Canada Tightens Costa Rica Travel Alert Amid Crime Concerns

Canada has tightened its travel advisory for Costa Rica, citing elevated levels of violent crime and persistent petty theft in the Central American tourism hotspot, and urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution when planning visits.

Advisory Raised as Security Concerns Persist

Publicly available information on the Government of Canada travel advice portal shows that the overall risk level for Costa Rica was updated on September 9, 2026, to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to crime, with the advisory listing concerns about violent incidents, armed robbery and opportunistic theft in popular visitor areas.

The advisory for Costa Rica now appears in the same broad risk category as destinations where crime and security conditions are considered manageable for informed travelers, but no longer in the lowest risk grouping. Travelers are advised to pay close attention to local conditions, especially in urban centers and along drug-trafficking corridors on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

According to summaries of the advisory, Canadian officials highlight incidents of armed robbery, car break-ins and theft from hotel rooms and vacation rentals. The notice emphasizes that Canadian travelers have reported losing passports, electronics and luggage when valuables were left unattended in parked vehicles or on beaches.

Canada’s updated position aligns with guidance from several other governments. The United States currently maintains a Level 2 advisory for Costa Rica, also recommending increased caution due to crime, while Australia’s Smartraveller service lists a similar “exercise a high degree of caution” level, noting the threat of violent crime, particularly in some coastal and port regions.

Homicide Figures Put Pressure on Costa Rica’s Image

The travel advisory revision follows several years of elevated homicide figures and rising drug-related violence in Costa Rica. Data compiled from Costa Rica’s judicial investigation agency and national statistics offices show that the country recorded record homicide totals in 2023, with more than 900 killings and a rate of around 17 per 100,000 inhabitants, roughly double the level of a decade earlier.

Subsequent years have brought modest declines but not a return to earlier levels. Regional crime analysis indicates that there were around 880 homicides in 2024 and a similar figure again in 2025, keeping the rate among the highest Costa Rica has seen in modern times. Analysts link much of this violence to competition between drug-trafficking groups using Costa Rica’s coastline and logistics networks as transit points.

Reports from regional observatories and international organizations describe a concentration of lethal violence in certain provinces and port cities, particularly along the Caribbean coast. Towns in Limón province and specific districts in San José and Puntarenas have featured prominently in recent crime bulletins. Although most homicides are believed to target individuals involved in criminal disputes, the overall visibility of shootings and gang activity has begun to affect perceptions of safety among residents and visitors.

Despite these challenges, Costa Rica remains statistically safer than some of the hardest-hit countries in the region. However, the shift in Canada’s advisory signals concern that trends in organized crime and firearms-related killings, if left unchecked, could erode the country’s long-held reputation as a tranquil eco-tourism destination.

What the Updated Advisory Means for Canadian Travelers

The raised caution level does not prohibit travel to Costa Rica, nor does it advise against non-essential trips. Instead, it places greater emphasis on preparation and risk awareness. Canadians are encouraged to register their travel plans with consular services, keep contact information for the Canadian mission in San José readily available and ensure that someone at home has a copy of their itinerary and identification documents.

Practical recommendations in the advisory include booking accommodation in established areas with good security measures, checking recent traveler reports about specific neighborhoods and arranging airport transfers through reputable hotels or licensed providers. Travelers are urged to avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras or large amounts of cash in public, and to use hotel safes for passports and spare bank cards whenever possible.

The advisory also highlights risks associated with road travel and nightlife. Tourists are cautioned against accepting rides or drinks from strangers, leaving drinks unattended in bars, or walking alone late at night in downtown San José and certain coastal towns known for drug activity. Renting vehicles from recognized agencies, keeping doors locked and windows up in traffic, and never leaving bags visible inside parked cars are repeatedly stressed.

Travel insurance is another central theme. Publicly available guidance from multiple governments notes that medical evacuation from remote beach or jungle destinations to San José can be costly. Comprehensive insurance that covers emergency evacuation, hospitalization and theft of belongings is strongly recommended for trips that include adventure activities such as surfing, ziplining or hiking in national parks.

Regional Hotspots and Safer Itineraries

While the Canadian advisory applies to the entire country, it indicates that crime patterns are not uniform. Reports from Costa Rican and international sources identify particular concern in parts of Limón province on the Caribbean coast, some districts of San José, and sections of Puntarenas province on the Pacific side, where disputes between criminal groups have produced clusters of shootings and homicides.

By contrast, many of Costa Rica’s most visited eco-tourism hubs remain relatively insulated from serious violence, though not from theft. Mountain towns such as La Fortuna and Monteverde, and beach destinations like parts of Guanacaste province, continue to attract large numbers of international visitors. Travel advisories describe these places as generally calm but still recommend standard urban precautions, especially around bus terminals, public parking areas and crowded viewpoints.

Canadian travelers planning itineraries that combine urban stays with coastal or rural tourism are advised to pay close attention to local news before traveling overland between regions. Choosing daytime bus departures, avoiding isolated roadside stops and coordinating with accommodation providers about trusted taxi or shuttle operators can reduce exposure to higher-risk situations on the road.

Those considering trips to less developed coastal communities or secondary ports are encouraged to research recent conditions from a range of sources, including official advisories and current travel reporting. In some areas, openly visible gang rivalries and frequent firearms incidents may not directly target tourists but can create an unpredictable environment for visitors unfamiliar with local dynamics.

Balancing Crime Risks With Costa Rica’s Travel Appeal

Canada’s tightened advisory comes at a time when Costa Rica is working to sustain tourism arrivals while responding to a broader security challenge. Tourism remains a key pillar of the country’s economy, drawing visitors with national parks, wildlife watching, surfing beaches and wellness retreats.

Recent analyses of homicide trends suggest that national authorities have begun to moderate the steep upward curve in killings seen early in the decade, with small year-on-year reductions recorded since 2024. Nonetheless, levels remain high by Costa Rica’s historical standards, and the presence of transnational drug-trafficking networks continues to complicate security policy.

For Canadian travelers, the new advisory does not mean that Costa Rica has become off-limits, but rather that trips require more careful planning and situational awareness than in the past. Many foreign visitors still report positive experiences centered on nature, culture and hospitality, provided they follow conservative safety habits such as avoiding isolated areas after dark, securing valuables and staying informed about local conditions.

As government advisories are living documents that evolve with events on the ground, travelers are encouraged to check for the latest updates shortly before departure and to remain flexible with itineraries if security concerns rise in particular regions. For now, Canada’s message is one of caution rather than alarm, signaling that enjoyment of Costa Rica’s attractions is still possible, but best approached with clear eyes and prudent precautions.