Is Costa Rica Safe? Essential Safety Tips and Insights for Travelers in 2025

Costa Rica is considered safe for travelers, ranking as one of the safest Latin American countries on the Global Peace Index. The Costa Rican government has abolished its army and focused on environmental protection and social welfare, creating a peaceful atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. The Costa Rican authorities have also introduced proactive measures to ensure national safety, especially in tourist areas. However, as in every country, it’s essential to remain cautious and avoid isolated areas, particularly in San José and unfamiliar places.

1. What is the Crime Situation in Costa Rica?

While Costa Rica is generally safe, the country does experience certain types of crime, especially petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing, which are common in high-traffic tourist zones. Violent crime is less frequent but can include purse snatching and armed robberies, often related to illegal drugs. Visitors should monitor their belongings and supervise valuables, especially on the beach or busy areas. The Costa Rican government has recently implemented more robust safety measures in popular areas to curb crime rates and ensure travelers’ peace of mind.

2. How Safe is San José and Other Urban Areas?

San José, Costa Rica’s capital, offers cultural attractions but is known for higher petty crime rates than rural areas. Exercise caution, especially in crowded spaces, to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Secure your accommodation by ensuring that doors and windows have appropriate locks and avoid isolated or unfamiliar areas at night. To ensure safety, reliable transportation, such as Uber, is recommended for getting around urban areas.

3. Is Costa Rica Safe for Female and Solo Travelers?

Costa Rica is generally safe for solo and female travelers who can enjoy exploring the country. However, to ensure personal safety, it’s recommended to avoid isolated areas, travel in groups where possible, and trust your intuition. Be mindful of your belongings in busy tourist spots and avoid attracting unwanted attention. Female travelers should also consider staying in accommodations with high safety standards and letting someone know their travel plans.

4. Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

Travel insurance is essential for anyone planning to travel to Costa Rica. Comprehensive travel insurance covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and potential theft, ensuring travelers feel protected. Costa Rica’s natural hazards, such as the rainy season and occasional flooding, make travel insurance especially important. In emergencies, travel insurance can provide much-needed support, including assistance for health-related incidents and coverage for unexpected cancellations or interruptions.

5. What Should You Know About Petty Crime in Costa Rica?

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is most common in high-traffic tourist areas. To minimize risks, keep valuable items such as passports, wallets, and electronics out of sight and avoid leaving valuables unattended in public places or tourist areas. Costa Rica’s busiest spots, particularly in San José, Puntarenas, and Limón, see the most instances of petty theft, so travelers should be cautious in these locations.

6. Tips for Staying Safe on Costa Rica’s Beaches

Costa Rica’s beaches are famous for their stunning beauty, but they can also have strong currents and a limited lifeguard presence. Therefore, always swim in designated areas and avoid strong rip currents. Beach safety also includes watching out for petty crime.

In popular areas like Puerto Viejo in Limón or Jacó in Puntarenas, the party scene can be intense, with frequent drug use and heavy alcohol consumption, which can increase the risk of theft or scams. To stay safe, it’s best to be cautious on these beaches, go with a group, and avoid leaving personal belongings unattended. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, only invite trusted people and remain aware of your surroundings. In San José, the capital, be mindful at night, particularly in busy areas like Barrio Escalante, as some spots are less secure. Always check with your hotel staff for local safety tips.

7. How to Prepare for Natural Hazards in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s rich landscape includes active volcanic areas, frequent earthquakes, and a rainy season that can cause flooding and landslides, particularly in rural areas. During the rainy season, exercise caution if traveling to regions prone to flooding, such as Limón and Puntarenas, and stay updated on local advisories. Understanding evacuation routes and safety instructions is essential, particularly when visiting areas near volcanic sites or prone to landslides. Costa Rica’s government provides frequent updates and safety guidelines to ensure travelers’ safety during these natural events.

8. Health and Safety Tips for Travelers

Health precautions are essential when visiting Costa Rica. In some rural areas, mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, can pose a risk, so mosquito repellent and proper clothing are recommended to reduce exposure. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is advisable in remote areas. Travel health insurance can help cover medical emergencies and provide peace of mind throughout your trip.

9. Are Travel Advisories in Place for Costa Rica?

The U.S. and other embassies occasionally issue travel advisories for Costa Rica, typically encouraging travelers to be mindful of petty theft and health risks like mosquito-borne illnesses. To stay informed of any safety changes, it is always advisable to check your home country’s latest advisories before travel. Travelers are also encouraged to register with their embassy to ensure extra security and access to updated safety information. Our Legal Firm is a qualified supplier to the US and UK Embassies.

Key Tips for Staying Safe

Stay Informed on Crime: Keep valuables out of sight and secure your belongings, particularly in crowded areas.
Prepare for Natural Hazards: Know evacuation routes and be cautious during the rainy season and in areas near active volcanoes.
Beach Safety: Swim only in designated areas with lifeguards, and do not leave valuables unattended on the beach.
Invest in Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance can cover health emergencies, theft, and other unexpected incidents.
Health Precautions: Use mosquito repellent in rural areas and bottled water in remote locations.
Check Travel Advisories: Stay updated on government recommendations and register with your embassy for additional security.

These guidelines can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers planning to visit, live in, or invest in Costa Rica. By following these tips, visitors can enjoy all that Costa Rica offers with peace of mind, knowing they’re well-prepared for their journey.

Is Costa Rica Safe?