets
or even at foreigners. In a number of countries, kidnapping
for political and/or profit motives is widespread and
U.S. citizens sometimes fall victim. In addition to
checking the latest Consular Information Sheets, Travel
Warnings and Public Announcements, you may also want
to contact the U.S. embassy in the country or countries
you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information
on the security situation.
Always carry your papers with you and do not overstay
the validity of your visa or tourist card.
Avoid public demonstrations. Travelers can accidentally
become injured if caught up in them. Also, American
citizens have been arrested when local authorities have
thought they were participating in civil demonstrations.
If you are detained or arrested for any reason, ask
to speak with a U.S. consular officer.
DRUG AND FIREARMS OFFENSES
Most Central and South American countries strictly enforce
laws against the use, possession and sale of narcotics.
Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts
of narcotics are generally charged and tried as international
traffickers. There is no bail, judicial delays are lengthy,
and you can spend 2 to 4 years in prison awaiting trial
and sentencing. If you carry prescription drugs, keep
them in their original container, clearly labeled with
the doctor’s name, pharmacy and contents. Check
with the embassy of the country you plan to visit for
specific customs requirements for prescription drugs.
Laws concerning importation and possession of firearms
can also be strict, with stiff penalties for violations.
U.S. citizens who legally keep weapons in their boat
or car in the U.S. sometimes forget to remove them before
arrival in a foreign country, resulting in imprisonment.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Be cautious when taking pictures. Local authorities
in many Central and South American countries consider
all airports, police stations, military locations, oil
installations, harbors, mines and bridges to be security-related.
Photography of demonstrations or civil disturbances
is also usually prohibited. Tourists have had their
film confiscated and have been detained for trying to
take these types of pictures. When in doubt about whether
you can take a picture, ask first.
U.S. WILDLIFE REGULATIONS
Endangered species and products made from them may not
be brought into the United States. The penalty is confiscation
and a possible fine. These items are prohibited from
import: virtually all birds originating in Brazil, Ecuador,
Paraguay, and Venezuela; furs from spotted cats; most
lizard-skin products from Brazil and Paraguay; many
snakeskin products from Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay;
skins from the Orinoco crocodile; and all sea turtle
products.
SHOPPING FOR ANTIQUES
Most countries in Central and South America control
the export of objects from their pre-Columbian and colonial
heritage. This may also include relics and/or reproductions
of antiques. Some countries claim ownership of all such
material and consider the export of antiques, without
the permission of the government, to be an act of theft.
In addition, under U.S. law, importers of all pre-Columbian
monumental and architectural sculpture, murals and certain
archaeological and ethnological materials are required
to provide proof to the U.S. Customs Service that these
artifacts are legally exported from the country of origin.
Beware of purchasing artifacts unless they are accompanied
by an export permit issued by the government of origin.
DUAL NATIONALITY
Some countries in Central and South America do not recognize
acquisition of U.S. citizenship unless the naturalized
U.S. citizen renounces his or her original nationality
at an embassy or consulate of the country of origin.
A person born in the United States of a parent or parents
who were citizens of another country may also be considered
by that country to be their national. If arrested, a
dual national may be denied the right to communicate
with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Dual nationals may
also be forced to serve in the military of their former
country, or they may not be allowed to depart the country
when their visit is over.
If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a dual national
or have any reason to believe Another country may consider
you its national, check with the embassy of that country
as to your citizenship status and any obligations you
may have while visiting. When you research your citizenship
status, bear in mind the purpose of your planned trip
can affect your status. Your acquired U.S. citizenship
may be recognized by your former country if you only
visit there. If, however, you take up residence, the
country may consider you as having resumed your former
nationality. This can happen even if the embassy of
the country has stamped a visa in your U.S. passport.
Dual nationals should also be aware that they may be
required to use a passport from their country of origin
to enter or leave that country. The U.S. Government
does not object to the use of a foreign passport in
such situations. U.S. citizens may not, however, use
a foreign passport to enter or leave the United States
and must travel on their U.S. passports.
If you have any questions about dual nationality, contact
the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811,
Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, and Telephone
(202) 647-5225.
When is the best time
to visit Costa Rica?
As far as climate goes, the late-December to mid-April
dry season is the most pleasant. But of course, this
is when everyone else goes to Costa Rica, so prices
are up and hotels are full. Although some roads are
impassable in the wet season, it's still worthwhile
to visit at this time, and things are much quieter.
April May and mid-October to mid-December should give
you the best of both worlds.
There are 2 International airports that arrive in Costa
Rica San José's Juan Santamaria International
airport,
And Liberia International which is, 217 km (135 mi)
northwest of San José,
There are good connections to US and Canadian cities.
There is a departure tax of around US$26 on international
flights.
International Airlines
Local numbers
AIR CANADA 243-1860
AMERICA WEST 430-0873
AMERICAN 442-8800
BWIA 391-6291
CONTINENTAL 442-1904
DELTA 440-4805
LACSA 443-3555
MARTINAIR 440-8848
TACA 443-3555
UNITED 441-8025
US AIRWAYS 430-6690
I would like to also inform you also we do not specialize
on International Air Tickets reservation for the time
being
We do provide this service as an additional service
to our clients but I do encourage you to visit the web
sites of each air lines and compare prices and book
them directly on your own; we only specialize in land
services, hotels accommodation and domestic flights
within the Costa Rica region
Here is contact person for the international airfares
Sandra K. Parker
Travel Consultant
Wide World Travel
66 E. Main Street
Moorestown, New Jersey 08057
856-234-3030
856-778-3165 Facsimile
856-313-6859 Cellular
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