Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit in 2025?
American Tourists 🇺🇸
High safety ranking, welcoming locals, and well-patrolled tourist areas.
Travel Tips 2025
- ✅ Hide valuables
- ✅ Use licensed transport
- ✅ Track rainy season alerts
CR vs Mexico
Costa Rica scores higher for peace, stability, and fewer violent zones.
Resort or Beyond?
Exploring is safe—just check with your hotel and avoid solo night walks.
Safe Driving
Drive 4×4, stay on roads by day, and use Waze updates.
Avoid These Areas
- Downtown San José at night
- Limón city after dark
- Unsupervised remote trails/beaches
English Spoken?
Yes in tourism zones. For contracts and legal matters, AG Legal offers bilingual legal support.
Tap Water Safe?
Tap water is safe throughout Costa Rica, though bottled water is preferred in major cities.
Night Beach Risks
Low visibility, theft risk, and riptides make night beach visits unsafe.
Security overview in 2025
- Costa Rica continues to be one of the most peaceful destinations in Latin America according to the Global Peace Index.
- However, recent updates raise the recommendations for caution: there are reports of increased risks of petty crime, theft, and landslides due to natural phenomena, such as the rains of November 2024.
- The U.S. Department of State advises exercising greater caution in light of the increase in violent crime and theft.
✅ Interactive Safety Checklist
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Travel Safety | Stay alert, avoid showy items |
| Driving | 4×4 advised, drive daytime, use Waze |
| Water Safety | Tap safe everywhere; bottled in city zones |
| Beach Safety | No night visits, follow lifeguards |
| Family Travel | Car seats, safe hotels/beaches |
| Insurance | Include adventure & evacuation |
Are you concerned about your immigration status or need to stay longer? Consult with our attorneys at AG Legal. https://aglegal.com/how-to-move-to-costa-rica-from-us/
Do you have questions about rental agreements or tax regulations? Request a personalized legal review.
Direct contact: Free consultation for legal emergencies, investment advice, or immigration issues.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—as long as you stick to populated areas, avoid night walks, and stay in recommended accommodations.
Routine vaccines are recommended; yellow fever vaccine if coming from endemic areas.
Yes—during the day at lifeguarded beaches. Always obey warning flags and current advisories.
Generally yes, but avoid crowded buses and keep an eye on belongings, especially in San José.
Yes, but drink responsibly. Public intoxication is discouraged and may attract unwanted attention.
Call 911 or contact your embassy. AG Legal is the official contact for legal support via U.S. and U.K. embassies.