You've seen the headlines. Maybe you’re sitting at your desk, staring at a tab with a cheap flight to San José or Liberia, and then you see it: the US travel advisory Costa Rica alert. It’s a Level 2. "Exercise Increased Caution." Suddenly, that vision of sipping a pipa fría on a white-sand beach feels a little more complicated. Is it actually dangerous? Or is the State Department just being overly cautious?
Honestly, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Costa Rica is generally the safest bet in Central America, but it isn't Disney World.
The US Department of State keeps Costa Rica at a Level 2 primarily because of "crime." That sounds scary. It sounds like you're walking into a movie set for a heist. But in reality, the State Department uses Level 2 for dozens of countries, including places like the United Kingdom, France, and Denmark. If you wouldn't be afraid to walk through London, you probably shouldn't be terrified of walking through Tamarindo. But you do need to be smarter than the average tourist who thinks "Pura Vida" means "nothing bad ever happens."
The Real Story Behind the US Travel Advisory Costa Rica
When you dig into the data, the advisory isn't usually about political coups or kidnappings. It's about your backpack. Petty theft—specifically "theft from a vehicle"—is the bread and butter of the criminal element in Costa Rica. You leave your rental car for five minutes to take a photo of a coatimundi on the side of the road, and when you get back, your window is smashed and your laptop is gone.
The State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC) often highlights that while violent crime exists, it is rarely directed at tourists. Most of the homicides in the country are linked to localized drug trafficking disputes, particularly in areas like Limón or certain neighborhoods in San José.
Why the Level 2 Rating Sticks
The US government doesn't just hand out Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" ratings like candy anymore. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and a slight uptick in regional instability, the US travel advisory Costa Rica has remained firm at Level 2. They want you to know that "petty crime is a significant threat."
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Think of it this way. If you leave a $1,000 camera on a towel while you swim in the ocean, it’s probably not going to be there when you get back. Is that a "dangerous country" problem or a "lack of situational awareness" problem? It's a bit of both.
The advisory also mentions sexual assault. This is a heavy topic, but it’s critical. There have been reported incidents of sexual assault against US citizens in some of the more remote beach towns. The State Department specifically warns about "date rape drugs" and people being targeted at bars or nightclubs. It's a grim reality that requires more than just a casual shrug. If you’re traveling solo, you have to be ten times more vigilant about your drinks and who you’re walking home with than you might be in a sleepy US suburb.
Hotspots You Should Probably Handle With Care
Not all of Costa Rica is created equal when it comes to safety. The US travel advisory Costa Rica doesn't always break it down by street corner, but seasoned travelers and local expats will tell you that certain spots require a different mindset.
- San José (The Capital): Most people fly in and leave immediately. That’s probably smart. Neighborhoods like Los Anonos or Pavas have higher crime rates. Downtown San José is fine during the day, but it feels different after dark. Avoid walking alone at night in the city center.
- Limón: The Caribbean side is gorgeous, but the city of Limón itself has struggled with crime spikes recently. Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo are generally safer for tourists, but you should still keep your guard up.
- Jacó: This is the party town. Where there are parties, there are drugs. Where there are drugs, there is crime. It’s a fun spot, but it’s also the place where you’re most likely to encounter the "darker" side of Costa Rican tourism.
The OIJ (Organismo de Investigación Judicial) is the local version of the FBI. They track these things meticulously. Their reports often show that "timo," or scams, are on the rise. For example, the "flat tire" scam. Someone punctures your rental car tire, then pulls over to "help" you change it. While one guy helps you with the lug nuts, the other guy is emptying your glove box. It’s classic, it’s effective, and it happens more than you'd think.
Nature: The Danger Nobody Mentions in the Advisory
The US travel advisory Costa Rica focuses on people, but the ocean doesn't care about your Level 2 status. Rip currents are a massive killer. Costa Rica’s beaches are wild. They aren't all manicured resorts with lifeguards every fifty feet.
