Tourist Security: Policia Turistica and emergency line

Costa Rica has a Policia Turistica (a department of the Ministerio de Seguridad Publica, in coordination with the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, ICT) dedicated specifically to the safety of visitors in tourist areas.

Emergency number: 911 — when calling, you can specifically request “atencion al turista” so the call is directed to the Policia Turistica. There is also a direct line: 2600-5133.

Office in San José: the Policia Turistica has its central office (with a dedicated 9-1-1 Dispatch Center) on the south side of Parque Central, in San José. Phone numbers: (506) 2258-1008 and (506) 2258-1022. Email: policia_turistica@msp.go.cr.

Coverage and languages: the force has specialized officers stationed in tourist zones across the country, with more than half trained to communicate in English, and a smaller percentage in other languages.

What the Policia Turistica does: prevention and handling of incidents that affect the physical, property (thefts, scams), or emotional safety of national and international tourists, in coordination with local authorities in each area.

Note: for formal criminal complaints (not just immediate assistance), see the “Como poner una denuncia penal (OIJ / Ministerio Publico)” guide — the Policia Turistica handles the emergency on the spot, but a formal complaint may require the same OIJ channels used by anyone in Costa Rica.