Costa Rica

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

• Dial 911 for the police in Costa Rica.
• Dial +506-2519-2000 to contact the U.S. embassy or email  acssanjose@state.gov.
• For an overview of crime in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Country Security Report .

Beach safety

• Most beaches do not have lifeguards or warnings about unsafe conditions.   

• Costa Rican authorities have lifeguard presence at the following locations. However, stations may or may not be staffed, may be far apart, poorly equipped, or have limited visibility.

Pacific Coast: 

• Manuel Antonio Beach 
• Caldera Beach 
• Esterillos Oeste Beach 
• Bahia Ballena Beach 
• Ventanas Beach 
• Tamarindo Beach 

Caribbean Coast: 

• Cocles Beach 
• Manzanillo Beach 
• Negra Beach (Limon) 
• Punta Uva Beach 

 General safety tips

• Do not swim alone or dive into water of unknown depth.  
• Avoid alcohol while swimming.   
• Do not walk alone or go into the water at night.  
• For water sports, only take lessons or rent equipment from certified tour companies.  
• Ask your hotel or host about beach safety before you go.   
• All beaches in Costa Rica are open to the public. You should not leave valuables unattended while you go into the water.   
• Double check that your car is locked. Thieves often use signal blockers to prevent your key fobs from working. 

Further resources on beach safety and rip currents:

• U.S. Embassy San Jose Safety Tips
• The Oceanographic Information Module  
• NOAA National Weather Service's Rip Current Toolkit

Crime  

• Petty theft and pickpocketing are common crimes for U.S. travelers. More serious crimes, like sexual assault and murder, have also happened. 
• Armed robbers often target smartphones, wallets, or purses. If someone with a weapon confronts you, don't resist. 
• Never leave valuables unattended on the beach or in an unlocked room. 
• Don't leave valuables in an unattended vehicle. 
• Even a locked car in a parking area can be a target. Always check that car doors are locked, as thieves can block key fobs with jammers. 
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night. 
• Stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight. 
• People have reported robberies at isolated rental properties. Ensure your rental has good security and lock all doors and windows. 

Review our page on Scams and the  FBI pages for information on international financial scams. 

Victims of crime 

The Costa Rican Investigative Police (OIJ) is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.  But they will only act if the victim files a police report (denuncia).  

• Dial 911 for the local police
• Dial +506-2519-2000 for the United States Embassy (after contacting local authorities). 
• To file a police report (denuncia): Visit the local office of the OIJ (Investigative Police.)  You can find the closest location through the OIJ app ‘OIJ CR Safe.’   

In the following locations, Tourist Police can provide limited assistance to start the process:  

• San Jose city office – Central Park 
• Airports 
• Puerto Viejo Beach 
• Cahuita Beach 
• Tamarindo Beach 
• Brasilito Beach 
• Flamingo Beach 
• Nosara Beach 
• Santa Teresa Beach 
• Dominical Beach 
• El Coco Beach 

Review our information on help for U.S. victims of crime abroad.  

Victims of sexual assault 

• Dial 911 for the police   
• Dial +506-2519-2000 to contact the U.S. embassy or e-mail acssanjose@state.gov    

Victims of rape

• Dial +506-2519-2000 to contact the U.S. embassy or email  acssanjose@state.gov
• Dial 911 for local law enforcement assistance and to start Costa Rica’s support protocol.

The protocol includes time-sensitive medical treatment and evidence collection.  

The Department of State provides help for U.S. victims of crime abroad.

U.S. Embassy in San Jose can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.  
• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information about the victim’s role during local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Share a list of local attorneys (does not imply endorsement). 
• Inform you of victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. 
• Issue an emergency loan for repatriation to the U.S. or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 

A police report with a case number is necessary for case follow up, insurance claims, and waiving of rebooking fees on certain airlines.  Check with airlines regarding their rebooking policies. 

Tourism 

The tourism industry is regulated, and rules are enforced.   

• Inspections take place on a regular basis, but some tour operators are not registered.  
• Dangerous areas or activities are not always marked with signs.   
• Medical treatment is available, but traffic and road conditions can delay access to remote areas.   
• U. S. citizens should consider medical evacuation insurance.  
• The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) has a list of Certified Tour Guides .
• ICT also has safety and security information in these English and Spanish language pamphlets.

Adventure sports

Some tour operators may not follow international standards and best practices.   

• Be careful when doing adventure activities such as hiking, rafting, zip lining, or sky diving.   
• U. S. citizens have died in Costa Rica while doing adventure sports.   
• Make sure your medical insurance covers your sport.   
• The Ministry of Health maintains a list of approved adventure sports operators.
• Do not do adventure sports alone.   
• Always carry ID and let others know where you are.   
• Before kayaking and rafting, check river conditions and wear a life jacket and helmet.  Even popular rafting spots can become dangerous in flash floods.  
• Carry a first aid kit and know where the nearest rescue center is.   
• Follow all local or park rules and be careful in unknown places. 

Hiking 

Follow signs in national parks and stay on marked trails. It can be hard for first responders to find missing people in remote areas. 

