A troubling spike in gang-related robberies, break-ins and extortion crimes in Costa Rica has forced the US to declare a tourist travel alert for the Central American country.

The US Embassy in San Jose urged caution for Americans traveling to the popular vacation destination in a Nov. 25 security alert — urging travelers to be more vigilant, spend less time online and carry fewer cash and valuables.

“Set daily withdrawal limits for your bank accounts, minimize funds kept in any one account, advise your bank of your travel plans in advance, and consider contacting your bank to discuss any concerns and security strategies,” the alert said.

US travelers are also urged to research their accommodations in advance and to purchase travel insurance before hitting the ground in Costa Rica.

For Americans now living or running a business in the country, the alert encourages beefing up security and surveillance of the property.

The alert follows an earlier warning from the State Department in December 2024 that noted, “petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica.”

The new alert also follows a similar warning for Canadian tourists to Costa Rica in August, which cautioned travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the country, the English-language outlet Tico Times reported.

Costa Rican officials have repeatedly claimed the concerns are overblown, but in September launched a new “Tourist Police 911 Operations Center” in the capital.

“The creation of a direct line for incidents, emergencies, or cases involving foreign tourists is a significant achievement in improving service for travelers and strengthening visitor safety,” Minister of Tourism William Rodriguez told Tico Times at the time.

A 2023 report noted a troubling uptick in gang-related drug killings in Costa Rica, a popular and idyllic travel destination for many US citizens.