Costa Rica Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.

Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime also affects tourists. This includes armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Costa Rica

Although there’s no history of terrorism in Costa Rica, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Muggings and theft are significant problems, particularly on the Atlantic coast. You should:

• be aware of who is around you when using ATMs
• be vigilant on buses and keep your luggage in view if possible – thieves are likely to try and distract you
• watch wallets and valuables when on the beach
• avoid leaving luggage in a parked car, either in view or in the boot

There have been incidents where thieves slash a tyre and then offer to help change it, while an accomplice steals from the car.

Violent crime

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas at night. Gangs occasionally carry out muggings and armed robberies. Gang-related violence, including shootings, has become more frequent in urban areas, including some locations popular with visitors. A number of foreign nationals including one British national have gone missing in recent years, with some incidents related to criminal activity.

If you’re using a hire car, do not stop your car for strangers signalling for help – they could be carjackers.

Criminals sometimes cause deliberate collisions to stop vehicles and commit robberies or other crimes. If you think a collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, drive on until you reach a safe place like a police station or garage. You will need to be able to explain your actions to the traffic police.

Spiked drinks and sexual assault

Rapes and sexual assaults have increased, some of which appear targeted toward tourists. Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of ‘spiked’ drinks resulting in assault and theft.

Women travelling alone have reported having to pay extra attention to their personal safety.

See advice for women travelling abroad.

Methanol poisoning

There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Costa Rica.

Criminal gangs have apparently used methanol in the manufacture of cheap brands of local spirits, including vodka and ‘guaro’ (cane liquor). Take care when buying spirit-based drinks.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Risk level

Costa Rica - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica due to crime.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy.

Crime against property, such as house burglary, theft from cars, and vehicle theft, is frequent. Passport theft is also extremely common and increases in frequency during the peak tourist seasons, from November to May and from July to August.

Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions. Thefts commonly occur:

• in popular tourist areas, including viewpoints
• on buses, on trains, in bus and train stations as well as in airports terminals
• in hotel lobbies
• at restaurants, including on patios located near streets

While you’re in Costa Rica:

• always keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• securely carry your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp received at the immigration entry point
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid isolated or deserted areas
• avoid walking alone at night
• be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

San José

In San José, high-risk areas for theft include:

• the Coca-Cola bus terminal area, located between El Paso de la Vaca, Calle 12 and the Coca-Cola market
• the inner downtown area, located between the San Juan de Dios Hospital, the National Museum, Avenida 1 and Avenida 14
• the Mercado central areas
• public parks

Pacific Coast

In Puntarenas province, the following areas are of particular concern for theft:

• Dominical
• Jacó, including the crocodile viewing area along the Tárcoles River
• Manuel Antonio national park
• Quepos
• Cóbano area, including the small seaside towns of Mal País, Montezuma and Santa Teresa, as well as the port of Puntarenas

Caribbean Coast

On the Caribbean coast, the following areas are of particular concern for theft:

• Cahuita
• Puerto Limón
• Puerto Viejo

Car break-ins and theft

Car break-ins and theft are very common throughout the country. Rental and luxury vehicles are a target of choice. Theft commonly occurs in the parking lots of:

• hotels
• supermarkets
• restaurants
• stores
• national parks
• beaches

When leaving your vehicle, always manually check that the doors are locked since “key jammers” could be used to interrupt signals from key fobs, preventing car doors from locking.

If driving in Costa Rica:

• familiarize yourself with your route before you leave
• always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• do not leave valuables within reach or in plain sight
• park your vehicle in a secure area, especially at night
• never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
• don’t stop to change a flat tire in an isolated area, and be wary of strangers offering to help you
• ensure emergency assistance and car insurance are offered by the rental agency when renting a car

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs. Incidents include:

• murders
• armed robberies
• burglaries
• assaults

Drug trafficking is common, and most violent incidents are related to gangs and drugs. The most affected provinces are:

• Alajuela
• Limón
• Puntarenas
• San José

Burglaries

Residential break-ins occur. Burglars may be armed with knives or guns and sometimes target rental accommodations or houses and apartments owned by foreigners.

• Choose well-secured accommodation
• Make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re away
• Do not confront burglars
• Report any suspicious activity to the authorities

Assaults

Although not frequent, violent assaults against travellers have occurred on the Caribbean coast in:

• Puerto Limón
• Puerto Viejo

If you are threatened, hand over your cash and valuables immediately without resistance.

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