To hike in national parks, you should: 

• Register with the park 
• Have an entry permit 
• Use a certified tour operator. The Costa Rican Tourist Institute (ICT) has information on Certified Tour Guides

Domestic violence 

• Dial 911 for local law enforcement assistance.  
• Dial +506-2519-2000 to contact the U.S. embassy or email acssanjose@state.gov (after contacting local authorities). 

Students and volunteers  

To file a complaint to Costa Rica’s Tourism Commission:  

• Dial 800-TURISMO from Costa Rica 
• Dial 011-506-2299-5800 from the United States or email contactenos@ict.go.cr 

Review safety and security information provided by your host. Students and volunteers have suffered serious crimes. 

For more information, review our Studying Abroad page and FBI travel tips

Demonstrations  

Demonstrations are common in Costa Rica.  

Protests or strikes can affect transportation, fuel supplies, and other public services. Foreigners are not allowed to participate in public demonstrations. If you do, you might be detained or deported. 

• Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. 
• Avoid areas where protests are happening. 
• Check local news for updates and traffic information. 

Alcohol and drugs   

• Drunk driving or while on drugs is illegal.   
• You can get heavy fines and jail time for having, using, or selling illegal drugs.   
• Marijuana and marijuana-related products are illegal in Costa Rica.  

Prostitution and sex tourism 

Promoting or helping someone with prostitution is illegal.  Local laws on human trafficking and child exploitation have very harsh penalties, including fines and jail time. 

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to inform the U.S. Embassy in the San Jose.

• People accused of serious crimes can be held before trial.  
• Because local prisons are crowded, courts may instead put you on home arrest. You cannot leave Costa Rica and must check in with judicial authorities.  
• You have the right to a public defender and a translator for most hearings. 

Judicial process 

Local court cases take longer than in the United States.  Civil cases usually take more than 5 years to finish.

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

• Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in Costa Rica.   
• You could face fines or have to give up the goods when you arrive in the United States. Visit the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-based travelers 

• Faith-Based Travel Information 
• International Religious Freedom Report – Review country reports 
• Human Rights Report – Review country reports 
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and lesbian travelers

Costa Rica has no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or gay and lesbian events.  

•  Gay and Lesbian Traveler Information
•  Human Rights report (Section 6)

Travelers with disabilities 

Costa Rica has limited accessibility and accommodation.   

• Many buildings are not accessible.   
• The Costa Rican Ombudsman’s Office has received complaints about accessibility.   
• There also are reports of broken wheelchair lifts on public transportation.  

Students 

• Tips for Students Abroad   
• FBI Travel Tips

Residency

• U. S. citizens who want to live or stay long-term in Costa Rica should seek local legal guidance.  
• A qualified attorney can advise you on the requirements for legal residency.  
• U.S. citizens who misuse their tourist status to live in Costa Rica can be deported and banned from entering the country.

Real estate 

Be cautious with real estate purchases or investments.   

• Consult with reputable legal counsel and review the contract completely.  
• The U.S. embassy cannot assist you with land or business disputes; you must be prepared to take your case to the local courts. 
• Civil records of land titles can be incomplete or contradictory.   
• Coastal land within 50 meters of the high tide line is public space. This land is closed to development. The next 150 meters inland (“Maritime Zone”) cannot be owned by foreign nationals. Land in this zone is governed by the local municipality.   
• The Costa Rican government has taken private land from some U.S. investors without enough or timely compensation. 
• Property owners should keep their property secure. Squatter groups have taken over properties. They use laws that let them claim unused land. Victims have reported threats, harassment, and violence. 
• Check the embassy’s website for a list of local lawyers. 

Women travelers 

• Tips for Women Travelers

Health Resources

• CDC Health Traveler Information 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• Travel Insurance

Emergency services

• Dial 911 for emergencies

Ambulance services 

• Ambulances might not have all the advanced emergency equipment you would expect. 

Health facilities 

In San José, medical care is usually good. Outside of San José, services may be limited.  

• Some healthcare facilities might lack basic medical equipment. 
• Hospitals and doctors often need payment “up front” before service or admission. 
• Private hospitals usually want payment or proof of insurance before treating you. 
• In public hospitals, medical staff may speak little or no English.  
• In public hospitals, only a few staff members may be present overnight. We recommend you request permission for a family member to stay with you 

Prescription medications

Check the Costa Rican Ministry of Health to ensure your medicine is approved and sold locally. 

• Bring enough medication for your trip.   
• Some medications are not available and cannot be sent in the mail to Costa Rica.  
• Carry your prescription medicine in the original packaging with a copy of your prescription.   
• Buy medicine in consultation with a doctor and from reputable establishments.  
• Medicine that is bought abroad needs to meet U.S. requirements to be taken back to the United States.   

Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information. 

Medical payments and insurance

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  

• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not work overseas. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad for reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance available. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. An air ambulance flight can cost $50,000 and will often take place only after full payment is provided.  
• Costa Rica reserves the right to prevent the departure of people with unpaid bills. 
• The embassy has a list of doctors and hospitals on the embassy website  We do not endorse any specific doctors or clinics.  

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the CDC.  

