Is It Safe to Travel to Costa Rica? 2026 Safety Guide
Everything you need to know about travel documents for Costa Rica in 2026
Where
Costa Rica remains a safe country to visit in 2026 for most travelers, with the US State Department rating it Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Most crime is non-violent and avoidable with basic precautions. Tourist areas like La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are especially safe.
Is it Safe to Travel to Costa Rica in 2026?
Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica in 2026? Yes, for the vast majority of travelers, Costa Rica is considered safe, with the US State Department currently listing it at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to petty crime. Most visits are uneventful, especially if you stick to well-known tourist areas and use common sense about your belongings. The country’s infrastructure is set up for tourism, with hundreds of hotels, reliable transportation, and a strong focus on eco-friendly travel. Flights from the US and Canada are frequent, with direct routes from cities like Houston (United), Toronto (Air Canada), and Miami (American Airlines). If you want to compare the best flight deals, search flights on Travorio, it’s usually cheaper than booking directly with the airline.
Most travelers will notice a visible police presence in tourist towns, especially after 2023 when Costa Rica increased tourism policing in San José, Liberia, and beach areas. Crime stats have remained steady since then, with theft and pickpocketing the most common incidents. Serious violent crime is rare for tourists who avoid high-risk neighborhoods. The trick is to do your homework, choose accommodations in safer zones like Escazú or Santa Teresa, and follow local advice. You’ll find that Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle isn’t just a slogan, it’s a real feeling you get, especially outside the cities.
Current Travel Advisory for Costa Rica
As of early 2026, the US State Department lists Costa Rica at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This is the same rating as Germany or Spain, and it’s mostly because of petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) in major cities and busy tourist spots. The advisory shifted from Level 1 in mid-2023 after a minor uptick in non-violent crime around San José and Limón. This change wasn’t triggered by any large-scale safety incident, more a reflection of increased petty theft reports from tourists in urban areas.
The Canadian government also sets Costa Rica at 'Exercise a high degree of caution', again citing petty crime and sporadic protests that sometimes block highways. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office echoes this, advising regular caution and warning about minor scams, particularly around currency exchange and unofficial taxis in San José. None of these advisories warn against travel, and none suggest that tourists should avoid the country.
Important context: Costa Rica has no military, but it invests heavily in its tourist police force. The Policía Turística, visible in blue uniforms, patrols popular areas like Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, and La Fortuna. In 2025, the government allocated an extra $5 million to hire more officers along the Pacific coast. This is a direct response to tourism industry feedback and has been credited with keeping violent crime rates low in resort areas.
If you’re planning a trip, always check the latest advisories. The situation can change due to weather, protests, or rare spikes in crime. The official US advisory is found at travel.state.gov, and Travorio updates major safety alerts on its homepage.
Safest Areas in Costa Rica
Most tourists spend their time in Costa Rica’s safest regions: Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and the Papagayo Peninsula. These areas have a high concentration of gated resorts, eco-lodges, and boutique hotels with 24/7 security. In Manuel Antonio, you’ll see guards at the entrances to popular hotels like Parador Resort & Spa, and there are regular police patrols on the main beach road. I never felt unsafe walking to El Avión restaurant at 8pm, even as a solo traveler.
La Fortuna, gateway to Arenal Volcano, feels extremely safe, crimes against tourists are rare, and the entire area is geared toward families and adventure seekers. Most visitors stay at places like Tabacón Thermal Resort or Hotel Los Lagos, both with security gates. The main concern here is not theft, but keeping your valuables dry during those surprise tropical rain showers.
Tamarindo, on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a laid-back surf town that’s become a hotspot for digital nomads and families. Crime here is mostly limited to the occasional beach theft, so use a lockable bag at Playa Tamarindo or when grabbing smoothies at Café Tico. Police maintain a visible presence near the strip of bars and clubs, if you stick to well-lit areas after dark, you’ll likely have zero issues.
