Heightened Safety Concerns for Canadian Travelers to Costa Rica Amid Rising Crime Rates

In a significant development impacting international travel, the Canadian government has escalated its travel advisory for Costa Rica, urging a high degree of caution due to escalating criminal activities. This move comes amidst concerns about the safety of tourists in the region.

The Alarming Crime Wave in Costa Rica

Recent data indicates a worrying surge in drug-related incidents, including homicides and armed robberies in areas such as Limón, San José, Alajuela, and Puntarenas. While these violent clashes are primarily between criminal factions, bystanders, including international visitors, are at risk of becoming incidental casualties. Organized crime shootings occur randomly throughout the day as groups vie for territorial control in the narcotics trade. The Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) has recorded over 20 incidental deaths within a startling total of 762 homicides by midday on November 3 this year.

Canadian Tourism in the Balance

Canada ranks as the second-largest source of tourists to Costa Rica, trailing only the United States. Between January and September of this year, 185,459 Canadian visitors entered Costa Rica, with the majority arriving through the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia. This year witnessed a 51.5% increase in Canadian tourists compared to 2022. Typically, these tourists seek leisure and spend an average of $105 daily. Canadian visitors, who represented 8% of the 2.3 million tourists last year, are often drawn to the country’s famed beaches and sunny climes, many referred by friends and family. Tourism is crucial for Costa Rica, driving significant currency inflow and creating jobs.

Rampant Street Crime and Targeted Thefts

The advisory from Canada highlights frequent occurrences of street assaults, wallet thefts, home and vehicle break-ins, with criminals often viewing foreigners as wealthy targets. Criminals tend to operate in groups to distract and rob tourists, with passports being particularly sought after. Tourists are advised to secure their belongings, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, carrying large sums of cash, or any unnecessary valuables.

Peak Seasons Witness Heightened Theft and Assault

The high tourism season, spanning from November to May and July to August, sees an uptick in criminal activities. Tourists are warned against walking in urban areas and popular coastal destinations due to the risk of assault. Reports of harassment, verbal abuse, and even sexual assaults in beach areas and taxis have been noted, particularly affecting women traveling alone.

Recent Incidents Underline the Risk

Notable incidents include the theft of photographic equipment from European tourists in Garabito, resulting in the loss of their first-week travel memories in Monteverde. This pattern of targeting tourists’ possessions underscores the importance of vigilance.

Government Response to the Crime Surge

Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Segura Sancho, acknowledges the heightened travel alert and affirms efforts to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of visitors. Travelers are urged to stay informed and heed safety recommendations, as the country remains committed to providing secure and enjoyable tourist experiences.

A Country’s Homicide Rate as a Crime Indicator

The global parameter for measuring criminality, the homicide rate, is pivotal for issuing travel advisories. The unusually high homicide figures for 2023 have influenced the advisories issued by Canada, echoing similar concerns as for travel to Mexico.

The Pattern of Crimes Against Tourists

In 2022, thefts and vehicle break-ins constituted 75% of the crimes reported by tourists, with the most victims recorded in March, February, and May. The OIJ notes that Jacó, Nosara, Cahuita, and Cóbano are hotspots for such criminal activities.

International Travel Advisory Status

The U.S. government has also raised its travel advisory for Costa Rica, maintaining a heightened level of alert without any reduction since the last review on July 17. The continuing high homicide rate casts doubt on the possibility of lowering this advisory level anytime soon.

The escalating crime rates in Costa Rica pose a significant challenge for its thriving tourism industry, prompting Canadian authorities to call for increased vigilance among its citizens traveling to the Central American nation. As the Costa Rican government confronts this wave of crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the risks associated with their destinations.