COSTA RICA

Compiled from the October 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Republic of Costa Rica

PROFILE

Geography

Area:

51,100 sq. km (19,730 sq. mi.) about the size of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.

Cities:

Capital—San Jose (greater metropolitan area pop. 2.1 million, the greater metropolitan area as defined by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy includes the cities of Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia). Other major cities outside the San Jose capital area—Puntarenas, Limon.

Terrain:

A rugged, central range separates the eastern and western coastal plains.

Climate:

Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas.

People

Nationality:

Noun and adjective—Costa Rican(s).

Population (July 2005 est.):

4.02 million.

Annual growth rate (2005 est.):

1.48%.

Ethnic groups:

European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, indigenous 1%, other 1%.

Religion:

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Protestant approx. 15.7%, others 4.8%, none 3.2%.

Language:

Spanish, with a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English spoken around the Limon area.

Education:

Years compulsory—9. Attendance—99% grades 1-6, 71% grades 7-9. Literacy—96%.

Health:

Infant mortality rate—9.95/1,000. Life expectancy—men 74.26 yrs., women 79.55 yrs.

Work force (2004 est., 1.81 million):

Services—71.3%; agriculture—14.6%; industry—14%.

Government

Type:

Democratic republic.

Independence:

September 15, 1821.

Constitution:

November 7, 1949.

Branches:

Executive—president (head of government and chief of state) elected for one 4-year term, two vice presidents, Cabinet (15 ministers, one of whom also is vice president). Legislative—57-deputy unicameral Legislative Assembly elected at 4-year intervals. Judicial—Supreme Court of Justice (22 magistrates elected by Legislative Assembly for renewable 8-year terms). The offices of the Ombudsman, Comptroller General, and Procurator General assert autonomous oversight of the government.

Subdivisions:

Seven provinces, divided into 81 cantons, subdivided into 421 districts.

Political parties:

Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), National Liberation Party (PLN), Citizen's Action Party (PAC), Libertarian Movement Party (PML), Costa Rican Renovation Party (PRC), and other smaller parties.

Suffrage:

Universal and compulsory at age 18.

Economy

GDP (2004):

$18.4 billion.

GDP PPP (2004 est.):

$37.97 billion.

Inflation (2005 est.):

14%.

Real growth rate (2004 est.):

3.9%.

Per capita income (2004):

$4,670. (PPP $9,600—2004 est.)

Unemployment (2004 est.):

6.6%.

Currency:

Costa Rica Colon (CRC).

Natural resources:

Hydroelectric power, forest products, fisheries products.

Agriculture (8.5% of GDP):

Products—bananas, coffee, beef, sugar-cane, rice, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants.

Industry (29.7% of GDP):

Types—electronic components, food processing, textiles and apparel, construction materials, cement, fertilizer.

Commerce and tourism (61.8% of GDP):

Hotels, restaurants, tourist services, banks, and insurance.

Trade (2004 est.):

Exports—$6.18 billion: Integrated circuits, bananas, pineapples, optical/medical equipment, knit and woven apparel, coffee, fish and seafood. Major markets—U.S. 44.1%, Europe 21%, Central America 9%. Imports—$7.84 billion: electronic components, machinery, vehicles, consumer goods, raw materials, chemicals, petroleum products, foods, and fertilizer. Major suppliers—U.S. 45.9%, Europe 10%, Mexico 3.7% Central America 5%, Japan 4.8%, Venezuela 4%.

PEOPLE

Unlike many of their Central American neighbors, present-day Costa Ricans are largely of European rather than mestizo descent; Spain was the primary country of origin. However, an estimated 10% to 15% of the population is Nicaraguan, of fairly recent arrival and primarily of mestizo origin. Descendants of 19th-century Jamaican immigrant workers constitute an English-speaking minority and—at 3% of the population—number about 119,000. Few of the native Indians survived European contact; the indigenous population today numbers about 29,000 or less than 1% of the population.

HISTORY

In 1502, on his fourth and last voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus made the first European landfall in the area. Settlement of Costa Rica began in 1522. For nearly three centuries, Spain administered the region as part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala under a military governor. The Spanish optimistically called the country "Rich Coast." Finding little gold or other valuable minerals in Costa Rica, however, the Spanish turned to agriculture.

The small landowners' relative poverty, the lack of a large indigenous labor force, the population's ethnic and linguistic homogeneity, and Costa Rica's isolation from the Spanish colonial centers in Mexico and the Andes all contributed to the development of an autonomous and individualistic agrarian society. An egalitarian tradition also arose. This tradition survived the widened class distinctions brought on by the 19th-century introduction of banana and coffee cultivation and consequent accumulations of local wealth.

Costa Rica joined other Central American provinces in 1821 in a joint declaration of independence from Spain. Although the newly independent provinces formed a Federation, border disputes broke out among them, adding to the region's turbulent history and conditions. Costa Rica's northern Guanacaste Province was annexed from Nicaragua in one such regional dispute. In 1838, long after the Central American Federation ceased to function in practice, Costa Rica formally withdrew and proclaimed itself sovereign.

An era of peaceful democracy in Costa Rica began in 1899 with elections considered the first truly free and honest ones in the country's history. This began a trend continued until today with only two lapses: in 1917-19, Federico Tinoco ruled as a dictator, and, in 1948, Jose Figueres led an armed uprising in the wake of a disputed presidential election.

