The Visa Experts
Menu

Safety and Security

The incidence of crime in Costa Rica is high and has adversely affected the traveling public.  Pickpocketing and theft remain the most common crimes perpetrated against tourists, and theft from vehicles (particularly rental vehicles) or on buses is particularly frequent.  U.S. citizens also have been the victims of violent crime, including murder, sexual assaults, robberies, and car-jackings.  Armed robberies can occur even in daylight on busy streets.  U.S. citizen tourists and residents should exercise at least the same level of caution in Costa Rica that you would in major cities or tourist areas in the United States.  Be aware of your surroundings and avoid engaging in high-risk behavior, such as excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, which can increase the vulnerability of an individual to accidents or opportunistic crime.

Demonstrations in Costa Rica generally are peaceful.  However, demonstrators in Costa Rica have been known to block traffic on roads or disrupt travel, causing inconvenience to tourists.  Visitors to Costa Rica may also be inconvenienced by infrequent work stoppages and strikes.  The Costa Rica Constitution prohibits political activity by foreigners; such actions may result in detention or deportation.  Travelers should avoid political demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Costa Rican authorities.  U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.

Beach Conditions Warning: On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, currents are swift and dangerous, and the majority of dangerous beaches have neither lifeguards nor warning signs.According to the Costa Rican Red Cross, 118 drowning incidents occurred in 2013 in Costa Rica due to treacherous rip currents.  These rip currents have swept even strong swimmers out to sea.  Visitors should carefully consider the safety of any beach before entering the water.  There are reports that beachside hotels have removed signs warning against dangerous swimming conditions for fear that they may lose business.  U.S. citizens are urged to always exercise extreme caution when swimming in the ocean and to never swim alone.  Since January 2013, 16 U.S. citizens drowned in Costa Rica.

Prior to swimming in fresh water pools, tourists are advised to check with locals and be aware of safety signs concerning the presence of amoebas.  In July 2014, an eleven year old girl died after contracting an amoeba while swimming in a hot water spring.

There are many scenic areas in Costa Rica where a small incident may become life threatening due to the rugged terrain or remote location.  In recent years, foreign visitors, including two U.S. citizens, have disappeared while hiking or traveling in Costa Rica’s national parks.  The Costa Rican Government requires all visitors to national parks to register their entry with the National Park Service, obtain a permit to enter the park, and be accompanied by authorized guides. Visitors are urged to comply with these requirements.  Further, life-threatening fauna such as jaguars, pumas, wild pigs and poisonous snakes are also common in some of these parks, especially in the densely wooded areas.  Extreme caution, whether swimming, hiking, or driving, is advised.  Adventure tourism is popular in Costa Rica, and many companies offer white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jungle canopy tours, SCUBA diving, and other outdoor activities.  U.S. citizens are urged to use caution in selecting adventure tourism companies. 

Although the Costa Rican government regulates most of these companies and local regulations require they meet certain safety standards and have insurance coverage, there is no uniform, effective enforcement of these regulations.  Even where strictly enforced, safety measures may not be as stringent or as comprehensive as those in the United States.  Visitors have been injured and killed due to improper or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, quads, and other recreational equipment.  You should rent equipment only from reputable operators. You should use all appropriate safety gear and insist on sufficient training before using the equipment.  In addition, travelers to remote or isolated scenic venues should be aware that they may be some distance from appropriate medical services, law enforcement, ATMs, or consular assistance in an emergency.  The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) website has contact information for licensed tour operators and travel agencies.

To stay connected:

CRIME: Crime is a significant concern for Costa Ricans and visitors alike, and the U.S. Embassy reports a steady increase in crime.  While the vast majority of foreign visitors do not become victims of crime, all are potential targets for criminals.

Criminals usually operate in small groups, but may also operate alone.  The most common crime perpetrated against tourists is theft, with thieves primarily looking for cash, jewelry, credit cards, electronic items, and passports.  Serious crimes, although less frequent, do occur.  At least six U.S. citizens were murdered in Costa Rica since January 2013.  Daytime robberies in public places occur, and thieves are often armed and may resort to violence.  Since January 2013, 15 U.S. citizens have reported to the U.S. Embassy that they were sexually assaulted, with at least five victims reporting that they were given date rape drugs.  While the Costa Rican police claim to investigate all reported cases of sexual assault, there have been no convictions in which U.S. citizens were victims since January 2013.

