The US State Department maintains Costa Rica at Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" following a February security alert from the San José embassy warning of rising crime against tourists.

Is Costa Rica Safe to Travel to in 2026?

Costa Rica ranks as Central America's safest travel destination, with 2.8 million annual visitors and a homicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 residents—significantly below regional averages. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office classifies Costa Rica as low-risk for terrorism and political instability. However, property crime affecting tourists increased 23% between January 2025 and February 2026, according to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial.

The Canadian government issued updated travel guidance in February 2026 specifically warning against displaying expensive electronics, jewellery, or cameras in public areas. This advisory followed a series of incidents involving foreign nationals in popular tourist zones.

The Current Situation

Crime statistics reveal a concerning upward trajectory in tourist-targeted incidents. The Fuerza Pública reported 1,847 crimes against foreign visitors in 2025, compared to 1,502 in 2024—a 23% increase. Armed robberies involving tourists rose from 89 cases in 2024 to 127 cases in 2025.

San José experienced the steepest rise in incidents, with downtown areas recording 312 reported crimes against foreigners in 2025. The US embassy noted particular concerns around the Central Market area, where pickpocketing incidents doubled between September 2025 and January 2026.

Drug-related violence remains geographically contained but shows troubling expansion. The Ministry of Public Security identified 47 districts across seven provinces experiencing increased narco-trafficking activity. Cartago, Puntarenas, and Limón provinces recorded the highest uptick in violent incidents linked to organised crime.

Regional Safety Breakdown

San José Province poses the highest risk for petty crime. The capital's Distrito Central recorded 0.8 crimes per 1,000 tourists in 2025. Travellers should avoid Barrio México, La Carpio, and areas south of Avenida 10 after dark. The FCO specifically warns against walking in downtown San José between sunset and sunrise.

Guanacaste Province maintains relatively low crime rates despite heavy tourism volume. Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio report fewer than 0.2 incidents per 1,000 visitors. However, beach theft increased 15% in 2025, with unattended belongings the primary target.

Puntarenas Province requires heightened caution. Puerto Caldera and central Puntarenas city experience elevated crime levels, with 0.6 incidents per 1,000 tourists. The port areas remain particularly problematic for robbery and theft.

Limón Province presents the greatest concern for violent crime. The Caribbean coast recorded three tourist fatalities in 2025, all linked to robbery attempts. The FCO advises avoiding Limón city centre entirely and exercising extreme caution in Puerto Viejo after dark.

Cartago and Heredia Provinces offer the safest travel environments, with incident rates below 0.1 per 1,000 visitors. However, isolated areas near Irazú and Poás volcanoes have experienced increased vehicle break-ins.

Crime & Safety

Petty theft dominates criminal activity affecting tourists. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial identifies smartphones, cameras, and rental cars as primary targets. Express kidnappings—brief detentions for ATM withdrawals—rose from six reported cases in 2024 to fourteen in 2025.

Vehicle crime represents a significant concern. Rental car break-ins increased 31% year-on-year, with 891 reported incidents in 2025. The Ministry of Public Security warns against leaving any visible items in parked vehicles. GPS units and rental company stickers make tourists particularly vulnerable.

Beach safety requires constant vigilance. Riptides claim 15-20 lives annually, with Jacó, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio recording the highest fatalities. The Red Cross operates beach patrol services at major tourist destinations, but many popular spots lack lifeguard coverage.

Road conditions pose substantial risks. Costa Rica recorded 641 traffic fatalities in 2025, with poor road surfaces and aggressive driving contributing to dangers. The rainy season from May through November significantly increases accident rates on mountain roads.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

British nationals require passports valid for six months beyond intended departure. Stays under 90 days require no visa. The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo mandates tourists carry identification at all times—photocopies suffice for most situations.

Travel insurance remains essential but not mandatory. Medical costs for foreigners can exceed £500 daily for hospital care. The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social provides emergency treatment regardless of insurance status, but quality varies significantly between facilities.

Currency restrictions limit cash imports to $10,000 USD without declaration. Credit cards offer widespread acceptance, but skimming devices affected 312 foreign visitors in 2025. The Central Bank recommends using ATMs inside banks or shopping centres exclusively.

Telecommunications infrastructure supports reliable mobile coverage across 94% of tourist areas. Emergency services respond to 911 calls in Spanish and English. The Tourist Police unit operates 24-hour assistance specifically for foreign visitors.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Register with your embassy upon arrival. The British Embassy in San José provides consular services and maintains updated security briefings. American citizens should enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for real-time alerts.

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Costa Rica's mountainous terrain and limited helicopter services can complicate emergency transport. Policies should include minimum £1 million medical coverage.

Download offline maps and emergency contact applications. Mobile coverage becomes sporadic in remote areas, particularly near borders with Nicaragua and Panama. The Cruz Roja app provides direct emergency service contact.

Avoid displaying wealth or expensive equipment. Use hotel safes for valuables and carry only necessary cash. The Tourist Police recommend bringing decoy wallets containing small bills and expired cards.

Key Facts:

  • Crime against tourists increased 23% between 2024-2025, with 1,847 reported incidents
  • San José's downtown areas record 0.8 crimes per 1,000 tourists annually
  • Express kidnappings rose from 6 cases in 2024 to 14 in 2025
  • Road accidents claim 600+ lives annually, with conditions worsening during rainy season