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Theft, robberies, fraud, and crimes related to drug trafficking are a very serious threat to diplomats, expats and tourists from the United States who travel to Costa Rica. Such is the main warning found within the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) 2016 report for Costa Rica.

The OSAC serves the U.S. Bureau of Diplomatic Security; nonetheless, its reports are shared with the public as they also apply to U.S. citizens who visit or move to Costa Rica. Here are some of the highlights of the report:

Crime is a significant concern in Costa Rica, and it has steadily increased over the past few years. While the vast majority of visitors do not become victims of crime, all are potential targets for criminals. Petty theft crimes remain the main problem, although armed robberies have been known to occur even in broad daylight. The majority of crime and safety threats to U.S. official and private communities are acts of theft.

 

Credit card theft/fraud is also a common crime faced by visitors. Many victims maintain physical possession of their card, but their credit card information is stolen and later used without their knowledge.

 

Passport theft is also a big issue for visiting American citizens.

 

Criminals have targeted rental vehicles.

 

Sex tourism is common, especially in the tourist areas, specifically, the coastal areas. Tourists who engage in/solicit prostitution exponentially increase their chances of being a victim of theft or violent robbery.

 

As to which areas of Costa Rica are the most prone to crimes against U.S. citizens, the report indicates:

While crimes occur throughout Costa Rica, they are more prevalent in certain locations, including popular tourist destinations, and at certain times during the year (Christmas holiday season).

 

Visitors are strongly encouraged not to go to [Downtown San José] after dark and are advised to avoid the El Pueblo Centro Comercial at all times. U.S. government officials are not permitted to stay in hotels in downtown San José due to safety concerns.

 

Limon and Tamarindo and the surrounding destinations have been primary areas of concern for the U.S. Embassy.
In the Caribbean port city of Limon, host government authorities are working to counter the activities of organized criminal elements involved in drug trafficking and human trafficking.

The tourist hub of Tamarindo, located in the Pacific province of Guanacaste, attracts opportunistic criminals engaged in burglary, robbery, and the sale of narcotics.