The U.S. State Department has kept Costa Rica at Level 2 in its travel advisory system, urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to crime. The advisory was issued on April 2, and says petty crime remains common throughout the country while violent crime also affects tourists.
According to the advisory, incidents affecting visitors can include armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. The State Department says travelers should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and not physically resist a robbery attempt.
The U.S. government is also advising travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive embassy alerts and make it easier for officials to contact them during an emergency. The advisory also recommends reviewing the latest CDC health guidance for Costa Rica and buying travel insurance that includes medical coverage, evacuation help, and trip cancellation protection.
Beyond crime, the advisory points to other risks travelers should keep in mind. It warns about deadly rip currents, noting that dozens of U.S. citizens die each year in Costa Rica due to dangerous surf conditions. Travelers are urged to swim only in designated areas, watch for lifeguards and warning flags, and avoid swimming alone or after drinking alcohol.
The advisory also reminds visitors that Costa Rica is in an active earthquake and volcanic zone. It adds that marijuana and marijuana-related products remain illegal in our country.
For entry requirements, the State Department says U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 180 days, but they do need a return ticket. Passports must be valid for the full period of stay. The advisory also notes that yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.
Costa Rica’s Level 2 designation means the United States is not advising people to avoid the country, but it is warning them to take extra precautions. The advisory keeps Costa Rica in the same category it has held previously, with crime remaining the main concern flagged by U.S. authorities.
