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“Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica?” After the recent security alert released by the U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, and the travel advisory released by the U.S Department of State, you may have some questions about how to travel to Costa Rica safely — and that’s totally understandable!
We can assure you that traveling to most of the popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica is completely safe while following general safety guidelines (and using common sense!). In this post, we’ll break down exactly why this security alert was issued and list some tips for staying safe during a trip to Costa Rica while still having a blast in our tropical paradise!
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. State Department listed Costa Rica as a Level 2 Travel Advisory on November 25th, 2025, advising U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to Costa Rica due to crime, including property crimes, financial crimes, and armed robberies.
- Most crime in Costa Rica is concentrated in the Limón Province, near the Juan Santamaria International Airport, and in San José, making most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica (such as Guanacaste and the Gold Coast) safe for travelers.
- Following general safety advice is the best way to stay safe during a trip to Costa Rica, which includes never leaving valuables unattended, only walking in well-lit, busy areas at night, using licensed taxis or reputable ridesharing services, and practicing swim safety at the beach.
What’s the Current U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for Costa Rica?
On November 25th, 2025, the U.S. State Department listed Costa Rica as a Level 2 Travel Advisory, encouraging U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to Costa Rica due to crime. This advisory was released after the U.S Embassy in San José issued a “Security Alert,” warning Americans of a rise in dangerous crimes in Costa Rica, including:
- Property Crimes — Criminal gangs targeting foreign-owned businesses and residences for robberies, break-ins, and extortion.
- Financial Crimes — Criminal gangs forcing foreign residents and tourists to withdraw large sums of cash from ATMs or make bank transfers.
- Armed Robberies — Break-ins and armed robberies at rental properties.
The U.S State Department has four levels of travel advisories: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Countries with a Level 2 Travel Advisory typically have one or two risk indicators (crime, health, natural disasters, unrest, etc.) that U.S. citizens should be aware of when traveling abroad. For reference, other countries currently at Level 2 Travel Advisory are the United Kingdom, France, the Bahamas, and Italy — all popular destinations generally considered safe for U.S. travelers.
Why Costa Rica Is Safe for Families, Couples & U.S. Travelers
If you’re concerned about traveling to Costa Rica based on the warnings issued by U.S. embassy officials in Costa Rica, don’t change your travel plans just yet!
It’s important to understand that most violent crime in Costa Rica is concentrated in the Limón Province on the Caribbean Coast, near the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), and in San José. Most tourist destinations, particularly in Guanacaste and along the Pacific Coast, are incredibly safe, with occasional reports of petty theft (such as pickpocketing or bag snatching).
Costa Rica — especially the Gold Coast — is a safe, family-friendly destination with beautiful beaches, warm and welcoming locals, and multi-million-dollar luxury developments in beach towns such as Playa Flamingo, Papagayo, Tamarindo, and Nosara. Because of the high investment in this area, it is generally considered one of the safest places to stay during a trip to Costa Rica.
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Local Tips for Staying Safe During a Trip to Costa Rica
Staying safe in Costa Rica’s low-risk tourist areas is generally pretty straightforward when following basic safety advice. If you’re planning on visiting Costa Rica soon, keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a smooth, safe trip:
#1
Driving & Transportation
- Avoid public transportation due to pickpocketing; use only licensed taxis, reputable ridesharing services, or private transportation.
- Though most highways are paved, be prepared for unpaved roads in rural areas and beach towns. Roads can have unclear lane markings and signs, as well as potholes, so drive carefully.
- If you get a flat tire or have other car trouble, find a busy location to stop. Be cautious of strangers offering to help in less populated areas (this is a common scam in Costa Rica).
#2
Crime & Theft
- Petty theft and pickpocketing are common crimes in Costa Rica. Never leave valuables unattended, and do not leave valuables unattended in an unlocked (or locked) vehicle.
- Avoid walking alone and stick to busy, well-lit areas, especially at night.
- Report security incidents to local law enforcement by dialing 911, and then dial +1 (506) 2519-2000 to contact the United States Embassy after contacting local authorities.
#3
Beaches & Tours
- Rip currents are responsible for several drownings each year in Costa Rica. Many beaches do not have lifeguards. To stay safe in the ocean, do not swim alone, swim only in designated areas, avoid consuming alcohol before swimming, and ask your host about beach safety at nearby beaches before your trip.
- Costa Rica is an active volcanic zone and experiences flooding and landslides, especially during the rainy season. Check traffic and road conditions before embarking on an adventure.
- Choose certified tour operators with good ratings and safety records. You can often book excursions with vetted tour operators directly through your vacation rental company.
#4
Medical Care & Drinking Water
- Marijuana and marijuana-related products are illegal in Costa Rica, so leave them at home.
- Tap water is usually safe to drink in resort towns and developed tourist areas in Costa Rica, but if you are traveling to a rural area, consider bottled water instead.
- Apply insect repellent before spending time outside and avoid prolonged exposure to standing water to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses (primarily Dengue and Zika).
#5
Vacation Rentals
- Choose vacation rental properties with robust security measures, including security cameras, motion-sensor lights, sturdy locks, heavy-duty safes, gated access, and 24/7 security.
- Keep doors and windows locked at your vacation rental, especially while you’re not home.
- Avoid booking properties with reviews that mention security incidents (and try to stay away from areas where security incidents are common).
Plan a Safe (& Fun!) Trip to Costa Rica with Special Places of Costa Rica
Rest assured — the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica released this Security Alert about traveling to Costa Rica not to deter you from traveling, but to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable vacation by helping you stay aware and prepared while traveling throughout Costa Rica.
If you’re searching for somewhere to stay in Costa Rica that is safe and tourist-friendly, we recommend booking one of our stunning properties on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast with Special Places of Costa Rica.
With over a hundred properties to choose from in super-safe areas, many with state-of-the-art security features, you can be confident your trip to Costa Rica will be totally safe, from beginning to end. Browse our properties to find the perfect place to stay, and discover the additional guest services we offer, from tours to transportation, for a safe and hassle-free trip to Guanacaste.
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