The United States Embassy in Costa Rica has issued a comprehensive new warning for travelers to the country, following a combination of serious health concerns and a significant increase in crime. The announcement comes at a sensitive time, right at the opening of the busy tourist season in Costa Rica, where tens of thousands of tourists flock every year for vacations on the beaches, in the rain forests and in the resorts. This time, embassy officials warn, travelers must be more vigilant than usual.
Cases of pesticide poisoning
According to the embassy, several cases of poisoning from aluminum phosphide, a pesticide often used to control rodents, have recently been reported in various locations throughout Costa Rica. As happened in a number of destinations recently, including Istanbul where a family of two parents and two children died as a result of exposure to the pesticide, the American warning emphasizes that when this substance comes into contact with moisture, it emits a poisonous and colorless gas, capable of quickly causing severe respiratory distress, multisystem failure and even death. Dangerous concentrations of the gas can sometimes be identified by a smell reminiscent of rotten garlic or spoiled fish, but the embassy emphasizes that smell alone should not be relied upon to determine whether the area is safe.
Cases have been recorded in various centers in the country, including in the Real Cariari area of Haridia and in the rural community of Tempeta in the Santa Cruz district of Guanacaste. The concern also concerns hotels, holiday apartments and private homes where pest control may have been carried out recently. The embassy recommends that travelers immediately leave any closed space where they smell a suspicious smell, and seek medical treatment without delay if respiratory or digestive symptoms appear. Travelers are also required to check with the staff or the owners of the property whether extermination has been carried out recently, avoid staying in places where active extermination is being carried out, and make sure that their insurance policy has coverage for medical evacuation.
An increase in crime burdens the safety of travelers
In addition to the health concern, the embassy issued a separate security alert regarding the increase in crime directed at foreigners in Costa Rica. According to the reports, criminal gangs were involved in a series of incidents including burglaries, robberies, extortion attempts and even cases where foreign tourists and residents were forced to withdraw large sums of money from ATMs. Travelers have also reported burglaries and armed robberies at vacation rentals and Airbnb, as well as sophisticated thefts that use electronic means to prevent vehicle locking.
The authorities advise visitors to exercise caution, avoid displaying signs of wealth, drive carefully when using ATMs or visiting banks, and avoid walking alone at night. In addition, the embassy recommends checking accommodation in advance, especially holiday apartments, and choosing properties with good security measures and a positive history of safety reviews. Foreign residents and business owners are asked to strengthen the security systems in their places, reduce the possession of cash and prevent the publication of personal information on social networks that could reveal their location or property.
A complex period for the beloved tourist destination
Costa Rica, which used to be considered one of the safest and most popular destinations in Latin America, has recently faced an increase in crime and security concerns that affect tourism. Added to this are other trends such as rising prices and an influx of digital nomads, which are changing the face of the local market.
Now, with the emergence of poisoning cases and an increase in crime, the American Embassy urges travelers to stay informed, maintain continuous communication with accommodations and take precautions to help protect their health and safety. The embassy states that it will continue to monitor the developments throughout the country and will update the public as needed. It is important to emphasize that the National Security Headquarters in Israel classifies Costa Rica under travel warning level 1, meaning no special warning except for taking normal precautions.
Details of the Embassy of Israel in San Jose, Costa Rica:
- address: The Colon’s Centre, P.A Columbus 38 Avenue 0, San José, Mantic, Costa Rica. (מצויוית גם הכתובת: Building Cente Colon, Floor 11)
- General phone (consular): 506-221-644+
- WhatsApp (for the consular department): 506-8629-7292+
- Email to the consular department: [email protected]
- Emergency contact (calls and WhatsApp messages only): 506-8822-7995+