Tourism in Costa Rica is at risk after several negative travel advisories and currency problems
As Costa Rica enters its peak tourism season, the country’s long-celebrated reputation as a safe and idyllic Central American getaway is under threat from a confluence of negative travel advisories, rising crime concerns and crippling currency fluctuations. The combined impact is causing concern among tourism operators, government officials and travelers alike.
Security warnings shake travelers’ confidence
On November 25, 2025, the US embassy in San José published a high-profile appeal Security warningwarning American visitors of a significant increase in crimes against foreigners, including burglaries, armed robberies, property crimes, financial fraud and extortion schemes.
According to embassy officials, criminal gangs in Costa Rica “force victims to withdraw large sums of money from ATMs or make bank transfers,” often after targeting vacation rentals or foreign-owned businesses. One release from the embassy bluntly underlined the seriousness of the situation:
While Costa Rica remains at Level 2 of the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory, which recommends travelers “be extra careful” — Tourism stakeholders are concerned that repeated warnings could tarnish the country’s image and deter visitors.
Startling health warnings increase concerns
On December 8, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in San José issued a health alert after Walmart Costa Rica announced a voluntary memory of tilapia and pangasius frozen fillets from the Don Cristóbal brand due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenesa harmful bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness and multiply even at refrigerator temperatures. The recall, which was announced to local media on December 4, has consequences several batches sold nationallyincluding products available at walmart costa rica stores such as Mas x Menos and MaxiPali.
Just days before the security alert, the U.S. Embassy issued another disturbing message — this time one Health warning related to aluminum phosphide poisoning. The toxic pesticide is often used for rodent control, but can produce deadly phosphine gas when exposed to moisture. Authorities have reported this multiple poisoning incidentsprompting a rare health advisory aimed at both residents and travelers.
Although the warning was not directly related to the tourist infrastructure, the circulation of the warning in the international media caused growing unease. As one TravelOffPath portal noted: “This advisory was actually categorized as a health warning… but it highlights how easily obscure safety concerns can spiral into broader traveler fears.”
Economic pressure on the tourism sector
Worsening safety and health problems is one unexpected economic pressure on Costa Rica’s tourism economy. A December 6 report from Tico times revealed that the Costa Rican colón rose to its strongest level against the US dollar since 2005, with the dollar trading around ₡488–₡490.
While this strong currency is positive for local importers and savers, it has made Costa Rica significantly more expensive for foreign tourists. Tourism operators warn that higher local fees – paid in colones – combined with weaker purchasing power of the dollar are hurting small and medium-sized businesses that rely heavily on tourism revenue.
Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR), emphasized the seriousness of the situation:
CANATUR also noted that Costa Rica could lose its competitive advantage against other regional destinations – such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Panama – where travel budgets continue to increase. Recent data shows that a 2.1 percent decrease in the number of aircraft arrivals from January to August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Tourism industry on edge
Tourism plays a central role in Costa Rica’s economy and is responsible for a significant portion of GDP and employment. In 2024, the country welcomed approx 2.9 million foreign visitorsof 1.6 million from the United StatesThis is reported by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
Despite the country’s abundant natural beauty – from rainforests and volcanoes to pristine beaches – the combination of safety advisories, health warnings and unfavorable exchange rates threatens to undermine traveler confidence during what should be a booming peak season.
Flora Ayub, executive director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels, said the tourism sector is caught between declining bookings and rising operational costs. “The current pace is reducing our margins at a critical time,” she noted.
Balance between risk and resilience
Costa Rica’s government and tourism authorities are trying to combat the negative headlines with proactive security initiatives, including increasing police presence in tourist centers and improving property security protocols. Yet the country’s international image has undeniably taken a hit, and experts warn that recovery will require more than superficial measures.
For travelers still planning to visit, experts recommend thorough preparation: researching accommodations, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintaining situational awareness and budgeting carefully amid currency exchange challenges.
As one travel industry analyst summarized: “The appeal of Costa Rica has not disappeared, but the context that travelers now face is much more complex.”
