U.S. Embassy Issues Travel Warning for Roads Near San José, Costa Rica

The U.S. Embassy in San José has issued a travel advisory for Americans using routes between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Santa Ana due to rising safety concerns.

Recent incidents along these roads have involved attacks on vehicles, with reports of stones being thrown to force drivers to stop. In at least one case, a traveler who stopped was robbed, and their vehicle was stolen.

The advisory urges travelers to remain vigilant and avoid stopping for suspicious activity. If faced with such a situation, drivers are advised to continue moving until they reach a well-populated, safe location before contacting authorities. While Costa Rica remains a popular destination, these incidents highlight risks that travelers should be aware of, particularly in areas around major transit hubs.

Costa Rica is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory by the U.S. State Department, meaning visitors should exercise increased caution due to petty crimes like pickpocketing, scams, and vehicle-related thefts. Though this ranking is similar to destinations like Spain or Italy, the embassy’s warning underscores the importance of staying alert while traveling on less busy routes.

As safety concerns become a greater factor in travel decisions, the Costa Rican tourism industry may need to reinforce security measures to protect visitors. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing secure, guided experiences, and the industry must adapt to provide safer options for international tourists.

The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers remain alert, avoid stopping for unknown individuals, and report any suspicious incidents to local authorities once in a safe location. While Costa Rica’s tourism industry remains strong, ensuring safety along major travel routes will be crucial for maintaining visitor confidence.