A security warning has been issued for a popular holiday destination ahead of the travel season.
On Nov. 25, the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, CA, issued a security warning for Costa Rica, citing a spate of recent crimes against tourists, including robberies and home invasions. “Tourists have reported break-ins and armed robberies at Airbnbs and other rental properties.”
‘Do Not Display Signs of Wealth’
It went on to explain that criminals have been known to force affluent tourists to withdraw large sums of money from ATMs or make wire transfers. “Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches,” the alert warns. Tourists are advised to travel in groups, stay alert when visiting ATMs, and never leave their valuables in sight. Travelers are also advised to set daily withdrawal limits on their accounts to prevent financial crimes.
When renting a car, the alert advises, “double check [that the] vehicle is locked.” Thieves often use signal blockers to prevent vehicles from locking with key fobs,” it explains. When renting an Airbnb, “ensure the property has strong security measures, and keep doors and windows locked,” the advisory reads. “Avoid properties with reviews that mention security incidents.”
Costa Rica Is an American Tourist Hotspot
Costa Rica has been a hotspot for American tourists since the late 1980s, but the country has only begun to recover from a steep drop in vacationers, which began with the pandemic in 2020. After seeing an all-time high of 3.14 million tourists in 2019, the past few years have marked a relative low point for tourism in the country. As other Central American countries, such as Panama and Guatemala, draw more and more visitors each year from the U.S., Costa Rica is seeing less and less traffic. The dwindling tourism numbers are due to criminal incidents as well as an increase in mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, which infected nearly 2,000 people in an outbreak earlier this year.
Costa Rica Under Level 2 Travel Warning
Since Dec. 10, 2024, Costa Rica has been under a Level 2 travel warning on behalf of the U.S. State Department. “Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica,” the warning advises. “Violent crime also affects tourists. This includes armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault.”
