Costa Rica remains Level 2

The United States kept Costa Rica at Level 2 on April 2, 2026, telling travelers to exercise increased caution rather than avoid the country. (travel.state.gov) The State Department said the advisory is tied to crime, with petty theft common and violent crime affecting tourists, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. The Costa Rica page still lists the country at Level 2 with a crime risk indicator. (travel.state.gov) Level 2 is the State Department’s second-lowest advisory tier. It means “exercise increased caution,” below Level 3 “reconsider travel” and Level 4 “do not travel.” (travel.state.gov) The advisory does not tell Americans to cancel trips. The State Department says travel advisories are destination-specific risk notices for United States citizens and are updated when conditions change substantially. (travel.state.gov) The current guidance comes as the United States Embassy in San José says more than 1.6 million United States citizens visit Costa Rica each year, including more than 150,000 during Spring Break and Semana Santa. The embassy said on March 27 that most travel safely, but drownings, break-ins, and robberies can happen even in popular vacation spots. (cr.usembassy.gov) The embassy has also warned about country-wide property crimes, financial crimes, and robberies affecting foreigners, including United States citizens. In a November 25, 2025 security alert, it said gangs had targeted foreign-owned businesses, residences, and travelers, including cases involving forced cash withdrawals and bank transfers. (cr.usembassy.gov) Tourists have reported break-ins and armed robberies at short-term rentals, according to that embassy alert. The embassy told visitors not to resist robbery attempts, avoid traveling alone at night, and stay alert around banks and automated teller machines. (cr.usembassy.gov) The Costa Rica advisory also highlights a separate hazard: beach safety. The State Department says rip currents kill dozens of United States citizens every year in Costa Rica and tells travelers to swim only in designated areas and watch for lifeguards, signs, and flags. (travel.state.gov) For entry rules, the State Department says United States travelers do not need a visa for stays under 180 days, but they do need a return ticket. Passports must be valid for the period of stay, and travelers entering from certain countries in South America or Africa may need proof of yellow fever vaccination. (travel.state.gov) The practical message from Washington is narrower than a travel ban: go if you want, but plan for crime risks, water hazards, and fast-changing local conditions. The State Department and embassy both tell travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before they leave. (travel.state.gov, travel.state.gov)