When traveling around Costa Rica it is a very good idea to carry your passport.  If you do not feel comfortable enough to take it along with you, you can copy the page with your picture and the page with the stamp for proof of entrance.   This is an excellent idea as police have been setting up check points for passports to catch illegal immigrants. 

Recently, the beach town of Tamarindo was swept for illegal immigrants and weapons.  The Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), the National Police, Immigration officials, and Traffic Police searched the town for five hours, stopping cars to check people’s identification.

The search proved positive as they arrested six people, one Panamanian and five Nicaraguans who did not have identification.  They also seized three unlicensed guns, some illegal drugs, and three suspicious motorcycles. 

So if you ever want to avoid any problems, bring at least a copy of your passport.  The police try to accommodate tourists and understand the reasoning behind the copies. 

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on September 20th, 2007