With more than 2,000 dead, the 44-day civil war resulting from this uprising was the bloodiest event in 20th-century Costa Rican history, but the victorious junta drafted a constitution guaranteeing free elections with universal suffrage and the abolition of the military. Figueres became a national hero, winning the first election under the new constitution in 1953. Since then, Costa Rica has held 13 presidential elections, the latest in 2002.

GOVERNMENT

Costa Rica is a democratic republic with a strong system of constitutional checks and balances. Executive responsibilities are vested in a president, who is the country's center of power. There also are two vice presidents and a 15-member cabinet. The president and 57 Legislative Assembly deputies are elected for 4-year terms. In April 2003, the Costa Rican Constitutional Court annulled a constitutional reform enacted by the legislative assembly in 1969 barring presidents from running for reelection. The law reverted back to the 1949 Constitution, which states that ex-presidents may run for reelection after they have been out of office for two presidential terms, or eight years. Deputies may run for reelection after sitting out one term, or four years.

The electoral process is supervised by an independent Supreme Electoral Tribunal—a commission of three principal magistrates and six alternates selected by the Supreme Court of Justice. Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court of Justice, composed of 22 magistrates selected for renewable 8-year terms by the Legislative Assembly, and subsidiary courts. A Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, established in 1989, reviews the constitutionality of legislation and executive decrees and all habeas corpus warrants.

The offices of the Comptroller General of the Republic, the Solicitor General, and the Ombudsman exercise oversight of the government. The Comptroller General's office has a statutory responsibility to scrutinize all but the smallest public sector contracts and strictly enforces procedural requirements.

There are provincial boundaries for administrative purposes, but no elected provincial officials. Costa Rica held its first mayoral elections in December 2002, whereby mayors were elected by popular vote through general elections. Prior to 2002, the office of mayor did not exist and the president of the municipal council was responsible for the administration of each municipality. The most significant change has been to transfer the governing authority from a position filled via an indirect popular vote to one filled by a direct popular vote. Municipal council presidents are elected through internal elections conducted by council members each year, but mayors are elected directly by the populace through general elections. All council members are elected in a general election process. Autonomous state agencies enjoy

considerable operational independence; they include the telecommunications and electrical power monopoly, the state petroleum refinery, the nationalized commercial banks, the state insurance monopoly, and the social security agency. Costa Rica has no military and maintains only domestic police and security forces for internal security. A professional Coast Guard was established in 2000.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 10/4/2005

President: Abel PACHECO
First Vice Pres.: Lineth SABORIO
Second Vice Pres.:
Min. of Agriculture & Livestock: Rodolfo COTO
Min. of Culture, Youth, & Sports: Guido SAENZ Gonzalez
Min. of Economy & Industry: Gilberto BARRANTES
Min. of Education: Manuel BOLANOS
Min. of Environment & Energy: Carlos Manuel RODRIGUEZ
Min. of Finance: David FUENTES
Min. of Foreign Relations & Religion: Roberto TOVAR Faja
Min. of Foreign Trade: Manuel GONZALEZ
Min. of Health: Maria del Rocio SAENZ
Min. of Housing: Angelo ALTAMURA
Min. of Justice: Patricia VEGA
Min. of Labor & Social Security: Fernando TREJOS
Min. of Planning: Lineth SABORIO
Min. of the Presidency: Lineth SABORIO
Min. of Public Security, Government, & Police: Rogelio Vicente RAMOS Martinez
Min. of Public Works & Transportation: Jorge POLINARIS
Min. of Science & Technology: Fernando GUTIERREZ
Min. of Tourism: Rodrigo CASTRO
Min. of Women's Issues: Georgina VARGAS
Min. Without Portfolio (National Council on Childhood): Rosalia GIL
Pres., Central Bank: Francisco DE PAULA
Ambassador to the US: Tomas DUENAS
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Bruno STAGNO Ugarde

Costa Rica maintains an embassy in the United States at 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-234-2945 and 202-234-2946).

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Costa Rica has long emphasized the development of democracy and respect for human rights. Until recently, the country's political system has contrasted sharply with many of its Central American neighbors; it has steadily developed and maintained democratic institutions and an orderly, constitutional scheme for government succession. Several factors have contributed to this tendency, including enlightened government leaders, comparative prosperity, flexible class lines, educational opportunities that have created a stable middle class, and high social indicators. Also, because Costa Rica has no armed forces, it has avoided the possibility of political intrusiveness by the military that other countries in the region have experienced.

In May 2002, President Abel Pacheco of the Social Christian Union Party (PUSC) assumed office after defeating National Liberation Party (PLN) candidate Rolando Araya in the first-ever second-round runoff election. The April 2002 runoff election was necessitated by the failure of any one candidate to obtain the constitutionally required 40% of the popular vote in the February first-round election. Pacheco continues to seek a fiscal reform package and can count the successful negotiation of a U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-CAFTA) and an improved economy among his significant accomplishments. The 57-member unicameral Legislative Assembly has five principal party factions, with the governing party, PUSC, having only a 19-seat plurality. As a result, legislative action has been slow.

ECONOMY

After four years of slow economic growth, the Costa Rican economy grew at nearly 4% in 2004. Compared with its Central American neighbors, Costa Rica has achieved a high standard of living, with a per capita income of about U.S. $4,700, and an unemployment rate of 6.6%. The annual inflation rate hovers around 14% as the Costa Rican Government seeks to reduce a large fiscal deficit.