• Yellow fever: Passengers coming from some countries in South America or Africa must show proof of vaccination. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

U.S. citizens have had serious issues, and some have died during or after cosmetic or elective surgery. 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry.  
• Medical systems abroad are different than the United States. They are not subject to the same rules and regulations.   
• Anyone traveling for medical purposes should consult with their physician before traveling. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Costa Rica. 

Visit the CDC website for information on Medical Tourism, its risks, and what you can do to prepare. Costa Rica has many elective and cosmetic surgery facilities that can match those in the United States. The quality of care can vary.  

If you’re considering surgery in Costa Rica:   

• Make sure that emergency medical services are accessible. 
• Do your research to make informed decisions about your health.  
• Make sure that the professionals you choose are accredited and qualified.   

Confirm that: 

• Clinics and doctors will be able to provide an acceptable level of care.  
• Your insurance will cover any related or emergency costs.  
• You understand the costs and terms of payment for treatment.  

For clinics offering alternative treatments, do your research. Unverified alternative treatments have led to hospitalization. Wellness centers are often not verified. 

Alcohol 

• Dial 800-8000-645 to report unregulated or tainted alcohol to police or email denuncias.drpis@misalud.go.cr 
• Dial 2223-1028 or 800-INTOXICA (4686-9422) for National Center for Intoxicants   
• Dial +506-2519-2000 for Embassy of San Jose (victims of health violations)  
• Drink alcohol in moderation.   
• There have been reports of tainted alcohol causing serious health issues.  
• If you feel sick after drinking, dial 911 immediately.   

Reporting tainted alcohol:

Costa Rica asks you to report the sale of unregulated or tainted alcohol to the Investigative Police (OIJ).  If you are the victim of unregulated alcohol or another serious health violation:  

• Notify the U.S. Embassy in San Jose at +506-2519-2000.   
• Contact the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries).  The Bureau is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

Assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy (ART) 

If you are considering traveling to Costa Rica to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please visit ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

Water quality 

• Tap water is often not safe to drink.   
• Ask for bottled water when possible.   
• Many places may serve tap water unless you ask for bottled water.  
• Ice drinks may be made with tap water.  

Adventure travel 

Visit the CDC website for more information about  Adventure Travel.

Prevalent diseases 

• Dengue 
• Zika 
• Chikungunya 
• Malaria  

Tips to stay safe:

• The use of repellent is recommended.  
• Follow standard procedures to protect yourself from HIV and AIDS. 
• For more information, you can visit the CDC and WHO websites about traveling in Costa Rica. 

Helpful resources 

• Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad

Road conditions and safety 

Driving conditions vary across the country. Drive with extreme caution: 

• Roads can have unclear lane markings, narrow shoulders, and large potholes.   
• Signs may not be very clear.  
• Visibility at intersections may be blocked by vegetation or other obstacles. 
• If you have car trouble or a flat tire, find a well-lit and busy location like a gas station to stop. Be careful of strangers offering help, especially in less populated areas. 
• Main highways in cities are paved. But roads to beaches and rural areas might not be.  Some places may only be accessible with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 
• Drive carefully when crossing moving water, such as riverbeds. Even a small amount of water can make your vehicle unstable. 
• During the rainy season, some roads may be blocked due to landslides. If you're staying outside urban areas, check with your hotel about road conditions. 
• Try not to drive outside of urban areas at night. 
• Expect traffic jams in and around San Jose. 
• Motorcyclists may not follow road rules, often passing on the right or weaving through traffic.   
• Buses and cars often stop suddenly. 

Bridges

• Bridges, even on heavily traveled roads, may be only a single lane.   
• Rural roads sometimes lack bridges.   
• Do not drive through water if you can't see its depth. 

Traffic laws 

• You must have a valid passport and a U.S. driver's license or an international driving permit. 
• Fines for routine traffic violations can be over $500 USD. 
• Traffic laws, including speed limits, are often ignored. Turn signals are rarely used, and pedestrians don't always have the right of way. 
• In the event of a traffic accident, do not move the vehicle. Both the traffic police and an insurance investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles can be moved.  
• Drivers using rental cars should understand their company’s policy in the event of accidents. Rental companies may fine drivers for failing to file a report. 
• There is a high fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles or motorcycles. In the event of a traffic fatality, a judge must arrive at the scene to pronounce a person dead. This could take several hours. Ongoing investigations may prevent you from leaving the country for months. 

Public transportation 

• Stay aware of your surroundings when using public transport.   
• Avoid showing expensive items, like jewelry. Keep your bags close to you.  
• You are strongly advised to avoid public buses due to pickpocketing.   
• Use only licensed taxis or well-known ride-sharing services. Never accept rides from unlicensed vehicles. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation.  Visit the website of Costa Rica’s National Tourist Office and national authority responsible for road safety. 

Unpaid traffic tickets 

U.S. citizens have reported to the U.S. embassy that car rental companies charge credit cards for unpaid tickets. The embassy cannot help in such cases. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Costa Rica’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel 

Mariners planning travel to Costa Rica should also check the following:   

• U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Directory 
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories 
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings