Is Costa Rica safe for women travellers?
Broadly safe
Costa Rica is broadly protective for women travellers in law — the clearest concern is abortion access (to save life only).
What to know as a woman
the sourced facts that weigh most for you · concerns first
Abortion is permitted only to save the woman’s life or protect her health.
Broad anti-discrimination protections are in place.
Women hold broadly equal legal rights here — the World Bank’s Women, Business & the Law index scores 92/100 (2023), spanning mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood and property.
Identity & recognition
Same-sex relationships
Marriage equalitySame-sex marriage is legal.
Legal gender recognition
Self-determinationLegal gender can be changed by self-declaration.
Anti-discrimination protection
BroadBroad anti-discrimination protections are in place.
Disability rights
CRPD ratifiedRatified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008.
Women's legal rights
Broadly equal in lawWomen hold broadly equal legal rights here — the World Bank’s Women, Business & the Law index scores 92/100 (2023), spanning mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood and property.
LGBTQ+ legal equality
Broadly equalLGBTQ+ people hold broadly equal legal rights — Equaldex scores 85/100 (2026) across areas like marriage, adoption, gender recognition and anti-discrimination.
Body & health
Abortion access
Life / health onlyAbortion is permitted only to save the woman’s life or protect her health.
Cannabis & personal drug law
IllegalCannabis is illegal.
Faith & conscience
Government restriction of religion
Moderate restrictionsGovernment restrictions on religion are moderate.
Blasphemy & apostasy law
No such lawsThere are no blasphemy laws.
Speech & press
Freedom of expression
Free · 91/100Rated Free, 91/100, by Freedom House (2025).
Your obligations on arrival
Address / residence registration
Foreign students should confirm any residence-permit or registration requirement with Costa Rica’s immigration authority soon after arrival.
Student work rights
Whether a student visa permits paid work varies — check the conditions of your Costa Rica student visa.
Health insurance
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Costa Rica is strongly recommended and is often required for the student visa.
Bringing medication
Carry prescriptions in original packaging; controlled medicines may be restricted — check Costa Rica’s rules before travelling.
Laws differ from lived experience and this is not legal advice. Each fact shows its evidence type, date and source. Full method & sources →
Emergency numbers
Travel-medical cover that works abroad with no local address, and a data eSIM so maps and messaging work the moment you land.