Is Costa Rica safe to visit? Travel Advisory 2025

Vacationers can really feel moderately protected in Costa Rica. The World Peace Index mentions it because the most secure vacation spot in Latin America.

Though Costa Rica is likely one of the most secure locations in Central America to go to, you continue to should watch out. The first downside with which vacationers are confronted is small theft, so you have to at all times concentrate on your setting and possessions.

Newest information from Costa Rica:

February 5, 2025: Journey Alert close to Juan Santamaría Worldwide Airport

The American embassy in San Jose warned Vacationers of latest safety incidents close to Juan Santamaría Worldwide Airport (SJO). On a typical path to Santa Ana, attackers have thrown stones close to the DHL warehouse for passing automobiles to power them to cease.

• In a single case the windshield and the roof of a driver have been broken, however they escaped.
• In one other, the driving force stopped and was robbed, stolen with their automobile.

Vacationers are suggested to make use of warning, to contemplate various routes and to stop them from stopping when they’re attacked. If confronted, preserve transferring and name 911 when protected.

December 10: US expenditure Journey Advisory Replace for Costa Rica previous to the 2025 season

On December 10 The US Division of Overseas Affairs has issued an up to date journey recommendation of degree 2 for Costa RicaAdvising vacationers to carry extra warning as a consequence of crime. Though small crime is widespread, violent incidents equivalent to armed theft, homicide and sexual violence additionally happen they usually can affect vacationers.

Suggestions for vacationers:

• Keep vigilant: Observe your setting, particularly in unknown areas.
• Keep away from insulation: Do not solely get strolling on poorly lit seashores or streets.
• Pay throughout robberies: Not whether it is confronted; Give precedence to non-public security.
• Restrict the screenings of wealth: Don’t put on costly watches or jewellery that may entice consideration.
• Register for step: Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (Step) To obtain well timed warnings and to assist authorities discover you throughout emergency conditions.

Areas to keep away from

Quepos, The Gateway City immediately outdoors Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park turns into harmful. Being cautious there. The identical applies to Tamarindo and Jaco due to legal actions (often robbed) geared toward vacationers.

The DESAMPARADOS district in San Rafael, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, a rural space adjoining to Nicaragua, Matina, a small river group alongside the Matina river within the province of Limón, Limón, Pococí, Talamanca and the district Barranca, in The Pacific coast within the province of Puntaras, Are further dangerous areas with violent crime percentages significantly bigger than the nationwide common.

Official journey recommendation

Our journey recommendation

The US Division of Overseas Affairs urges American nationals Exercise increased caution In Costa Rica due to crime.

Though violent crime, equivalent to armed robberies, murders and sexual assaults, is uncommon in Costa Rica, small crime is a very powerful risk to vacationers visiting the nation. In vacationer areas, the Costa Rican authorities has strengthened security assets.

Canada Travel advice

Pickpocketing and pockets are examples of strange small crimes. As a result of they’re thought that they’re wealthy, vacationers are sometimes the aims of housebreaking.

Property-related crimes are additionally widespread, together with automobile theft, house breaches and feed theft. Furthermore, passport theft is a typical downside that will get worse from November to Could and from July to August, when the stream of vacationers is highest.

Costa Rica Crime Statistics

(Knowledge supply: Numbeo))