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Travelers can feel reasonably safe in Costa Rica. The Global Peace Index mentions it as the safest destination in Latin America.
Although Costa Rica is one of the safest places in Central America to visit, you still have to be careful. The primary problem with which travelers are confronted is small theft, so you must always be aware of your environment and possessions.
Latest news from Costa Rica:
February 5, 2025: Travel Alert near Juan Santamaría International Airport
The American embassy in San Jose warned Travelers of recent security incidents near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). On a common route to Santa Ana, attackers have thrown stones near the DHL warehouse for passing vehicles to force them to stop.
- In one case the windshield and the roof of a driver were damaged, but they escaped.
- In another, the driver stopped and was robbed, stolen with their car.
Travelers are advised to use caution, to consider alternative routes and to prevent them from stopping when they are attacked. If confronted, keep moving and call 911 when safe.
December 10: US expenditure Travel Advisory Update for Costa Rica prior to the 2025 season
On December 10 The US Department of Foreign Affairs has issued an updated travel advice of level 2 for Costa RicaAdvising travelers to bring more caution due to crime. Although small crime is common, violent incidents such as armed robbery, murder and sexual violence also occur and they can influence tourists.
Recommendations for travelers:
- Stay vigilant: Note your environment, especially in unknown areas.
- Avoid insulation: Don’t only get walking on poorly lit beaches or streets.
- Pay during robberies: Not if it is confronted; Give priority to personal safety.
- Limit the screenings of wealth: Do not wear expensive watches or jewelry that can attract attention.
- Register for step: Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (Step) To receive timely warnings and to help authorities find you during emergency situations.
Areas to avoid
Quepos, The Gateway Town directly outside Manuel Antonio National Park becomes dangerous. Being careful there. The same applies to Tamarindo and Jaco because of criminal activities (usually robbed) aimed at tourists.
The DESAMPARADOS district in San Rafael, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, a rural area adjacent to Nicaragua, Matina, a small river community along the Matina river in the province of Limón, Limón, Pococí, Talamanca and the district Barranca, in The Pacific coast in the province of Puntaras, Are extra risky regions with violent crime percentages considerably larger than the national average.
Official travel advice
Our travel advice
The US Department of Foreign Affairs urges American nationals Exercise increased caution In Costa Rica because of crime.
Although violent crime, such as armed robberies, murders and sexual attacks, is rare in Costa Rica, small crime is the most important threat to tourists visiting the country. In tourist areas, the Costa Rican government has strengthened safety resources.
Canada Travel advice
Pickpocketing and wallet are examples of ordinary small crimes. Because they are thought that they are rich, tourists are often the objectives of burglary.
Property-related crimes are also common, including car theft, home breaches and feed theft. Moreover, passport theft is a common problem that gets worse from November to May and from July to August, when the stream of travelers is highest.
Costa Rica Crime Statistics
(Data source: Numbeo))
| Level of crime | 60.77 | High |
| The increase in crime in the past 5 years | 74.01 | High |
| Opportunities on broken house and things stolen | 52.12 | Moderate |
| Opportunities to be robbed or robbed | 59.29 | Moderate |
| Opportunities to be offended | 31.79 | Low |
| Opportunities to be subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic descent, gender or religion | 17.13 | Very low |
| Violent crimes such as abuse and armed robbery | 60.08 | High |
| Corruption and bribery | 65.10 | High |