Controlling the budget deficit remains the single-biggest challenge for the country's economic policymakers, as interest costs on the accumulated central government consumed the equivalent of 32.1% in 2003 of the government's total revenues. About 18.9% of the national budget was financed by public borrowing. This limits the resources available for investments in the country's deteriorated public infrastructure.

Costa Rica's major economic resources are its fertile land and frequent rainfall, its well-educated population, and its location in the Central American isthmus, which provides easy access to North and South American markets and direct ocean access to the European and Asian Continents. One-fourth of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to national forests, often adjoining picturesque beaches, which has made the country a popular destination for affluent retirees and eco-tourists.

Costa Rica used to be known principally as a producer of bananas and coffee, but pineapples have surpassed coffee as the number two agricultural export. In recent years, Costa Rica has successfully attracted important investments by such companies as Intel Corporation, which employs nearly 2,000 people at its $300 million microprocessor plant; Proctor and Gamble, which employs nearly 1,000 people in its administrative center for the Western Hemisphere; and Hospira and Baxter Healthcare from the health care products industry. Manufacturing and industry's contribution to GDP overtook agriculture over the course of the 1990s, led by foreign investment in Costa Rica's free trade zone. Well over half of that investment has come from the United States. Dole and Chiquita have a large presence in the banana industry. Two-way trade exceeded U.S. $6.6 billion in 2004.

Costa Rica has oil deposits off its Atlantic Coast, but the Pacheco administration decided not to develop the deposits for environmental reasons. The country's mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall have permitted the construction of a dozen hydroelectric power plants, making it largely self-sufficient in electricity, but it is completely reliant on imports for liquid fuels. Costa Rica has the potential to become a major electricity exporter if plans for new generating plants and a regional distribution grid are realized. Mild climate and trade winds make neither heating nor cooling necessary, particularly in the highland cities and towns where some 90% of the population lives.

Costa Rica's infrastructure has suffered from a lack of maintenance and new investment. The country has an extensive road system of more than 30,000 kilometers, although much of it is in disrepair. Most parts of the country are accessible by road. Costa Rica has sought to widen its economic and trade ties, both within and out-side the region. Costa Rica signed a bilateral trade agreement with Mexico in 1994, which was later amended to cover a wider range of products. Costa Rica joined other Central American countries, plus the Dominican Republic, in establishing a Trade and Investment Council with the United States in March 1998. Costa Rica has signed trade agreements with Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and is negotiating trade agreements with Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. Costa Rica concluded negotiations with the U.S. to participate in the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (U.S.CAFTA) in January 2004. CAFTA is expected to bring about the partial opening of the state telecommunications monopoly and a substantial opening of the state-run insurance sector. While CAFTA has been ratified by the U.S. and four other countries, the president of Costa Rica has yet to send it to the Costa Rican legislature so that the debate can begin. Costa Rica is an active participant in the negotiation of the hemispheric Free Trade Area of the Americas as well as a member of the Cairns Group, which is pursuing global agricultural trade liberalization within the World Trade Organization.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Costa Rica is an active member of the international community and, in 1993, proclaimed its permanent neutrality. Its record on the environment, human rights, and advocacy of peaceful settlement of disputes give it a weight in world affairs far beyond its size. The country lobbied aggressively for the establishment of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and became the first nation to recognize the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Human Rights Court, based in San Jose.

During the tumultuous 1980s, then President Oscar Arias authored a regional peace plan in 1987 that served as the basis for the Esquipulas Peace Agreement. Arias' efforts earned him the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize. Subsequent agreements, supported by the United States, led to the Nicaraguan election of 1990 and the end of civil war in Nicaragua. Costa Rica also hosted several rounds of negotiations between the Salvadoran Government and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), aiding El Salvador's efforts to emerge from civil war and culminating in that country's 1994 free and fair elections. Costa Rica has been a strong proponent of regional arms limitation agreements.

U.S.-COSTA RICAN RELATIONS

The United States and Costa Rica have a history of close and friendly relations based on respect for democratic government, human freedoms, free trade, and other shared values. The country consistently supports the U.S. in international fora, especially in the areas of democracy and human rights. Costa Rica co-sponsored the Resolution on Cuba at the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. Law enforcement cooperation, particularly efforts to stem the flow of illegal drugs to the U.S., has been exemplary.

The United States is Costa Rica's most important trading partner. The U.S. accounts for over half of Costa Rica's exports, imports, and tourism, and more than two-thirds of its foreign investment. The two countries share growing concerns for the environment and want to preserve Costa Rica's important tropical resources and prevent environmental degradation.

The United States responded to Costa Rica's economic needs in the 1980s with significant economic and development assistance programs. Through provision of more than $1.1 billion in assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Costa Rican efforts to stabilize its economy and broaden and accelerate economic growth through policy reforms and trade liberalization. Assistance initiatives in the 1990s concentrated on democratic policies, modernizing the administration of justice, and sustainable development.

For decades, Peace Corps Volunteers have provided technical assistance in the areas of environmental education, natural resources, management, small business development, basic business education, urban youth, and community education. USAID completed a $9 million project in 2000-01 to support refugees of Hurricane Mitch residing in Costa Rica.

Upwards of 20,000 private American citizens, including many retirees, reside in the country and more than 600,000 American citizens visit Costa Rica annually. There have been some vexing issues in the U.S.-Costa Rican relationship, principal among them longstanding expropriation and other U.S. citizen investment disputes, which have hurt Costa Rica's investment climate and produced bilateral tensions. Land invasions from organized squatter groups who target foreign landowners also have occurred, and some have turned violent. The U.S. Government has made clear to Costa Rica its concern that Costa Rican inattention to these issues has left U.S. citizens vulnerable to harm and loss of their property.