Other safe picks include Escazú (an upscale San José suburb where most embassies and expats live), the Papagayo Peninsula (home to the Four Seasons and Andaz), and Monteverde (famous for its cloud forests and small B&Bs). In these zones, violent crime is extremely rare, and hotels have good security. Uber and official red taxis are reliable in these locations, and locals will tell you to avoid only obvious things like leaving backpacks unattended.
Areas to Avoid in Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is safer than many Central American neighbors, certain areas see higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially after dark. San José’s downtown core, specifically the districts of La Merced, El Carmen, and some parts of Coca Cola, deal with more theft, drug activity, and occasional muggings. I had a local friend in Barrio Amón who always warned visitors not to walk alone near Parque Central after 9pm.
Limón province, particularly the city of Limón itself and the port area, has a reputation for organized crime and occasional drug-related violence. Tourists passing through on their way to Tortuguero or Puerto Viejo usually don’t spend time in the city. The Caribbean coast towns of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are mostly safe, but avoid isolated beaches (Playa Negra after sunset, for example), where thefts sometimes occur.
Desamparados and Pavas, both suburbs of San José, have higher crime rates. These are not tourist destinations and rarely appear in guidebooks, but some budget hotels and Airbnbs in these areas attract backpackers looking for cheap deals. Locals will tell you that the savings aren’t worth the risk. If you’re set on a San José stay, pick Escazú, Rohrmoser, or Sabana instead.
Border areas near Nicaragua (Los Chiles, Peñas Blancas) and Panama (Sixaola) see smuggling and occasional protests that can make crossing unpredictable. The Osa Peninsula is very safe for tourists but avoid the remote backroads at night, road conditions and poor lighting are the main risks, not crime.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
Like any busy tourist destination, Costa Rica has its share of scams. The most common is the 'broken taxi meter' trick, especially at San José’s SJO airport or in downtown. Drivers claim the meter is broken and then charge triple the normal fare. Always insist on using an official red taxi with a working meter (the 'maría'), or use Uber, which is legal in most major cities as of 2026. A ride from SJO to downtown should cost about 11,000 CRC ($21).
Fake police scams sometimes happen in San José. Scammers impersonate officers and ask to see your passport or wallet, then pocket cash or cards. Real police will never ask for your wallet, ask to see their badge and call 911 (the emergency number) if in doubt. I met two Australians at Hostel Pangea who lost $120 this way near Avenida Central.
Currency exchange scams are another issue. At some street kiosks, you’ll get counterfeit bills or a terrible exchange rate. Stick to official banks like Banco Nacional or use ATMs attached to banks and supermarkets. Always count your change in restaurants and shops, sometimes you’ll get shortchanged if you pay in US dollars instead of colones.
Restaurant and bar overcharging can happen in beach towns. Some menus don’t show prices, or the bill arrives with extra items. The trick is to ask for the menu before ordering and check your bill before paying. If you’re in Jaco, for example, stick to places like Graffiti Restro Café or Green Room Café, both of which are known for fair pricing.
Health and Emergency Tips
Tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, including San José, La Fortuna, and most Pacific coast towns. In Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and some rural areas, stick to bottled water. Most mid-range and upscale hotels provide free water in rooms. I always carry a LifeStraw bottle just in case, especially when hiking in Monteverde or Corcovado.
No vaccinations are required for entry, but the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis A). Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you’re arriving from certain South American countries. Dengue fever is present year-round, use mosquito repellent (DEET-based ones like OFF! are sold for about 6,000 CRC at supermarkets), especially in the rainy season from May to November.
Costa Rica’s hospitals are good in big cities: Hospital CIMA and Clínica Bíblica in San José are modern and have English-speaking staff. In Liberia, Hospital Enrique Baltodano Briceño is the main option. Private clinics in tourist towns (like BeachSide Clinic in Tamarindo) handle most minor emergencies. Ambulance response is generally quick in urban areas but can take longer on the Nicoya Peninsula or Osa.
