Mexico & Central America
Is Costa Rica safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Costa Rica safe?
Fine with normal care in tourist areas, but petty theft, car break-ins and passport theft are very common, and drug-related shootings have risen in some cities.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-04-01.
- Homicide rate: 17.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 14.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Solo women are common and generally comfortable; watch drinks in bars, where spiking is reported, and avoid unofficial taxis and empty beaches at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Theft from rental cars, beaches and buses
- Rip currents; dozens drown every year
- Drug-gang violence in parts of San José, Limón and Puntarenas
- Methanol-tainted cheap spirits
Common scams
- Slashed tyre followed by a 'helper' who robs your car
- Pirate taxis; official ones are red with a yellow triangle
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy with the entry stamp; police check documents.
- Feeding wild animals is illegal and fined.
- Drug offences carry a minimum eight-year prison sentence.
Safety by place in Costa Rica
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| La Fortuna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manuel Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santa Teresa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monteverde | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nosara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Uvita | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San José | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tamarindo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Viejo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Jacó | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Fine with normal care in tourist areas, but petty theft, car break-ins and passport theft are very common, and drug-related shootings have risen in some cities.
Is Costa Rica safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women are common and generally comfortable; watch drinks in bars, where spiking is reported, and avoid unofficial taxis and empty beaches at night.
What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?
All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Costa Rica
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica
- Visit Costa Rica (ICT): digital nomads
- Speedtest Global Index: Costa Rica
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.