The United States and Costa Rica signed the bilateral Maritime Counter-Drug Agreement, the first of its kind in Central America, which entered into force in late 1999. The agreement permits bilateral cooperation on stopping drug trafficking through Costa Rican waters. The agreement has resulted in a growing number of narcotics seizures, illegal fishing cases, and search-and-rescue missions.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

SAN JOSE (E) Address: Pavas, San Jose; APO/FPO: Unit 2501 APO AA34020; Phone: (506) 519-2000; Fax: (506) 519-2305; Workweek: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Website: usembassy.or.cr

Other Contact Information

U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Information Center International Trade Administration
14th and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20320
Tel: 800-USA-TRADE
www.ita.doc.gov

Costa Rican American Chamber of Commerce
c/o Aerocasillas
P.O. Box 025216, Dept 1576
Miami, Florida 33102-5216
Tel: 506-22-0-22-00
Fax: 506-22-0-23-00
Email: [email protected]

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

May 26, 2005

Country Description:

Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition. Tourist facilities are extensive and generally adequate. The capital is San Jose. English is a second language for many Costa Ricans.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

On December 31, 2005, the U.S. Government will begin to phase in new passport requirements for U.S. citizens traveling in the Western Hemisphere. By December 31, 2007, all U.S. citizens will be expected to depart and enter the United States on a valid passport or other authorized document establishing identity and U.S. citizenship. The Department of State strongly encourages travelers to obtain passports well in advance of any planned travel. Routine passport applications by mail take up to six weeks to be issued. For further information, go to the State Department's Consular website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

For entry into the country, Costa Rican authorities require that U.S. citizens present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival.

Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizens to stay up to ninety days; to stay legally beyond the period granted, travelers will need to submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, such as academic, employment, or medical grounds, and extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

In a modification to a legal requirement that foreigners carry their passports on their persons at all times, Costa Rican migration authorities have stated that U.S. citizens may carry simply photocopies of the passport data page and of the Costa Rican entry stamp on their persons, and leave the original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. (U.S. citizens must still, however, present their passports for entry into and exit from Costa Rica.) Due to the high incidence of theft of passports, travelers who do carry their passports on them are urged to place them securely in an inside pocket, and to keep a copy of the passport data page in a separate place to facilitate the issuance of an emergency replacement passport.

There is a departure tax for short-term visitors. Tourists who stay over ninety days may experience some delay at the airport. Persons who have overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures for minors at entry and exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of the child's relationship to the accompanying parents and, if one of the parents is not traveling with the child, permission from the non-traveling parent for the child's travel. Having such documentation on hand may facilitate entry and departure.

Dual U.S./Costa Rican citizens are required by Costa Rican authorities to comply with entry and exit laws that pertain to Costa Rican citizens. This means that dual citizen children (children who hold both U.S. and Costa Rican citizenship), who might normally travel on U.S. passports, will be required to comply with entry and exit requirements applicable to Costa Rican children. Some American parents may not be aware that their child acquired Costa Rican citizenship through birth in Costa Rica or because the other parent is Costa Rican. American parents of minors who may have obtained Costa Rican citizenship through birth in Costa Rica or to a Costa Rican parent should be aware that these children may only depart Costa Rica upon presentation of an exit permit issued by the Costa Rican immigration office. This office may be closed for several weeks during holiday periods. Parents of dual citizen children are advised to consult with the Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. about entry and exit requirements before travel to Costa Rica. For general information about dual nationality, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

The most authoritative and up-to-date information on Costa Rican entry and exit requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2112 "S" Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-6628, fax (202) 234-6950, or from a Costa Rican consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Francisco, or Tampa. The Embassy of Costa Rica also maintains a web site: http://www.costarica-embassy.org/, as does the Costa Rican immigration agency: http://www.migracion.go.cr.

Safety and Security:

On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, currents are swift and dangerous, and there are no lifeguards or signs warning of dangerous beaches. Several American citizens drown in Costa Rica each year.

Adventure tourism is increasingly popular in Costa Rica, and many companies provide white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jungle canopy tours, deep sea diving, and other out-door attractions. In recent years, several Americans have died on Costa Rica's flood-swollen rivers in white-water rafting accidents. Others have died trying to reach the mouths of active volcanoes after being assured by tour guides that this dangerous activity is safe. Americans are urged to use caution in selecting adventure tourism companies, and are advised to avoid small, "cut-rate" companies that do not have the track record of more established companies. The government of Costa Rica has passed legislation to regulate and monitor the safety of adventure tourism companies; enforcement of these laws is overseen by the Ministry of Health. To be granted official operating permits, registered tourism companies must meet safety standards and have insurance coverage.

Demonstrations or strikes, related to labor disputes or other local issues, occur occasionally in Costa Rica. Past demonstrations have resulted in port closures, roadblocks, and sporadic gasoline shortages. These protests have not targeted U.S. citizens or U.S. interests, and are typically non-violent. Travelers are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and to keep informed by following the local news and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides. Additional information about demonstrations may be obtained from the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy, or on the Embassy website.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements may be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime:

Crime is increasing and tourists are frequent victims. Criminals usually operate in small groups. While most crimes are non-violent, criminals, including juveniles, have shown a greater tendency in recent years to use violence and to carry handguns or shoulder weapons. All criminals should be considered armed with firearms or knives. Criminals, if challenged or threatened, will quickly use their weapons. U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise the same level of caution that they would in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world, and to be aware that the same types of crime found elsewhere are also found here, whether of a violent nature (e.g., robbery) or furtive (e.g., identity theft). Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities and do not act according to U.S. standards, especially outside of San Jose.

