Costa Rica – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Advisory Issued March 28, 2018

Exercise normal precautions in Costa Rica. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Poas Volcano National Park due to a natural disaster.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Central neighborhood in Limon due to crime.
• Liberia city due to crime.
• Desamparados neighborhood in San Rafael due to crime.
• Pavas and Hospital neighborhoods San Jose due to crime.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Costa Rica:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Costa Rica.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Poas Volcano National Park

Due to increased and unpredictable volcanic activity, including gas, ash, and vapor eruptions, Poas Volcano National Park is closed to visitors. 

Central neighborhood in Limon

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Liberia city

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Desamparados neighborhood San Rafael

Violent crime, such as homicide and assault, is common. Police presence is limited. 

Pavas and Hospital neighborhoods in San Jose

Criminal assault and homicides have been reported in these areas. Gang activity, such as territorial disputes and narcotics trafficking, has been reported in Pavas in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy.  

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/costa-rica-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: March 28, 2018