Travelers can feel reasonably safe in Costa Rica. The Global Peace Index lists it as the safest destination in Latin America.
Even though Costa Rica is among the safest places in Central America to visit, you should still need to exercise caution. The primary issue that faces travelers is petty theft, so you should always be aware of your surroundings and possessions.
LATEST NEWS from COSTA RICA:
December 10: U.S. Issues Travel Advisory Update for COSTA RICA ahead of 2025 Season
On December 10, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Level 2 Travel Advisory for Costa Rica, advising travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime. While petty crime is common, violent incidents such as armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault also occur and can affect tourists.
Recommendations for Travelers:
- Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Avoid Isolation: Refrain from walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets.
- Comply During Robberies: Do not resist if confronted; prioritize personal safety.
- Limit Displays of Wealth: Avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry that may attract attention.
- Enroll in STEP: Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and assist authorities in locating you during emergencies.
Areas to Avoid
Quepos, the gateway town immediately outside Manuel Antonio National Park is becoming dangerous. Exercise caution there. The same is true for Tamarindo and Jaco because of criminal activities (mostly robberies) aimed at tourists.
The Desamparados neighborhood in San Rafael, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, a rural area bordering Nicaragua, Matina, a small rural community along the Matina River in Limón province, Limón, Liberia, Pococí, Talamanca, and the district of Barranca, on the Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas, are additional high-risk regions with violent crime rates considerably greater than the national average.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
The U.S. State Department urges American nationals to exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.
While violent crime, such as armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults, is rare in Costa Rica, minor crime is the main threat to tourists visiting the country. In tourist-heavy areas, the Costa Rican government has strengthened security resources.
Canada Travel Advisory
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are examples of common petty crimes. Because they are thought to be wealthy, tourists are frequently the targets of burglary.
Property-related crimes are also common, including car theft, housebreaking, and vehicle theft. Additionally, passport theft is a very common problem that gets worse from November to May and from July to August, when traveler flow is at its highest.
Costa Rica Crime Statistics
(Data Source: Numbeo)
| Level of crime | 60.77 | High |
| Crime increase over past 5 years | 74.01 | High |
| Chances of home broken and things stolen | 52.12 | Moderate |
| Chances of being mugged or robbed | 59.29 | Moderate |
| Chances of being insulted | 31.79 | Low |
| Chances of being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion | 17.13 | Very Low |
| Violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 60.08 | High |
| Corruption and bribery | 65.10 | High |