Americans should avoid areas with high concentrations of bars and nightclubs, especially at night, and should also steer clear of deserted properties or undeveloped land. For safety reasons, the Embassy does not place its official visitors in hotels in the city center, but instead puts them at the larger hotels in the outlying suburbs. Americans should walk or exercise with a companion, and should bear in mind that crowded tourist attractions and resort areas popular with foreign tourists are also common venues for criminal activities. Travelers should avoid responding in kind to verbal harassment, and should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry or expensive photo-graphic equipment.

In recent years, several Americans have been murdered in Costa Rica in urban, rural and resort locations. U.S. citizens have been victims of sexual assaults both in cities and in rural areas. In some of these cases, the victim has known the assailant. There have been several sexual assaults by taxi drivers. Travelers should be careful to use licensed taxis, which are red and have medallions (yellow triangles containing numbers) painted on the side. Licensed taxis at the airport are painted orange, rather than red. All taxis should have working door handles, locks, meters (called "marias"), and seatbelts. Passengers are required by law to wear seat belts. Passengers should not ride in the front seat with the driver. If the taxi meter is not working, a price should be agreed upon before the trip begins. When traveling by bus, avoid putting bags or other personal belongings in the storage bins. Thieves will take property from the bins when the bus makes its periodic stops. A good rule to follow is always to have your belongings in your line of sight or in your possession at all times.

There have been reports that unsuspecting patrons of bars and nightclubs have been drugged and later assaulted or robbed. Americans should always be aware of their surroundings, and should not consume food or drinks they have left untended. Americans may find it safer to seek entertainment in groups to help avoid being targeted, especially in urban areas.

Although unusual, there have been a number of kidnappings reported over the past several years, including the kidnappings of Americans and other foreigners. Some of these cases have been so-called "express kidnappings," in which victims are held for several hours as the kidnappers transport them to various automated bank teller machines in an effort to take as much money as possible from the victims' bank accounts. Carjackings have also increased, and motorists have been confronted at gunpoint while stopped at traffic lights or upon arrival at their homes. Late model sports utility vehicles and high-end car models are popular with carjackers. One method of initiating kidnappings and carjackings is to bump the victim's car from behind; the unsuspecting victim stops, believing he or she has been involved in a minor car accident, and is taken hostage. Americans should remain vigilant to these types of incidents, and use caution if bumped from behind on an isolated stretch of road.

Another common ploy by thieves involves the surreptitious puncturing of tires of rental cars, often near restaurants, tourist attractions, airports, or close to the car rental agencies themselves. When the travelers pull over, "good Samaritans" quickly appear to change the tireand just as quickly remove valuables from the car, sometimes brandishing weapons. Drivers with flat tires are advised to drive, if at all possible, to the nearest service station or other public area, and change the tire themselves, watching their valuables at all times. Travelers can reduce their risk by keeping valuables out of sight, by not wearing jewelry, and by traveling in groups. Travelers should also minimize travel after dark. Before renting a car, travelers should ask the rental company their specific policy regarding damage to a tire or wheel rim due to driving on a flat tire. Some rental car companies may cover the costs of the damaged tire and wheel rim if the occupants feared for their safety and drove to the nearest public area to change the flat tire.

Travelers should purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance when renting vehicles. One should park in secured lots whenever possible, and should never leave valuables in the vehicle. The U.S. Embassy receives reports daily of valuables, identity documents, and other items stolen from locked vehicles. In many of these cases, the stolen items were hidden under the seat, in the glove compartment, or secured in the trunk. Thefts from parked cars commonly occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, in the airport and bus station parking lots, and at national parks and other tourist attractions.

Money changers on the street have been known to pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit card fraud (either using stolen credit cards or the account number alone following copying of the number) is on the rise. Travelers should retain all their credit card receipts and check their accounts regularly to help prevent unauthorized use of their credit cards. Avoid using debit cards for point-of-sale purchases, as a skimmed number can be used to clean out an account.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. If the police will not accept the report, as sometimes happens when only the passport is stolen, the traveler should in any case report the theft to the U.S. Embassy to help avoid use by criminals or other identity theft.

U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote trouble-free travel. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Assistance to Victims of Crime:

Persons, who are victims of crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can help crime victims find appropriate medical care and contact family members or friends. They can also explain how to transfer funds from the U.S. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help a victim of crime to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. Crimes that are no longer in progress should be reported in person at the nearest police station. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must be left where they are, and not moved out of the way. Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved. Although sometimes slow to respond after notification, these officials will come to the accident scene.

Medical Facilities:

Medical care in San Jose is adequate, but may be more limited in areas outside of San Jose. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. A list of local doctors and medical facilities can be found at the website of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, at http://usembassy.or.cr. An ambulance may be summoned by calling 911. The best equipped ambulances are called "unaided avanzada."

