**Is Costa Rica Still a Safe Destination Amid Rising Crime?**
The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Costa Rica, urging tourists to exercise heightened caution due to crime. The advisory highlights that minor crimes like petty theft are now common across the country. More concerning, however, are violent crimes such as armed robbery, murder, and sexual assault, which have begun to affect tourists.
To enhance safety, visitors are advised to stay vigilant, particularly in urban areas where crime is more prevalent or during nighttime hours. According to recent data from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), the country recorded over 900 homicides in 2023, marking a historic high. One contributing factor to this alarming increase is the nation’s lack of a national military.
Following a civil war that ended in the 1940s, President José Figueres Ferrer made the landmark decision to abolish the military. The funds previously allocated to defense were redirected towards education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “Costa Rica, as you know, is a country that has not had an army since 1949 and has been an extremely peaceful country since then,” said Mario Zamora, director of the Ministry of Public Security. “However, last year we had 906 homicides in a population of 5.2 million inhabitants,” he added.
It is important to note that most of these killings are linked to drug trafficking groups and have not specifically targeted tourists. For years, Costa Rica has been recognized as a neutral and peaceful country, avoiding regional conflicts and garnering international acclaim for its commitment to democracy. Unfortunately, this reputation is now being challenged due to a surge in illegal drugs from South America, creating new trafficking routes throughout the country.
At the same time, the country is experiencing unprecedented migration flows, introducing another challenge that has brought dangerous human trafficking groups into the mix. To make matters worse, drug trafficking groups have started paying for local “logistics services” with drugs instead of cash. This practice has made the drug trade more accessible to local consumers and easier to export to the U.S. and Europe, according to U.S. Embassy officials.
Is the Costa Rican Government Tackling the Issue?
The Costa Rican government faces substantial challenges in combating gangs and the emerging Nicaraguan and Venezuelan drug trafficking organizations. According to Randall Zúñiga, director of the OIJ, the country only has 4.2 law enforcement officers per 100,000 people, totaling fewer than 5,000 officers across the nation—without the support of a military.
To address these issues, authorities are working to pass new laws in the National Assembly to further toughen penalties for various crimes, including the formation and membership of criminal gangs, as well as the easier extradition of foreign criminals. This year, the country added 900 more law enforcement officers to its force. The number, however, remains insufficient to tackle the country’s growing security concerns.
So, Is Costa Rica Still a Safe Place to Visit Over the Holidays?
The short answer is yes. The U.S. State Department ranks the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, indicating it is considered as safe as Spain, Italy, or the U.K. While most crimes occur in areas with strong gang presence, the U.S. agency advises residents to follow these guidelines for a safer trip:
- Stay away from remote or poorly lit beaches, streets, or neighborhoods.
- Avoid flaunting expensive items—leave costly watches or jewelry at home.
- Do not attempt to resist robbery attempts.
- Plan a security strategy in case of emergencies.
- Stay informed about local news.
- Finally, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and allow U.S. authorities to locate you if needed.
For those planning to visit Costa Rica during the holidays, it’s crucial to understand these safety considerations. While the country remains a beautiful travel destination with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals, tourists must exercise extra vigilance and be aware of their surroundings. By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can enjoy a safe and fulfilling trip to this once-peaceful Central American gem.