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In places like Playa Dominical or Playa Hermosa, the currents can pull a strong swimmer out to sea in seconds. Every year, tourists drown because they underestimated the Pacific. If a beach looks empty, there might be a reason for it. Look for red flags. If you don't see any, ask a local surfer. They always know where the "pull" is.
And then there’s the jungle. Fer-de-lance snakes (terciopelo) are the real deal. They are aggressive, well-camouflaged, and their venom is nasty. If you’re hiking, stay on the trail. Don't go poking around in hollow logs for a cool photo. Nature in Costa Rica is high-definition, but it has teeth.
Driving is a Sport
Rental car insurance in Costa Rica is a racket, but you need it. The roads are... an experience. You’ve got potholes the size of Volkswagens, bridges that look like they’re held together by hope, and truck drivers who treat the winding mountain roads like a Formula 1 track.
If you’re driving from San José to La Fortuna at night, you’re basically playing a video game on "Extreme" mode. There are no streetlights. People walk on the shoulder in dark clothes. Cows decide to nap in the middle of the road. The US travel advisory Costa Rica mentions road safety briefly, but it should probably have its own chapter. Don't drive at night. Just don't do it.
How to Actually Stay Safe (The Practical Stuff)
Forget the "perfect" travel tips you see on Instagram. Staying safe in Costa Rica is about being a "hard target." Criminals want the easy win.
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- The "Sacrificial" Wallet: Carry a cheap wallet with about $40 and some expired credit cards. If you ever actually get mugged (unlikely, but possible), hand that over. Keep your real passport and main cards in a hidden pouch or the hotel safe.
- Copy Everything: Take a photo of your passport entry stamp. If the police stop you—and they do have checkpoints—you need to show that you are in the country legally. A photo on your phone is usually enough, so you don't have to carry the physical book everywhere.
- Waze is King: Google Maps is okay, but Waze is the gold standard in Costa Rica. It will tell you about landslides, police checkpoints, and those aforementioned giant potholes in real-time.
- No Bags on the Floor: In a restaurant, never hang your bag on the back of your chair or put it on the floor. Loop the strap around your leg. "Distraction theft" is common in cafes. One person asks for directions while the other slides your bag out from under the table.
The Verdict on the US Travel Advisory Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica safe? Yes. Is it "leave your door unlocked" safe? No.
The US travel advisory Costa Rica is a tool, not a deterrent. It’s there to remind you that you are in a developing nation where the wealth gap is visible. When you show up with a $1,200 iPhone and a $2,000 camera, you are carrying several years' worth of salary for some people.
If you respect the locals, stay aware of your surroundings, and don't do things you wouldn't do in a major US city, you’ll have the time of your life. The monkeys are louder than the criminals, and the volcanoes are more active than the protesters.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Before you zip your suitcase, do these three things to align with the current US travel advisory Costa Rica recommendations:
- Enroll in STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is free. It tells the local embassy where you are. If a hurricane hits or a volcano decides to blow its top, they know how to find you. It also makes replacing a lost passport way faster.
- Check Your Insurance: Make sure your health insurance covers international travel and, more importantly, "medical evacuation." If you get hurt in a remote area like Corcovado, a helicopter ride to a private hospital in San José can cost $20,000.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty in the mountains. Download the entire map of Costa Rica on Google Maps before you leave. If you get lost on a backroad near the Nicaragua border, you'll be glad you did.
- Vary Your Cash: Don't carry only $100 bills. Most local "pulperias" (small shops) can't change them. Carry 5,000 and 10,000 Colones notes for daily use.
Costa Rica remains one of the most rewarding destinations on the planet. The "Level 2" advisory shouldn't stop you; it should just sharpen your focus. Pack the sunscreen, buy the insurance, and keep your eyes open. Pura Vida doesn't mean "careless vida"—it means living well, and living well requires staying safe.