Vacationers can really feel moderately protected in Costa Rica. The International Peace Index lists it because the most secure vacation spot in Latin America.
Though Costa Rica is among the many most secure locations in Central America to go to, it’s best to nonetheless have to train warning. The first difficulty that faces vacationers is petty theft, so it’s best to at all times pay attention to your environment and possessions.Â
LATEST NEWS from COSTA RICA:
February 5, 2025: Journey Alert Close to Juan SantamarÃa Worldwide Airport
The U.S. Embassy in San Jose warned vacationers of current safety incidents close to Juan SantamarÃa Worldwide Airport (SJO). On a typical path to Santa Ana, assailants close to the DHL warehouse have thrown stones at passing autos to power them to cease.
- In a single case, a driver’s windshield and roof had been broken, however they escaped.
- In one other, the motive force stopped and was robbed, with their automotive stolen.
Vacationers are suggested to make use of warning, contemplate alternate routes, and keep away from stopping if attacked. If confronted, hold transferring and name 911 when protected.
December 10: U.S. Points Journey Advisory Replace for COSTA RICA forward of 2025 Season
On December 10, the U.S. Division of State issued an up to date Stage 2 Journey Advisory for Costa Rica, advising vacationers to train elevated warning as a consequence of crime. Whereas petty crime is frequent, violent incidents resembling armed theft, murder, and sexual assault additionally happen and may have an effect on vacationers.
Suggestions for Vacationers:
- Keep Vigilant: Concentrate on your environment, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
- Keep away from Isolation: Chorus from strolling alone on poorly lit seashores or streets.
- Comply Throughout Robberies: Don’t resist if confronted; prioritize private security.
- Restrict Shows of Wealth: Keep away from sporting costly watches or jewellery which will entice consideration.
- Enroll in STEP: Join the Sensible Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to obtain well timed alerts and help authorities in finding you throughout emergencies.
Areas to Keep away from
Quepos, the gateway city instantly exterior Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is changing into harmful. Train warning there. The identical is true for Tamarindo and Jaco due to felony actions (principally robberies) aimed toward vacationers.
The Desamparados neighborhood in San Rafael, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, a rural space bordering Nicaragua, Matina, a small rural neighborhood alongside the Matina River in Limón province, Limón, Liberia, PococÃ, Talamanca, and the district of Barranca, on the Pacific coast within the province of Puntarenas, are extra high-risk areas with violent crime charges significantly larger than the nationwide common.
Official Journey Advisories
U.S. Journey Advisory
The U.S. State Division urges American nationals to train elevated warning in Costa Rica as a consequence of crime.
Whereas violent crime, resembling armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults, is uncommon in Costa Rica, minor crime is the principle risk to vacationers visiting the nation. In tourist-heavy areas, the Costa Rican authorities has strengthened safety assets.
Canada Journey Advisory
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are examples of frequent petty crimes. As a result of they’re considered rich, vacationers are steadily the targets of housebreaking.
Property-related crimes are additionally frequent, together with automotive theft, burglary, and car theft. Moreover, passport theft is a quite common downside that will get worse from November to Might and from July to August, when traveler circulation is at its highest.
Costa Rica Crime Statistics
(Information Supply: Numbeo)
| Stage of crime | 60.77 | Excessive |
| Crime improve over previous 5 years | 74.01 | Excessive |
| Probabilities of residence damaged and issues stolen | 52.12 | Average |
| Probabilities of being mugged or robbed | 59.29 | Average |
| Probabilities of being insulted | 31.79 | Low |
| Probabilities of being topic to a bodily assault due to your pores and skin coloration, ethnic origin, gender or faith | 17.13 | Very Low |
| Violent crimes resembling assault and armed theft | 60.08 | Excessive |
| Corruption and bribery | 65.10 | Excessive |
