Costa Rica

Most travellers have no safety problems in Costa Rica, however, crimes against tourists have increased over the past few years. There have been reports of some muggings and armed robberies occurring even in daylight hours.

To minimize safety risk, be aware and alert in surroundings, and take steps for personal safety. Be particularly cautious with belongings on buses, at transportation hubs, on beaches, and in tourist areas in general. Avoid showing signs of wealth and keep valuables out of sight to avoid being targeted. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep your belongings in sight at all times. Keep travel documents secure at all times. Passport theft is common. Theft from parked cars (including from car trunk/boot) and hotel rooms does occur.

Never leave drinks or food unattended. There have been reports of tourists being drugged and robbed.

In general, be wary of new acquaintances. Be wary of strangers offering help with situations like changing a flat tire. They usually are the cause of the flat tire and seek to distract you while their accomplice steals your possessions. Carjacking is common so keep windows up and doors locked. There have been reports of criminals causing an auto accident as a means of stopping a car to commit a robbery. If you believe an auto accident could be deliberate, consider driving until you reach a safe place to stop, i.e. a police station.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Costa Rica. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Always carry your passport with you when driving in Costa Rica as authorities may request to verify it.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Also, exercise caution when swimming as currents may be strong and unpredictable Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing and that your insurance policy covers outdoor adventure activities.

Use only official red taxis with a yellow triangle on the side panels or orange taxis at the airport. There are reports of people who used unofficial taxis being attacked and robbed.

Hurricanes occur in Costa Rica, especially between May-November. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure, and disruption to travel plans may result. Monitor weather updates. Costa Rica is also at risk for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanos.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex relations are legal and most locals are tolerant of same-sex behaviours.

Exercise extra caution in the municipalities of San José, Desamparados, Liberia, San Rafael, Talamanca, and Limón due to the high risk of criminal activity.

Strikes and civil unrest do occur. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in protests and demonstrations.