Medical Insurance:

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuation.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service, and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with an insurer prior to a trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether the traveler is reimbursed later for expenses incurred. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

Other Health Information:

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. Incidents of dengue fever and malaria are rising in Costa Rica. For information about this and about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions:

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. Even the most experienced drivers are challenged by the disregard for traffic laws and driving safety. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored; turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way. Although improving, roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals may use the main roads. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility because of heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. In the rainy season, landslides are common, especially on the highway between San Jose and the Caribbean city of Limon. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and some out-of-the-way destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access roads.

Travelers should avoid responding in kind to provocative driving behavior or road-rage. In case of an accident, travelers are advised to remain in their car until police arrive. Travelers are further advised to keep all doors locked and to drive to a well-populated area before stopping to change a flat tire.

Costa Rican law requires that drivers and passengers wear seatbelts in all cars, including taxis, and police are authorized to issue tickets. Traffic enforcement in Costa Rica is the responsibility of the Transit Police ("Transitos"), who are distinguished by a light blue uniform shirt and dark blue trousers. They use light blue cars or motorcycles equipped with blue lights. They often wave vehicles to the side of the road for inspection. Drivers are commonly asked to produce a driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance information. Third-party coverage is mandatory in Costa Rica. Infractions will result in the issuance of a summons. Fines are not supposed to be collected on the spot, although reports of officers attempting to collect money are common. Persons involved in vehicular accidents are advised not to move their vehicle until instructed to do so by a Transit Officer, who will respond to the scene together with a representative of the National Insurance Company (known by its local acronym, INS.) Accidents may be reported by dialing 911.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Costa Rica's civil aviation authority as Category 1 -in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

Since 2000, several American citizens have died in domestic air accidents. Local investigations have judged pilot error to be the cause in the majority of the accidents. Private air taxi services have been involved in a disproportionate number of crashes. The Government of Costa Rica's civil aviation authority has responded by dedicating additional resources to the oversight of the pilots, procedures, and aircraft of air taxi operators.

Customs Regulations:

Costa Rica customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Costa Rica of items such as cars, household effects, and merchandise. These regulations can be quite complicated and include the application of local tax laws. In addition, Costa Rican customs officials often require documentation that has been certified by the Costa Rican Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin. This is especially true for automobiles that are to be imported. The Government of Costa Rica has instituted strict emissions requirements for these cars and will not release them without an emissions statement from the country of origin. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington or one of Costa Rica's Consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements before shipping any items. Their web-site is located at http://www.costarica-embassy.org.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2005/2005_Special_301/Section_Index.html.

Criminal Penalties:

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States, and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Costa Rican law, even unknowingly, may be arrested, imprisoned, fined and/or expelled.

Soliciting the services of a minor for sexual purposes is illegal in Costa Rica, and is punishable by imprisonment. The Costa Rican government has established an aggressive program to discourage sexual tourism and to punish severely those who engage in sexual activity with minors. Several U.S. citizens are serving long sentences in Costa Rica following conviction of crimes related to sexual activity with minors. These acts are also illegal under U.S. law, even if the act takes place abroad.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Costa Rica are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. In addition to the criminal penalties they may face, tourists who purchase or sell illegal drugs or use the services of prostitutes greatly increase their risk of personal harm. Several Americans have died in Costa Rica in recent years in incidents related to drug use or patronage of prostitutes.

Under Costa Rican law, suspects in criminal cases may be held in jail until the investigation is completed and the prosecutor is ready to proceed to trial. This pretrial detention can last two years, and in some cases, longer.

Borders:

There have been disagreements regarding navigational rights in the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border area. Nicaragua and Costa Rica signed a three-year agreement in September of 2002 to defer presenting these issues before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution. Meanwhile, the governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica have agreed to work towards an amicable solution and to jointly fund community development projects in the border area.

Land Ownership, Expropriations, Squatters, Shoreline Property:

U.S. citizens are urged to use caution when making real estate purchases, and should consult reputable legal counsel and investigate thoroughly all aspects before entering into a contract.

Irregular Land Registrations:

Due to irregular enforcement of property laws, investors should exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. There is a long history of investment and real estate scams and frauds perpetrated against U.S. citizens and other international visitors. There have been numerous instances of duly registered properties reverting to previously unknown owners who have shown they possess clear title and parallel registration.

Expropriations:

A few cases remain in which U.S. citizens have yet to be compensated for land expropriated by the government in the 1970s or 1980s. Unexecuted expropriation claims cloud title in other cases. However, changes to Costa Rican law in 1995 place more restrictions on the government's ability to expropriate land and require compensation prior to expropriation. The new law also provides for arbitration in the event of a dispute.

Squatters:

Organized squatter groups have on occasion invaded properties in various parts of the country. These squatter groups, often supported by politically active persons and non-governmental organizations, take advantage of legal provisions that allow people without land to gain title to unused agricultural property. This phenomenon is particularly common in rural areas, where local courts show considerable sympathy for the squatters. Victims of squatters have reported threats of violence, harassment, or actual violence.

Restrictions on Shoreline Property:

The Maritime Terrestrial Zone Law governs the use and ownership of most land up to 200 meters from the waterfront (mean high tide level) on both coasts of Costa Rica, including estuaries and river mouths. The first 50 meters from the waterfront is public land and normally may not be developed. The next 150 meters can be privately developed and occupied under five-to-twenty year concessions from the local municipality, provided the land has been zoned for the intended use. Strict residency requirements apply to foreigners who seek concessions.

