No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaU.S. State Department drops 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Guatemala & Nicaragua,...

U.S. State Department drops ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Guatemala & Nicaragua, but not Costa Rica

The United States this week lifted a warning to its citizens to avoid all travel to Nicaragua and Guatemala, but it kept its strictest advisory for Costa Rica.

Guatemala and Nicaragua join El Salvador as countries now under a Level 3 advisory (Reconsider Travel). Costa Rica remains at a Level 4 (Do Not Travel).

“Nicaragua has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools),” the State Department said. “Other improved conditions have been reported within Nicaragua.”

However, U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to crime and civil unrest.

“Throughout Nicaragua, armed and violent uniformed police or civilians in plain clothes acting as police (“para-police”) continue to target anyone considered to be in opposition to the rule of President Ortega,” the State Department detailed.

Similarly, U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime.

“Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. … Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” the State Department said.

Costa Rica remains at Level 4

The State Department has not updated its travel alert for Costa Rica since August 5.

“Do not travel to Costa Rica due to COVID-19,” the State Department said.

“Travelers to Costa Rica may experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, business closures, and other emergency conditions within Costa Rica due to COVID-19.”

In addition, visitors to Costa Rica should “exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime,” though the State Department notes that the country “provides additional security” in tourist-heavy areas.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Costa Rica had been at a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime. Costa Rican authorities “categorically rejected” the drop from a Level 1, which occurred in January.

Costa Rica is welcoming U.S. tourists from 20 states, including California and Ohio as of October 1.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award

Last November, Costa Rica received the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award at the annual “Save Our Oceans” gala, organized by Fins Attached in...

Illegal Airstrip Allegedly Built in Costa Rica’s Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge

The Limón branch of the Environmental Prosecutor's Office is investigating the alleged construction of an airstrip inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, as well...

Canadian Tourist Killed in Costa Rica During A Robbery Attempt

A 40-year-old Canadian man lost his life in a violent robbery at a rental home in the Los Jobos area of Tamarindo, Guanacaste, on...

US and Panama Begin Joint Exercises to Protect Panama Canal

US forces teamed up with Panamanian police for fresh military drills focused on safeguarding the Panama Canal, starting amid ongoing debates about foreign influence...

EU and Central America Launch First Meeting to Expand Trade Relations

The European Union and Central American nations came together for their first Association Council meeting in Brussels. They focused on growing trade and investment...

Women’s Copa América Showcases Talent and Pushes for Equality

The Women’s Copa América, Latin America’s most important women’s football tournament, is a showcase of talent and a tool to help close the gender...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica