Security Overview for Costa Rica

Crime has been steadily rising in Costa Rica in recent years, affecting both locals and foreigners. Street crime is a particular problem in cities. The most dangerous locations are in downtown areas of San Jose and Limon, the largest Caribbean coastal city. Costa Rica, however, is still one of Central America's most peaceful countries.

Home invasion and theft are a major problem in some of the most affluent neighborhoods of the San Jose metropolitan region and in some wealthy beach areas. In most cases, criminals threaten people at gunpoint and tie them up while conducting the robbery. Several local and foreign victims have been injured during home invasions and some have been killed in recent years.

Be on guard against pickpockets and purse snatchers during the day in downtown areas, popular tourist spots and even on the beach. Assaults and other crimes increase after dark. Credit-card fraud and passport theft are very common in Costa Rica. Always keep your passport in a secure place and keep at least one photocopy of your passport separate from the document; this will significantly reduce the time and hassle of replacing a lost or stolen passport.

Traveling through Costa Rica poses some risks, primarily due to poor road conditions, particularly in rural areas. If traveling overland, do so only on major routes and thoroughfares and during daylight hours. Rural banditry is also a problem, particularly in remote areas. If renting a vehicle, purchase an adequate level of local theft insurance and park the car in a paid parking lot or other secure place. Never leave valuables in vehicles. Use airport taxis or hotel shuttles for trips between the airport and town.

Costa Rica's political system is among the most stable in Latin America. Incidents of politically motivated violence are extremely rare. While occasional student and labor protests occur and some squatter violence is evident in the outlying suburbs of San Jose, the country has few incidents of civil unrest. No known international or domestic terrorist groups are active in Costa Rica.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

The crime assessment is based on prevalence of petty crime, violent crime and random violence that could threaten foreigners.
A security services rating is determined by analyzing the trustworthiness and capability of local police and security services.
For civil unrest, we consider the level of violent demonstrations and prevalence of anti-government and/or anti-foreign sentiment.
The terrorism category includes levels of terrorist acts targeting domestic and international targets and state sanctioned terrorism.
The kidnapping rating is assigned by analyzing the occurrence of kidnapping for ransom and political leverage within the country.
An assessment of geopolitical stability considers the political infrastructure and economic stability that affects the overall security environment.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.