Emergency Contacts
Critical numbers for Costa Rica -- save or print this page
Costa Rica Emergency Number
911Police, fire, and ambulance. Works from any phone, including cell phones without credit. Operators may speak limited English.
Important Safety Information
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first. Stay calm and clearly state your location. If possible, give the name of the nearest town, landmark, or road.
Operators may have limited English. If you cannot communicate, try saying "Emergencia" (emergency), "Policia" (police), "Ambulancia" (ambulance), or "Bomberos" (fire).
For non-emergency police assistance, the Tourist Police (2586-4458) are more likely to speak English.
Primary Emergency Services
General Emergency (Emergencias)
911Unified emergency number for police, fire, and medical emergencies throughout Costa Rica.
Operators may speak limited English. Stay calm and state your location clearly. Works from any phone including cell phones without credit.
24/7Red Cross (Cruz Roja)
1085Ambulance and emergency medical services. The Cruz Roja is the primary ambulance provider in Costa Rica.
Can also be reached through 911. Response times vary by location. In remote areas, response may take longer.
24/7Fire Department (Bomberos)
1118Fire emergencies, hazardous materials, and rescue operations.
Also responds to vehicle accidents, floods, and structural collapses. Can be reached through 911 as well.
24/7Domestic Violence Hotline (Linea 911 Violencia Domestica)
911Report domestic violence situations. Handled through the 911 system with specialized operators.
You can also contact INAMU (Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres) at 2527-8400 for support services and counseling.
24/7Police & Law Enforcement
National Police (Fuerza Publica)
2222-1365General police force for public safety, crime reporting, and law enforcement.
For immediate emergencies, call 911 first. This number is for the central dispatch in San Jose.
24/7Transit Police (Policia de Transito)
2222-9330Traffic accidents, road emergencies, and traffic law enforcement.
Report traffic accidents here or through 911. Officers handle accident reports needed for insurance claims.
24/7Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ - Organismo de Investigacion Judicial)
800-8000-645Criminal investigations, reporting serious crimes, and forensic services.
Toll-free number. Use for reporting crimes such as theft, assault, or fraud. You can also file reports in person at OIJ offices.
24/7Tourist Police (Policia Turistica)
2586-4458Specialized police unit for assisting tourists with safety concerns and crime reporting.
Officers are more likely to speak English. Present in major tourist areas. Can assist with theft reports and general safety concerns.
24/7Other Important Numbers
ICE - Electricity Emergencies (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad)
1119Report power outages, downed power lines, and electrical emergencies.
For downed power lines, keep a safe distance and call immediately. Also handles telecommunications issues.
24/7AyA - Water Emergencies (Acueductos y Alcantarillados)
800-262-7626Report water supply issues, pipe breaks, water contamination, and sewage problems.
Toll-free number. For major water main breaks, you can also call 911.
24/7INAMU - Women's Institute (Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres)
2527-8400Support for women experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination.
Provides legal assistance, shelter referrals, and counseling. For after-hours emergencies, call 911.
Monday-Friday 8:00-16:00Poison Control (Centro Nacional de Control de Intoxicaciones)
2223-1028Poison information and toxicology emergencies for accidental ingestion, bites, and chemical exposure.
Located at Hospital Nacional de Ninos. Have the product container or substance name ready when calling.
24/7Coast Guard (Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas)
2661-0360Maritime emergencies, search and rescue at sea, and coastal safety.
For immediate maritime emergencies, call 911 first. This is the main Guardacostas operations center.
24/7National Emergency Commission (CNE - Comision Nacional de Emergencias)
2210-2828Natural disaster coordination, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides.
Provides official alerts and evacuation orders during natural disasters. Monitor their social media for real-time updates.
24/7Immigration (Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria)
1311Immigration information, visa inquiries, and reporting immigration issues.
Main office located in San Jose, La Uruca. Website: www.migracion.go.cr
Monday-Friday 8:00-16:00CCSS - Public Health System (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)
1177Information about public hospitals, EBAIS clinics, and social security health services.
Public hospitals accept emergency patients regardless of insurance status. Main hospitals: Hospital Mexico, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Hospital Calderon Guardia.
24/7SINAC - National Parks and Wildlife (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion)
2522-6500Report wildlife emergencies, illegal hunting, or issues in national parks and protected areas.
For wildlife emergencies after hours, call 911. Report illegal logging or poaching to the environmental tribunal.
Monday-Friday 8:00-16:00Consumer Protection (Direccion de Apoyo al Consumidor)
800-267-6874Report consumer fraud, price gouging, or business complaints.
Toll-free number. Useful for tourists overcharged or scammed by businesses.
Monday-Friday 8:00-16:00Embassies & Consulates
Contact your country's embassy for passport emergencies, legal assistance, or crisis support.
United States
Embassy of the United States of America
- Phone
- +506 2519-2000
- Address
- Calle 98, Via 104, Pavas, San Jose, Costa Rica
- acssanjose@state.gov
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00-16:30
- Notes
- After-hours emergencies for U.S. citizens: call main number and follow prompts. Consular services by appointment only.
Canada
Embassy of Canada
- Phone
- +506 2242-4400
- After-hours:
- +1 613-996-8885
- Address
- Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, Edificio 5, Piso 3, Sabana Sur, San Jose, Costa Rica
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00-16:30
- Notes
- Emergency line is collect-call to Ottawa for after-hours emergencies. Consular services by appointment.
