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Threat assessment · Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Our rating, plus the advisories, health notices, emergency numbers and crime data behind it, from official sources checked Oct 20, 2026.
Nepsis threat assessment
Costa Rica
Reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Scored with our published method; never below the State Department level.
Crime and scams sets the level.
Top actions
- Check who is around you before using an ATM, and use machines inside banks when possible.
- Keep luggage in view on buses, and never leave bags in a parked car, even in the trunk.
- Review the current CDC Level 2 travel health notice for Costa Rica before you go.
Know before you go
Dial 911 in Costa Rica for ambulance, fire or police; a CDC Level 2 health notice is active.
Official advisories
What governments say right now.
Checked Oct 20, 2026. We link every source so you can read it yourself.
| U.S. State Department | Level 2: Exercise increased caution (updated Apr 1, 2026) Read it → |
|---|---|
| UK Foreign Office (FCDO) | Last updated May 19, 2026. Latest change: Updated information on customs rules; gang-related violence; fines for unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas and earthquakes and recent volcanic activity ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages). Read it → |
| CDC health notices | Level 1 - Hepatitis A in Costa Rica (Sep 17, 2026) Level 2 - Chikungunya in Costa Rica (Jul 29, 2026) CDC travel notices → |
| Emergency numbers | Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police) |
| Main airport | SJO, LIR |
Crime and scams
What the UK Foreign Office advises.
Excerpt from UK FCDO travel advice, lightly trimmed for travelers outside the UK. Full FCDO safety advice →
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Protecting your belongings
Muggings and theft are significant problems, particularly on the Atlantic coast. You should:
be aware of who is around you when using ATMs
- be vigilant on buses and keep your luggage in view if possible – thieves are likely to try and distract you
- watch wallets and valuables when on the beach
- avoid leaving luggage in a parked car, either in view or in the boot
There have been incidents where thieves slash a tyre and then offer to help change it, while an accomplice steals from the car.
Violent crime
If you’re using a hire car, do not stop your car for strangers signalling for help – they could be carjackers.
Criminals sometimes cause deliberate collisions to stop vehicles and commit robberies or other crimes. If you think a collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, drive on until you reach a safe place like a police station or garage. You will need to be able to explain your actions to the traffic police.
Spiked drinks and sexual assault
Rapes and sexual assaults have increased, some of which appear targeted toward tourists. Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of ‘spiked’ drinks resulting in assault and theft.
Women travelling alone have reported having to pay extra attention to their personal safety.
See advice for women travelling abroad.
Methanol poisoning
There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Costa Rica.
Criminal gangs have apparently used methanol in the manufacture of cheap brands of local spirits, including vodka and ‘guaro’ (cane liquor). Take care when buying spirit-based drinks.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic dr
What this page is
Built on official data.
Our rating above is built on the official government and police data on this page, checked Oct 20, 2026. It does not replace your government's advisory. Planning a trip here? A Nepsis kit turns it into an arrival plan you can carry. See the kits.