Security Alert: San Jose (Costa Rica), Caution Traveling Near Juan Santamaria International Airport

The Embassy has received reports regarding several incidents which occurred in the vicinity of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO Airport) and involved a common route used by many travelers from SJO Airport to Santa Ana. The route loops around the eastern side of the airport and continues along the southern side following Route 111, passing the DHL warehouse. In two recent incidents, individuals in the vacant area adjacent to the DHL warehouse threw stones at passing vehicles, attempting to force the vehicles to stop. During one incident, the stones caused damage to the windshield and roof of the vehicle, but the driver did not stop and quickly departed the area with moderate damage to their vehicle.

In another incident in the same area, the driver did stop their vehicle, after which the assailants robbed the individual and stole the car. The Embassy recommends all travelers use caution when frequenting this area or routes from SJO Airport and consider using alternate routes. If confronted with a similar situation, do not stop, continue forward progress, and contact 911 when it is safe to do so.

For U.S. Embassy Assistance:   
U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica
+506 2519-2000
ACSSanJose@state.gov   
https://cr.usembassy.gov/   

State Department – Consular Affairs   
+1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444
Costa Rica International Travel Information  (travel.state.gov)
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