The emergency number for police, medical, and fire is 911. Costa Rica’s Red Cross (Cruz Roja) is reliable, and their ambulances are easy to spot. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, most policies cost $45-100 for a week and cover theft, illness, and adventure sports. Providers like World Nomads and SafetyWing both cover Costa Rica and process claims quickly.
How to Book Your Costa Rica Trip Safely
Booking flights, hotels, and tours through reputable platforms is the best way to avoid scams. Travorio partners with major airlines like United, Delta, and Avianca for direct flights from New York, Houston, and Toronto to San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR). You can search flights on Travorio for up-to-date pricing, fares from Miami start at $312 roundtrip in July 2026.
For hotels, stick to well-reviewed properties in safe neighborhoods. Travorio’s pay later hotels let you use Sezzle (split into 4 payments, 0% interest) or PayPal Pay Later, which adds a layer of buyer protection. Popular options include Hotel Grano de Oro (San José), Tabacón Thermal Resort (La Fortuna), and Cala Luna Boutique Hotel (Tamarindo).
If you want to use crypto, Travorio lets you book with 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This is useful for privacy and for travelers who prefer not to use credit cards abroad. Look for the crypto payment option at checkout, it’s available on both flights and hotels.
Another safety tip: avoid booking last-minute accommodation through Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups, which is where most fake rental scams happen. Stick to platforms with verified reviews and secure payment methods. If you’re booking adventure tours (ziplining, rafting), companies like Desafio Adventure (Arenal) and Canopy Safari (Manuel Antonio) are licensed and insured.
Safety Overview
Safe vs Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes, Costa Rica is safe for most tourists, with the US State Department rating it Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to petty crime. Violent crime against tourists is rare, especially in beach towns and popular resorts. The majority of incidents involve theft of unattended items or pickpocketing in cities. Police presence has increased in tourist zones since 2024.
Most solo female travelers report feeling safe in Costa Rica’s tourist areas like Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo. Use common sense: avoid walking alone on beaches at night and take official taxis or Uber. Many hotels offer women-only dorms or rooms, and there are dedicated Facebook groups for female travelers where you can get local tips.
Costa Rica is popular with families thanks to its kid-friendly resorts, low violent crime, and strong health system. Areas like Arenal, Monteverde, and Guanacaste have family-oriented hotels and activities. Many tour companies provide certified child seats in transfers and English-speaking guides. Medical care is reliable in major towns.
It’s safe to go out in most tourist towns (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio) but stick to well-lit streets and avoid deserted areas. In San José, avoid walking alone downtown after 9pm. Use registered taxis or Uber and keep an eye on your belongings in busy bars or clubs.
Intercity buses (like Tracopa and Alfaro) are generally safe, clean, and punctual. Local buses in San José are safe during the day, but watch your pockets in crowded conditions. Uber is widely used in San José and Tamarindo, and official red taxis are reliable if you use the meter. Avoid unmarked taxis, especially at airports.
The most common scams include rigged taxi meters, fake police asking to inspect your wallet, and currency exchange fraud at street kiosks. Overcharging in restaurants without posted prices can also happen. Use official taxis, exchange money at banks or ATMs, and always check your bill before paying.
The main health risks are mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, especially in the rainy season (May-November). Tap water is safe in most cities, but stick to bottled water in rural or Caribbean areas. No special vaccines are needed unless you’re coming from a yellow fever country. Hospitals in San José and Liberia are modern and have English-speaking staff.
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in Costa Rica. Operators in major tourist zones usually speak English. For minor health issues, private clinics like Clínica Bíblica (San José) or BeachSide Clinic (Tamarindo) are open 7 days a week.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Most policies, including those from World Nomads and SafetyWing, cover theft, accidents, and medical emergencies. A week’s coverage for a typical US traveler costs $45-100. Some adventure activities (ziplining, whitewater rafting) require proof of insurance.
The dry season (December to April) is the safest for travel, with fewer mosquito-borne illnesses and less risk of landslides or flooding. Crime rates do not vary much by season, but beaches and parks are busier, pickpocketing is more likely in high season crowds, so keep valuables secure.
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