United Kingdom
British Embassy San Jose
- Phone
- +506 2258-2025
- After-hours:
- +44 1767-667-600
- Address
- Edificio Centro Colon, Piso 11, Paseo Colon, San Jose, Costa Rica
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00-16:00
- Notes
- After-hours emergency assistance available through London switchboard. Consular appointments recommended.
Australia
Australian Embassy (accredited from Mexico)
- Phone
- +52 55-1101-2200
- After-hours:
- +61 2-6261-3305
- Address
- Ruben Dario 55, Colonia Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30-17:00
- Notes
- Australia does not have an embassy in Costa Rica. The embassy in Mexico City is accredited for Costa Rica. Honorary Consul may be available in San Jose. For emergencies, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.
Germany
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Phone
- +506 2290-9091
- Address
- Torre La Sabana, Piso 8, Sabana Norte, San Jose, Costa Rica
- info@san-jose.diplo.de
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00 (consular), 8:00-16:30 (general)
- Notes
- Consular section has limited morning hours. Appointments recommended for visa and passport services.
France
Embassy of France in Costa Rica
- Phone
- +506 2234-4167
- Address
- Curridabat, de Indoor Club 200m sur y 25m oeste, San Jose, Costa Rica
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30-12:30 (consular), 8:30-17:00 (general)
- Notes
- Consular services by appointment. French citizens can register at the embassy for emergency notifications.
Netherlands
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Phone
- +506 2296-1490
- After-hours:
- +31 247-247-247
- Address
- Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, Edificio 3, Piso 3, Sabana Sur, San Jose, Costa Rica
- san-info@minbuza.nl
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30-12:30 (consular), 8:30-17:00 (general)
- Notes
- After-hours emergencies for Dutch nationals: contact the 24/7 ministry line in The Hague. Consular appointments required.
Spain
Embassy of Spain
- Phone
- +506 2222-1933
- Address
- Calle 32, entre Paseo Colon y Avenida 2, San Jose, Costa Rica
- emb.sanjosecr@maec.es
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30-14:30
- Notes
- Consular section handles services for Spanish nationals. Appointments recommended.
Mexico
Embassy of Mexico
- Phone
- +506 2257-0633
- Address
- Avenida 7, Calles 13 y 15, San Jose, Costa Rica
- embamex@racsa.co.cr
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9:00-13:00 (consular), 9:00-17:00 (general)
- Notes
- One of the larger embassies in San Jose given the significant Mexican community and business ties.
Colombia
Embassy of Colombia
- Phone
- +506 2283-6871
- Address
- Barrio Dent, de la Facultad de Derecho de la UCR 100m norte, San Jose, Costa Rica
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00-13:00 (consular), 8:00-17:00 (general)
- Notes
- Consular services including passport renewals, notarial services, and visa information for Colombian nationals.
Israel
Embassy of Israel
- Phone
- +506 2221-6444
- Address
- Edificio Centro Colon, Piso 11, Paseo Colon, San Jose, Costa Rica
- info@sanjose.mfa.gov.il
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9:00-13:00 (consular), 9:00-17:00 (general)
- Notes
- Consular services for Israeli citizens. Appointments recommended for all services.
Ireland
Embassy of Ireland (accredited from Mexico)
- Phone
- +52 55-5520-5803
- After-hours:
- +353 1-408-2000
- Address
- Blvd. Avila Camacho No. 76, Piso 3, Col. Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico
- mexicocityembassy@dfa.ie
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9:30-12:30 (consular)
- Notes
- Ireland does not have an embassy in Costa Rica. The embassy in Mexico City covers Costa Rica. Honorary Consul may be present in San Jose.
Switzerland
Embassy of Switzerland
- Phone
- +506 2221-4829
- After-hours:
- +41 800-247-365
- Address
- Edificio Centro Colon, Piso 10, Paseo Colon, San Jose, Costa Rica
- sanjose@eda.admin.ch
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00 (consular)
- Notes
- Swiss Helpline available 24/7 for emergencies abroad. Consular appointments recommended.
Italy
Embassy of Italy
- Phone
- +506 2234-2326
- Address
- Los Yoses, 5ta entrada, San Jose, Costa Rica
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30-13:30 (consular), 8:30-16:30 (general)
- Notes
- Consular services for Italian nationals including passport renewals and civil registrations.
Japan
Embassy of Japan
- Phone
- +506 2232-1255
- Address
- Torre La Sabana, Piso 10, Sabana Norte, San Jose, Costa Rica
- consulta@sj.mofa.go.jp
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:30-12:30, 13:30-17:15
- Notes
- Consular services for Japanese nationals. Also handles visa applications for Costa Rican nationals traveling to Japan.
China
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
- Phone
- +506 2291-4811
- After-hours:
- +506 8398-7711
- Address
- San Pedro de Montes de Oca, de la Fuente de la Hispanidad 100m sur, San Jose, Costa Rica
- chinaemb_cr@mfa.gov.cn
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00 (consular), 9:00-17:00 (general)
- Notes
- Consular section handles visa applications and Chinese citizen services. Diplomatic relations established in 2007.
Tips for Emergencies in Costa Rica
Save key numbers offline. Print this page or screenshot it before traveling to remote areas where internet may be unavailable.
Know your location. Costa Rica does not use a standard street address system. Learn the name of your nearest town, a recognizable landmark, and any road numbers nearby.
Keep copies of your documents. Store photos of your passport, insurance card, and accommodation details on your phone and in email. Leave copies with someone at home.
Related Pages
Emergency contacts last verified: 2026-02-23. Numbers can change -- always confirm critical details with official sources.