Investments and Loans:

Persons planning to make investments in Costa Rica are advised to exercise the same caution they would before making investments in the U.S., including consulting their investment advisor and tax accountant. Several U.S. citizens have lost appreciable amounts of money in local investment or lending schemes that "sounded too good to be true." Some of these are believed to have been "Ponzi" schemes with few or no assets behind the "investment" or "loan." Persons offered an investment opportunity in Costa Rica promising interest above that generally available may wish to check with the Costa Rican government's Super-intendencia General de Valores, which lists investment opportunities that are legally registered and authorized to offer investments. That office can be contacted at (506) 243-4700 or http://www.sugeval.fi.cr

Lottery and Sweepstake Fraud Schemes:

The Embassy has received several complaints from U.S. citizens in the United States who said they were victims of sweepstake or lottery fraud originating in Costa Rica. In these schemes, the victims are contacted by criminals (who may even claim to be employees of the U.S. Embassy) advising them that they have won a lottery or sweepstake, but that they must provide personal funds to secure the winnings or to pay local taxes or administrative costs.

Disaster Preparedness:

Costa Rica is located in an earthquake, hurricane and volcanic zone. Costa Rica is also a country of microclimates and travelers to Costa Rica should check the projected rainfall amounts for the area in Costa Rica they intend to visit. Serious flooding occurs annually on the Caribbean side near the port city of Limon, but flooding could occur in other parts of Costa Rica as well, depending on the time of year and projected rainfall in that region. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.

Children's Issues:

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to the Department of State's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Registration/Embassy Location:

The Department of State invites American citizens to register their travel on the Internet-Based Registration System (IBRS) on line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/or http://travel.state.gov. IBRS provides a convenient means for American citizens traveling or residing overseas to provide important contact data, useful in the event of emergencies, and to instantly receive up-to-the-minute travel and safety information for the regions or countries on their travel itineraries, on the website or through optional email lists. Even American citizens who have registered previously but did not do it using the IBRS online program may now wish to register online to update their records. U.S. citizens may also register in person at the Embassy, which is located in Pavas, San Jose, and may be reached at (506) 519-2000; the extension for the Consular Section is 2453. The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays. For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer.

International Adoption

July 2005

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family

Disclaimer:

The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and our current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

Please Note:

Costa Rica's adoption procedures are in flux at the moment, due to a moratorium on some international adoptions processed through the child welfare office, and the existence of a private channel to international adoption that may soon be abolished: The Costa Rican National Council on Adoptions has instituted a moratorium on any adoptions through its offices to countries that have not fully implemented the Hague Adoption Convention. At this time, the United States has not fully implemented the Convention, and this moratorium is therefore in effect for the United States, prohibiting the adoption through government offices of Costa Rican children by U.S. citizens who do not reside in Costa Rica. (U.S. citizens who have legal residence in Costa Rica, as well as persons who have both U.S. and Costa Rican citizenship, are still permitted to adopt Costa Rican children through government offices.) Those adoption cases that were already in the Costa Rican governmental adjudication process at the time the moratorium took effect have been permitted to proceed, but no new cases are being accepted.

For the duration of this moratorium, the following information about adoption of Costa Rican children through Costa Rican government offices pertains to U.S. citizens who have legal residence in Costa Rica, or who hold both U.S. and Costa Rican citizenship.

Throughout this document, the acronym USCIS refers to the Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the acronym PANI refers to the Costa Rican child welfare authority, the Patronato Nacional de la Infancia.

Patterns of Immigration of Adopted Orphans to the U.S.:

Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans

Fiscal Year: Number of Immigrant Visas Issued
FY 2004: 10
FY 2003: 3
FY 2002: 4
FY 2001: 9
FY 2000: 17

Adoption Authority in Costa Rica:

The Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI), the Costa Rican child welfare authority, oversees adoptions of abandoned orphans who are in public institutions, and plays a consultative role in private adoptions, as well. PANI may be contacted as follows:

Patronato Nacional de La Infancia
P.O. Box 5000
San Jose, Costa Rica
phone: (506) 233-0005 or
(506) 222-0443
fax: (506) 233-2414
e-mail: [email protected]

PANI contacts a prospective adoptive family when they identify a child for adoption, even calling collect if authorized by the family. Pictures and related information about the child will be sent by airmail. Note that there is a backlog in pending cases.

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents:

Costa Rican law permits adoption by married and single persons. A foreign couple must have been married for at least five years in order to be able to adopt a child from Costa Rica. Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 and under 60 years of age.

Residential Requirements:

Costa Rican law requires that, at the initial stage of the adoption process, both prospective adoptive parents must be in Costa Rica to sign the official consent documents before the Costa Rican court. In the case of adoption by a single parent, that parent must be present to sign the documents. At least 15 days should be allowed for this initial trip. At the end of the process, one of the adoptive parents, or the sole parent if it is a single parent adoption, must be in Costa Rica to finish the paperwork for the adoption, obtain a travel document for the child, and complete immigration procedures at the U.S. Embassy. Since the length of time for the entire adoption process may vary (it can take as long as four months to a year), many prospective adoptive parents make two trips to Costa Rica; others prefer to remain in Costa Rica for the entire process.

While in Costa Rica, the adopting parents need to take the following steps to satisfy adoption requirements:

• Meet the child;
• Give formal consent for the adoption at the court;
• Obtain a decree of abandonment;
• Obtain a certified copy of the final adoption decree from the court;
• Register the adoption at the local Civil Registry;
• Obtain a birth certificate from the Civil Registry with the new name of the child;
• Obtain PANI authorization for the child to leave the country;
• Obtain a passport for the child.

