Canada Urges High Caution for Travelers to Costa Rica Amid Rising Safety Concerns

Increased Vigilance Recommended for Canadian Tourists

Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisory for Costa Rica, urging Canadian citizens to 'exercise a high degree of caution' when visiting the Central American nation. The advisory, which places Costa Rica at a Level Two risk, points to a range of safety and security concerns, including widespread crime, natural hazards, and other unforeseen challenges for tourists. This recommendation comes as Canada also issued similar warnings for several other popular international destinations.

Crime and Security Risks

The Canadian government's advisory details both petty and violent crime as significant concerns. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, house burglary, and theft from cars, is reported to occur frequently, with tourists often targeted due to the perception of wealth. Passport theft is also noted as extremely common, particularly during peak tourist seasons from November to May and July to August.

While most violent crime, including murders and armed robberies, is often linked to drug and gang activity and not typically aimed at travelers, isolated incidents of violent assaults against tourists have been reported, particularly on the Caribbean coast in areas like Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo.

Specific high-risk areas for theft and other crimes include:

• San José: The Coca-Cola bus terminal area, inner downtown, Mercado Central, and public parks.
• Pacific Coast: Dominical, Jacó, Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Mal País, Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and the port of Puntarenas.
• Caribbean Coast: Cahuita, Limón City Port, and Puerto Viejo.

Travelers are also warned that rental cars and luxury vehicles are frequent targets for break-ins and theft, especially in parking lots of hotels, supermarkets, and national parks.

Natural Hazards and Other Challenges

Beyond crime, the advisory highlights several environmental and health-related challenges. Costa Rica is vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly during the hurricane season, which typically runs from mid-May to November. The active Poás Volcano also remains a concern, with an 'orange' alert level in surrounding areas and the Poás Volcano National Park currently closed.

Health risks include reports of casualties from the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol. Additionally, dangerous coastal waters with common riptides lead to several drownings annually, as few beaches have lifeguards or warning signs. An outbreak of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) has been reported in the Tibas district of San José, and mosquito-transmitted diseases like chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and Zika are present.

Travelers are also advised to be cautious of poor road conditions, including a lack of traffic signs, landslides, and narrow or unpaved roads, as well as erratic driving habits. Public transportation, particularly buses, is noted for unreliability and the prevalence of pickpockets.

Recommendations for Travelers

Global Affairs Canada advises travelers to secure personal belongings, including passports, avoid displaying signs of wealth, limit cash, and avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. When driving, it is recommended to keep doors locked, windows closed, and valuables out of sight. For taxis, only official, pre-booked services should be used.