How safe is Costa Rica for foreigners?

When it comes to security, Costa Rica is generally a safe place for travelers. Still, visitors should be aware of potential dangers before starting their journey. It is important to take the necessary precautions, as in any urban city, to stay safe while traveling in this beautiful country.



As of early 2026, Costa Rica remains one of the safer countries in Central America, but travel advisories from the US and Australia currently recommend exercising a high degree of caution due to an increase in crime. While most visits are trouble-free, there has been a notable rise in petty theft, "express kidnappings," and carjackings specifically targeting tourist-heavy areas like San José, Limón, and Puntarenas. Violent crime, though still rare for tourists, is increasingly linked to local drug-related activity. Visitors are advised to avoid walking alone at night, stick to official taxis, and keep valuables out of sight in rental cars. Environmental safety is also a factor; the 2026 hurricane season (June–November) and potential for landslides mean travelers should monitor local weather closely. Overall, with common-sense precautions and staying in reputable accommodations, foreigners find Costa Rica a welcoming and breathtaking destination.

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When it comes to security, Costa Rica is generally a safe place for travelers. Still, visitors should be aware of potential dangers before starting their journey. It is important to take the necessary precautions, as in any urban city, to stay safe while traveling in this beautiful country.

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We've reviewed our advice for Costa Rica. We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. We now advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica due to high levels of violent crime.

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Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget. Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer? Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability.

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You're probably wondering how safe IS travel to Costa Rica right now? At this point in time, traveling in general is not recommended by the CDC, because, you know, #pandemic. Because of that, we can't explicitly recommend that you go ahead and travel during a pandemic.

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Violent crime, including carjackings and 'express kidnappings', is increasingly common in Costa Rica. Criminals often target tourist areas, resorts, transport hubs and public transport. Drink spiking with methanol is common and has killed people. Be aware of your surroundings.

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CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

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FAQ on Mexico vs Costa Rica Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget. Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer? Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability.

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Be very cautious when you go into any body of water in the country as tides and rip currents can be strong. Also, as much of the country is considered the rainforest, the weather can change dramatically on very short notice.

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Tourism in Costa Rica causes problems with in the habitats of animals and plants living there. Because of tourism half of Costa Rica's monkey population is gone. And rain forests are growing smaller.

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Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, like any destination, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

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It's easy to experience sticker shock when checking into eco-lodges and renting vehicles and booking tours in Costa Rica. Indeed, it is the most expensive country in Central America, thanks to a booming economy and well-developed tourist sector.

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The World's Healthiest Countries list ranks countries by subtracting their risk score from their health score. Costa Rica ranks 24th globally and tops the Latin America list, followed by Chile and Cuba.

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