While crimes occur throughout Costa Rica, they are more prevalent at certain times and in certain areas.  The downtown area of San Jose for example, is a prime tourist destination during daylight hours.  You are strongly encouraged not to travel to the area after dark.  U.S. government officials are not permitted to stay in hotels in that area due to safety concerns.  U.S. Embassy San Jose has received reports of a particularly high number of violent assaults and robberies in the Limon Caribbean costal region (from Tortuguero through Limon to Puerto Viejo), often involving invasions of rental homes and eco lodges, as well as attacks taking place on isolated roads and trails.  If you plan to visit an unfamiliar area, you should consult with a trustworthy local (a concierge, a tour guide, etc.) regarding precautions or concerns.

Thieves often work in groups to set up a victim.  A prevalent scam involves the surreptitious puncturing of tires of rental cars, often near restaurants, tourist attractions, airports, or close to the car rental agencies themselves.  When the travelers pull over, "good Samaritans" quickly appear to help change the tire - and just as quickly remove valuables from the car, sometimes brandishing weapons.  Drivers with flat tires are advised to drive, if at all possible, to the nearest service station or other public area and change the tire themselves, watching valuables at all times.  Another common scam involves one person dropping change in a crowded area, such as on a bus.  When the victim tries to assist, a wallet or other item is taken.  Along the Circunvalacion in Hatillo, when vehicles stop at traffic lights, crooks have been known to break a side window and try to steal whatever is in reach, with main targets being women driving alone.

Take proactive steps to avoid becoming a crime victim.  Do not walk, hike or exercise alone, and bear in mind that crowded tourist attractions and resort areas popular with foreign tourists are common venues for criminal activity.  Ignore any verbal harassment, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry, or expensive photographic equipment.  Do not use smartphones and tablets on the streets.  You should be particularly cautious of walking alone at night and should not leave bars or restaurants with strangers.  Additionally, do not seek entertainment in groups of people you do not know.  Do not consume food or drinks you have left unattended, or accept food or drinks from "friendly" people.  Costa Rican immigration authorities conduct routine immigration checks at locations such as bars in downtown San Jose and beach communities.  U.S. citizens questioned during these checks who have only a copy of their passport may be asked to provide the original passport with appropriate stamps.  Be sure you are certain of the location of your passport and will have ready access to it.

Travelers renting vehicles should purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance, park in secure lots whenever possible, and never leave valuables in their vehicles. 

Please note that there are unlicensed “parking attendants” that will occasionally assist you in parking; however, parking where they indicate does not always guarantee that it is a legal parking spot.  Drivers should be cautious of where they park their cars.  The U.S. Embassy receives several reports daily of valuables, identity documents, and other items stolen from locked vehicles, primarily rental cars.  Thefts from parked cars can occur nearly anywhere.  Thefts most commonly occur at beaches, airport, restaurants, hotels, national parks, and other tourist attractions.

U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel on city buses due to safety concerns and must use caution when traveling on any other buses.  If you choose to travel by bus, you are encouraged to keep your bag with valuables and identification on your lap.  Personal items are frequently stolen from buses.  Do not store your bags or other personal belongings in the storage bins, as theft from overhead bins is common.  You should keep your belongings within your sight at all times and your valuables in your possession.  If you choose to help another passenger stow their belongings, you should be especially cautious that your own belongings are not being stolen while you are doing so.

Travelers should use only licensed taxis, which are typically red with medallions (yellow triangles containing numbers) painted on the side.  Licensed taxis at the airport are painted orange.  All licensed taxis should have working door handles, locks, seatbelts and meters (called "marias").  Passengers are encouraged to use seatbelts.

Do not buy counterfeit goods, even if they are widely available.  Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you are also breaking local law. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME:  Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities and different standards than U.S. law enforcement.  If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with appropriate police authorities, and with your consent, contact family members or friends on your behalf.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

You may report any crime to the OIJ police (800.800.3000) and also to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at 2519-2000, from the U.S.: 011-506-2519-2000, or by email to: acssanjose@state.gov.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the U.S. Embassy. This allows the Embassy to make the necessary notifications that may help catch criminals, including terrorists, who may try to buy or use the passport. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency service in the United States is also “911” in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, there are various types of police. Those in uniform are La Fuerza Pública. Their role is crime prevention.  Plainclothes police, known locally as “OIJ,” are responsible for taking police reports and conducting investigations. There are also tourist and traffic police.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including information on possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Safety and Security Flag

Population: 5,094,118


Total Land Area: 51,060 km2


Population/km2: 99.77