As tourism rebounds globally in 2026, Costa Rica stays a high vacation spot for North American vacationers looking for tropical landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heat.
However as world issues about safety and political stability develop, many potential guests are questioning: Is it secure to journey to Costa Rica in 2026? Right here you will see that an in depth overview of present journey advisories, factors of curiosity and important ideas that will help you plan a secure and gratifying go to.
Basic security overview
Costa Rica has lengthy loved a popularity as one of many most secure international locations in Central America, supported by its nation steady democracy, lack of a standing militaryand a normal emphasis on peace and training.
The Global Peace Index 2025 ranked Costa Rica because the most peaceable nation in Latin Americaand the nation persistently performs properly in worldwide safety indices in comparison with its regional neighbors.
Nonetheless, like many creating international locations with a rising tourism sector, Costa Rica faces ongoing challenges property crimes, drug-related crimesAnd native violenceparticularly in areas the place legislation enforcement could also be restricted. Petty theft stays the most typical menace to vacationers, whereas violent crime – though uncommon – is extra prone to have an effect on locals or happen in particular danger zones.
Current statistics from the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Safety emphasize this the general crime charge has remained comparatively steady the previous 12 months. Nevertheless, incidents involving vacationers, particularly in seashore cities and concrete facilities, underscore the significance of situational consciousness.
In 2026, the Costa Rican Tourism Council (ICT) has stepped up efforts improve vacationer securitytogether with using specialists Vacationer police models in excessive site visitors areas reminiscent of Tamarindo, Jacó and La Fortuna. These models are skilled in multilingual assist and cultural sensitivity, with the purpose of offering each help and deterrence towards opportunistic crime.
Costa Rica additionally advantages from sturdy native assist constructions for vacationers, together with: responsive 911 emergency systemgood entry to hospitals in main cities and widespread use of English in vacationer areas.
In abstract, whereas Costa Rica is mostly secure for guests, it isn’t with out danger. If La Republica reported within the January 2026 security evaluation,
“Vacationers are unlikely to be in severe hazard in the event that they comply with primary security tips, stay conscious of their environment and keep away from high-risk neighborhoods.”
Guests who respect native customs, plan rigorously, and keep away from distant or dimly lit areas at night time are most definitely to get pleasure from a secure and rewarding journey expertise in Costa Rica this 12 months.
Official Evaluations: Journey Advisories for Canada and the USA
From January 2026each Canada and the USA have issued up to date journey advisories for Costa Rica, displaying average warning reasonably than alarm.
United States (US Division of State)
The US Division of State at present Costa Rica ranks at Level 2: Be extra carefulwhich is in step with earlier years. The advisory cites petty crime, particularly in city areas, as a main concern. Vacationers are urged to stay vigilant, particularly in San Jose and well-liked vacationer places.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in San José said in a latest press launch:
“Costa Rica stays a welcoming and secure vacation spot for many vacationers, however as with all worldwide journey, guests ought to stay alert, safe their belongings and keep away from remoted areas at night time.”
There are at present no journey restrictions in impact and the US has not issued any warnings of terrorism, political unrest or well being emergencies.
Canada (World Affairs Canada)
Canada too advises vacationers to “Be extraordinarily cautious” when visiting Costa Rica. Though there’s a low menace of terrorism, the recommendation emphasizes this petty thefts, categorical kidnappingsAnd bank card fraud concerning issues, particularly in busy public areas and areas with many vacationers.
The Canadian authorities emphasizes:
“Most visits to Costa Rica are trouble-free. Nevertheless, crime incidents do happen and vacationers are sometimes focused due to their perceived wealth.”
Each international locations advise vacationers to register their journey by authorities platforms (STEP for US Vacationers and Registration of Canadians Overseas) and talk commonly whereas overseas.