Why Canada Has Issued a High-Caution Travel Advisory for Costa Rica

Published on December 22, 2025

Travel to Costa Rica is currently advised with a high degree of caution due to crime-related concerns that may affect visitors. According to the travel advisory issued by the Government of Canada, tourists are frequently exposed to safety risks linked to theft, fraud, transportation challenges, and localized violent crime. While tourism remains widespread across the country, awareness of travel conditions is considered essential for visitors planning leisure, adventure, or extended stays.

Crime Risks Affecting Tourists Across Costa Rica

Crime targeting tourists is reported throughout the country, with petty theft identified as the most common concern. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft of travel documents occur frequently, particularly because visitors are perceived as carrying valuables. Passport theft is noted as especially widespread, with higher frequency during peak tourism periods from November to May and again from July to August.

Criminal activity is often organized, with distractions used to enable theft. Incidents are commonly reported in busy tourism environments such as transport terminals, public transportation, hotel lobbies, restaurants, and popular viewpoints. Property crime, including vehicle theft, break-ins, and burglaries, is also widespread.

Violent crime is present, though many incidents are linked to drug trafficking. Offences including armed robbery, assault, burglary, and homicide have been recorded. The provinces most affected include San José, Alajuela, and Puntarenas.

Tourist Areas Identified With Elevated Theft Activity

Several locations frequently visited by travelers have been identified as higher-risk zones for theft. In San José, areas of concern include the Coca-Cola bus terminal zone, central downtown districts, public parks, and the central market.

Along the Pacific coast, theft concerns have been reported in Dominical, Jacó, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Cóbano region, including Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Mal País.

On the Caribbean coast, higher theft activity has been identified in Puerto Limón, Puerto Viejo, and Cahuita. Violent assaults involving travelers have also been reported in parts of this region.

How Safety Awareness Shapes the Tourist Experience

For travelers, safety awareness plays a central role in shaping daily movement and planning. Travel routines are often adjusted to account for crowd density, transport reliability, and accommodation security. Attention to surroundings, cautious handling of documents, and deliberate itinerary planning are commonly emphasized during stays.

Tourism experiences may be influenced by the need for structured travel patterns, particularly in urban centers and high-traffic destinations. As a result, many visits are shaped around secured lodging, organized transport, and daytime exploration.

Travel Behaviour and Tourism Patterns Under Advisory Conditions

Under elevated caution advisories, tourism activity is often characterized by increased preparation and risk management. Travel decisions tend to prioritize predictable environments, regulated services, and clearly defined itineraries. This approach supports continuity of tourism while aligning with safety expectations.

Visitors are commonly observed adapting to local travel conditions through adjusted schedules, route familiarity, and heightened awareness in transit hubs. These patterns reflect how tourism continues alongside advisory conditions without altering destination availability.

Transport, Road Conditions, and Travel Movement

Road conditions across Costa Rica are generally reported as poor, with a high rate of traffic accidents. Many roads remain unpaved or deteriorated, with risks heightened during the rainy season due to landslides, potholes, and limited signage. Driving habits are noted as unpredictable, with limited adherence to traffic laws.

Public buses are described as unreliable, with variable routes and frequent delays. Pickpocketing incidents are reported onboard. Official taxis are considered safer when booked in advance, with airport taxis identified by orange coloring and standard taxis marked red with a yellow triangle.

Car break-ins are common nationwide, particularly in parking areas near hotels, beaches, national parks, and restaurants. Rental vehicles are frequently targeted.

Health, Adventure Travel, and Environmental Risks

Health care quality is considered high, with strong public and private medical facilities, though private care may require upfront payment. Emergency response in rural areas is limited, and medical evacuation may be necessary in severe cases.

Adventure tourism carries inherent risks due to rapidly changing weather, limited trail markings, and unreliable safety equipment in some excursions. Dangerous wildlife, including large predators and venomous snakes, is present in forested areas.

Coastal waters pose additional hazards, with frequent rip currents and limited lifeguard coverage. Drownings are reported annually, and warning signage is minimal.

Entry Requirements and Travel Documentation

Canadian travelers are not required to obtain a tourist visa for stays of up to 180 days, though final duration is determined upon entry. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds is required, and an entry stamp must be obtained.

Overstaying authorized periods may result in deportation and long-term re-entry bans. Special documentation requirements apply to minors with dual citizenship.

Image Source: AI