Is Costa Rica safe for German tourists right now?

Current headlines merit attention, but they do not automatically mean broad, systemic danger. We recommend a practical approach to Costa Rica safety: choose well-reviewed lodging that publishes emergency plans, keep valuables minimal, use hotel safes, and book licensed guides for remote areas. Monitor local advisories and airline updates before moving between provinces. Carry travel insurance with natural disaster and medical evacuation cover. If conditions change, contact your tour operator and your insurer to adjust plans with minimal cost.

How common are earthquakes in Costa Rica and should I change plans after the December 22 events?

Costa Rica sits in a tectonically active zone, so small to moderate tremors occur with some regularity. A Costa Rica earthquake can disrupt transport or services for short periods, mainly near the epicenter. After the December 22 quakes, review hotel readiness, confirm transport options, and keep buffer time in your schedule. If your provider reports material disruption, discuss free rebooking or credits, then call your insurer about trip-interruption benefits. Absent local disruption, most travelers continue with adjusted, flexible plans.

How can German buyers avoid real estate fraud in Costa Rica?

Treat every step as a legal process. Retain an independent, licensed attorney from day one. Verify title at the Registro Nacional and match cadastral maps to the actual plot. Use regulated escrow for all funds. Demand notarized, translated contracts, seller ID copies, and proof that utilities, taxes, and HOA dues are current. Commission an independent survey and inspection. Avoid cash and unreceipted payments. Maintain a document trail. These measures sharply reduce Costa Rica real estate fraud risk.

What insurance should I buy for travel to Costa Rica?

Prioritize emergency medical and evacuation cover, then add trip interruption for natural disasters, strikes, or supplier failure. Include baggage and theft protection for beach and city stays. Check exclusions tied to pre-existing conditions and adventure sports. Keep policy numbers, emergency hotlines, and receipts accessible offline. Given current Costa Rica tourism risk headlines, confirm that quakes and civil incidents are covered events. Document delays and cancellations so claims can be processed quickly and fairly.

Law and Government

Costa Rica Risk Watch, December 22: Arrest in Real-Estate Killing and Twin Quakes Put Travel

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

Costa Rica safety is back in focus after police reported an arrest tied to the killing of an Austrian woman and her German partner linked to a property sale in Quepos. The same day, offshore earthquakes of M3.6 and M4.2 were recorded near Puntarenas and Guanacaste. For travelers from Germany, these headlines can shift short-term sentiment. We outline practical steps on Costa Rica safety for holidays, insurance, and due diligence for foreign buyers watching tourism demand and real-estate exposure.