Time Frame:

An adoption in Costa Rica generally takes from four to twelve months from the time a decree of abandonment has been issued or an official request for adoption of a specific child is placed before the court.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys:

At the current time, adoptions in Costa Rica can be arranged through the government agency, PANI, or through private channels. PANI works with international adoption agencies accredited in Costa Rica to place abandoned children. In private adoptions, where children are released by their parents directly to a private attorney, PANI is consulted and will give an opinion on the adoption, but the judge is not bound to act in accordance with that opinion. There have been allegations of fraud in connection with private adoptions, and the Costa Rican National Council on Adoptions strongly discourages them.

Locating and adopting children abroad can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. The U.S. Embassy has found that parents who employ the services of an adoption agency accredited in Costa Rica, or who work directly with PANI, have had an advantage in the smooth processing of adoption applications.

Adoption Fees in Costa Rica:

Official fees for an adoption are set at a minimum of $250.00, which represents the total court costs when an adoption is processed through PANI. Payments to parents or guardians are illegal under Costa Rican law and could be subject to investigation and possible prosecution. The fees generally charged in private adoptions can be as high as $15,000. It is useful for American adoptive parents to notify the Embassy and the Department of State of exorbitant fees for adoptions.

Adoption Procedures:

Costa Rican adoption law provides for two types of adoptions: those arranged through PANI, and private adoptions.

In foreign adoptions overseen by PANI, current policy prohibits adoption of children under four years of age, except in cases in which the child is part of a family group, or is difficult to place.

In private adoptions, there is no limit on the age of the children. A child is released to a private attorney, who then arranges the adoption. The court reviews the qualifications of the adoptive parents, with PANI playing a consultative role. Virtually all complaints and allegations of adoption fraud in Costa Rica focus on private adoptions.

Foreigners must complete the adoption process in Costa Rica and the adoption must be formally registered in the civil registry before permission is given for the child to leave the country. Because of Costa Rican concerns about child smuggling and the need for follow-up in the adoption process, permission is rarely granted for a child to leave Costa Rica in the custody of an prospective adoptive parent for the purpose of being finally adopted in another country.

Adopted children do not need to be orphans under Costa Rican law. They must, however, be abandoned or irrevocably surrendered for adoption. Abandoned children may be living in a government facility, be lodged in a private orphanage or foster home or be placed in the custody of a relative or friend. Children may also remain in the custody of a biological parent prior to formal relinquishment of custody before a judge. (Important: see requirements of U.S. immigration law regarding the definition of an orphan for U.S. visa purposes; a child who does not meet the U.S. legal definition will not be permitted to immigrate to the U.S. even if Costa Rica permits the adoption to take place, and even if the adoptive parents are U.S. citizens).

Documents Required for Adoption in Costa Rica:

The following documentation is normally required.

• Certified and authenticated copies of the adoptive parent(s)' birth certificate(s);
• Certified and authenticated copy of the adoptive parent(s)' marriage certificate (if applicable) and proof of termination of any previous marriages (certified copy of spouse's death certificate or divorce decree);
• Medical certificate(s) for adoptive parent(s) notarized by physician and authenticated;
• A certificate of good conduct/no criminal record for each adoptive parent from a local police department notarized or bearing police department seal and authenticated. An FBI report is acceptable in lieu of local police record. This is separate from the FBI check conducted by the USCIS as part of the petition process;
• Verification of employment and salary, notarized and authenticated;
• Two letters of reference notarized and authenticated;
• A certified and authenticated copy of property trusts deeds, if applicable;
• A home study prepared by an authorized and licensed social agency, certified and authenticated;
• Bank statements; notarized/certified and authenticated;
• Family letter of intent to adopt, describing child adoptive parent(s) is/are willing to adopt, notarized and authenticated;

Note:

additional documentation and procedures may be required.

Authenticating U.S. Documents to be Used Abroad:

Costa Rica is not a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, so the Legalization Convention "apostille" certificate should not be used for documents to be presented in Costa Rica. Instead, the "chain authentication method" will be used to authenticate documents for Costa Rica. Visit the State Department website at travel.state.gov for additional information about authentication procedures.

Costa Rican Embassy and Consulates in the United States:

The Costa Rican Embassy in the United States is located at 2114 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (telephone (202) 234-2945/46, fax (202) 265-4795). Costa Rican consulates are located in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Puerto Rico, San Antonio, and San Francisco. The Embassy of Costa Rica also maintains a web site at http://www.costarica-embassy.org/.

U.S. Immigration Requirements:

Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family

Applying for a Visa for Your Child at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica:

It is advisable to contact the U.S. Embassy at least three working days in advance of the adoption in order to check whether the documents are in order and to set an appointment to file the immigration petition (I-600) application and schedule the immigrant visa interview. Since the documentation required is slightly different from that required for the I-600A, adoptive parents should contact the Embassy early in the adoption process to request a packet of instructions listing the documents necessary for immigrant visa issuance. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family

U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica:

Pavas Road in the Rohrmoser section of San Jose. The telephone number of the Consular section is (506) 519-2000; ask for extension 2466. The immigrant visa unit is open for walk-in information and assistance between the hours of 12:00 to 13:30 p.m. at window "D" any Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday, or you may telephone directly Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to inquire about your visa petition and adoption case.

Additional Information:

Specific questions about adoption in Costa Rica may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. General questions regarding international adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4 th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-404-4747.