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 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 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, some cases, serve as the authorization document.               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, 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 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 encountered on the highway. You should 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  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 washed with care, 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 dangerous polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches are contaminated with human sewage or dog feces. Swimming in fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis found should 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 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 strangers, including street vendors and beggars, approach you on the street. 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 is 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 accidentally injured if caught up in them. In addition, American citizens been arrested when local authorities have thought they were participating in civil demonstrations. If you 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 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 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 you may not bring into the United States.                                  The penalty is confiscation and a possible fine. These items 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 legally exported from the country of origin. Beware of purchasing artifacts unless an export permit issued by the government of origin accompanies them.

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 considered by that country to be their national. If arrested, a dual national denied the right to communicate with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Dual nationals may force to serve in the military of their former country, or they 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 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 maybe required 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 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. However, 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 seasons, it is 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.

• AIR CANADA
• AMERICA WEST
• AMERICAN
• BWIA
• CONTINENTAL
• DELTA
• MARTINAIR
• TACA
• UNITED
• US AIRWAYS

I would like to also inform you also we do not specialize on International Air Tickets
We do provide this service as an additional service to our clients but I do encourage you to visit the airlines web sites directly and compare prices and book them directly on your own;

Here is contact person for the international airfares

Sandra K. Parker
Travel Consultant
Travel With Ease
20 W State Highway No. 70
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
856-983-7111 Office
856-313-6859 Cellular