Is Costa Rica safe to travel to?

Costa Rica has an elevated practical travel risk (48/100) and an elevated government advisory (45/100). Most trips are enjoyable, but travelers should take extra precautions against petty theft and common tourist scams, particularly in busy beach towns, city centers, and transit hubs.

What are the main travel risks in Costa Rica?

The main travel risks in Costa Rica are petty crime (68/100) and tourist scams (58/100), with moderate civil unrest concerns (50/100). Violent incidents are lower than theft-related issues (44/100), but visitors should still be careful with belongings, ATMs, nightlife areas, and transportation choices.

What is the current travel advisory for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory, with a score of 45/100. The advisory is largely driven by theft and scam activity affecting travelers in popular destinations.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Costa Rica?

Use app-based rides after dark, keep phones and jewelry out of sight in crowded areas, and avoid leaving bags unattended at beaches, cafes, or bus stations. Stick to well-reviewed accommodations, withdraw cash in secure locations, and plan late-night transport ahead of time to reduce exposure to opportunistic theft.

Costa Rica

Americas

Higher risk than 64% of countries. Main concerns: petty crime and tourist scams.

Government Advisory

Elevated

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Traveler Practical Risk

Elevated

Confidence: high. Main drivers: petty crime, tourist scams, civil unrest.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

🔓Petty Crime

Americas avg: 4768

🎭Scams

Americas avg: 5558

📢Civil Unrest

Americas avg: 5650

🚌Transport

Americas avg: 5150

⚠️Violent Incident

Americas avg: 4844

🌊Natural Disaster

Americas avg: 2824

🏥Health

Americas avg: 2418

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 12/10/2024 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica safe to travel to?: Costa Rica has an elevated practical travel risk (48/100) and an elevated government advisory (45/100). Most trips are enjoyable, but travelers should take extra precautions against petty theft and common tourist scams, particularly in busy beach towns, city centers, and transit hubs.
What are the main travel risks in Costa Rica?: The main travel risks in Costa Rica are petty crime (68/100) and tourist scams (58/100), with moderate civil unrest concerns (50/100). Violent incidents are lower than theft-related issues (44/100), but visitors should still be careful with belongings, ATMs, nightlife areas, and transportation choices.
What is the current travel advisory for Costa Rica?: Costa Rica is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory, with a score of 45/100. The advisory is largely driven by theft and scam activity affecting travelers in popular destinations.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Costa Rica?: Use app-based rides after dark, keep phones and jewelry out of sight in crowded areas, and avoid leaving bags unattended at beaches, cafes, or bus stations. Stick to well-reviewed accommodations, withdraw cash in secure locations, and plan late-night transport ahead of time to reduce exposure to opportunistic theft.

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