Costa Rica Travel Advisory 2026
Current U.S. State Department advisory
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level. Advisory as of April 1, 2026.
Official source: travel.state.gov
US vs UK: how the advice compares
🇺🇸 United States — travel.state.gov
Level 2 of 4 · as of April 1, 2026
Latest UK update note: “Updated information on customs rules; gang-related violence; fines for unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas and earthquakes and recent volcanic activity ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).”
See all countries where the two governments disagree on the US vs UK comparison page.
Advisory level timeline
April 1, 2026 — current
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Latest official advisory as captured in our snapshot.
No advisory level changes recorded for Costa Rica since we began tracking in July 2026. We log every future change here, with dates and official change notes.
Is Costa Rica safe? What the official advisory says
in Costa Rica due to crime.
Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime also affects tourists. This includes armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault.
Condensed from the official State Department advisory of April 1, 2026 — read the full advisory before you travel.
Costa Rica travel advisory FAQ
What is the current travel advisory level for Costa Rica?
As of April 1, 2026, the U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level.
What does Level 2 mean?
Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) — Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level.
When did the Costa Rica travel advisory last change?
The current advisory was published on April 1, 2026. No level changes have been recorded since we began tracking in July 2026 — this page will log every future change.
Does the UK government agree with the US advisory for Costa Rica?
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) position: No overall travel warning (last updated May 19, 2026). The US and UK use different systems — the US assigns a 1–4 level, while the UK either advises against travel (entirely or in part) or issues no overall warning.
Related: all Level 4 countries · all Level 3 countries · US vs UK advice