# Costa Rica Travel Advisory Update: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know Before Booking
Planning a Costa Rican getaway from Ottawa this spring or summer? Before you finalize those flights, there’s important information you need to know. The Government of Canada recently updated its travel advisory for Costa Rica on March 18, 2026, maintaining a **Level 2 risk classification — Exercise a High Degree of Caution**. While this beautiful Central American destination remains accessible to Canadian travellers, understanding the current risks and preparing properly can make the difference between a dream vacation and a travel nightmare.
## What Does “Exercise a High Degree of Caution” Actually Mean?
A Level 2 advisory isn’t a travel ban, but it’s a clear signal that visitors need to take their safety seriously. The Canadian government has identified specific concerns that require heightened awareness and preparation. For Costa Rica, the primary issue driving this advisory is crime, particularly property theft and pickpocketing targeting tourists.
## Crime Remains the Primary Concern
Petty crime in Costa Rica is frequent, and tourists are deliberately targeted because they’re perceived as wealthy. Passport theft spikes dramatically during peak tourist seasons—November through May and July through August, exactly when many Ottawa families plan their winter escapes or summer adventures.
Thieves operate strategically in teams, with one person creating a distraction while another grabs your belongings. High-risk locations include popular tourist viewpoints, bus and train stations, airport terminals, hotel lobbies, and even restaurant patios near streets. In San José specifically, areas like the Coca-Cola bus terminal and inner downtown corridors pose elevated theft risks.
## Smart Preparation Goes Beyond Reading Advisories
Ottawa travellers heading to Costa Rica should take a multi-layered approach to preparation. Beyond the obvious security precautions—keeping valuables secure, avoiding flashy jewelry, and staying alert in crowded areas—your health preparation deserves equal attention.
A pre-travel health consultation addresses risks you might not find in standard travel guides. Depending on your itinerary, you may need vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, or routine boosters. If you’re venturing into rural areas, malaria prophylaxis might be recommended. A travel health professional can also provide prescriptions for traveller’s diarrhea antibiotics and advice on safe food and water practices—essential for maintaining your health while navigating a country where petty crime already poses challenges.
Having comprehensive travel insurance, copies of your passport stored separately from the original, and a well-stocked medical kit aren’t just good ideas—they’re essential components of responsible travel planning.
Travelling to Costa Rica? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.