911
Tourist Police · Costa Rica
911 is the Costa Rica Tourist Police emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 911 — Tourist Police in Costa Rica
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Costa Rica
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 911
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 911 for minor injuries - visit a local clinic or EBAIS
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Costa Rican law
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact the electricity provider
- • Do not use emergency lines for tourist information - contact the ICT (Tourism Board)
✈️ Travel Notes — Costa Rica
Emergency response is generally fast and reliable in urban areas and major tourist destinations. Response in remote mountain and jungle areas may be delayed. The Red Cross provides excellent ambulance services. Private hospitals in San José offer high-quality emergency care. Public hospitals (CCSS) provide free emergency treatment.
🛡️ Traveling to Costa Rica? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 911 in Costa Rica?
911 is the official Policía Turística (Tourist Police) emergency number in Costa Rica. This number is operated by Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1 and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Tourist police can be reached via 911. They patrol major tourist destinations including beaches, national parks, and San José.
When to Call 911
Call 911 immediately in situations involving tourist police-related emergencies in Costa Rica. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 911 in Costa Rica
Here are the key technical facts about calling 911 in Costa Rica:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: Yes — you can call even without a SIM card installed.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1
How to Call 911 from Abroad
If you are calling 911 from outside Costa Rica, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +506 followed by 911 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Costa Rica, simply dialing 911 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Policía Turística (Tourist Police). The universal number 112 is also active across Costa Rica and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica
Besides 911 (Policía Turística (Tourist Police)), Costa Rica has the following emergency services available: National Unified Emergency System: 911 · Fuerza Pública (National Police): 911 · Red Cross Emergency Medical Service: 911 · Bomberos (Firefighters): 911 · Policía Turística (Tourist Police): 911. Save all these numbers before traveling to Costa Rica.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 911 is listed as the Policía Turística (Tourist Police) emergency line for Costa Rica based on data from Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 911 (Costa Rica)
What is 911 in Costa Rica? ▼
911 is the Policía Turística (Tourist Police) emergency number in Costa Rica. Tourist police can be reached via 911. They patrol major tourist destinations including beaches, national parks, and San José.
Can I call 911 without a SIM card in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, you can dial 911 in Costa Rica without a SIM card on a GSM phone.
Is calling 911 free in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, calling 911 is completely free in Costa Rica. No airtime credit needed.
Does 911 work from mobile in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, 911 works from all mobile phones in Costa Rica.
Who do I reach when I call 911 in Costa Rica? ▼
Calling 911 in Costa Rica connects you to Policía Turística (Tourist Police) (Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1), available 24/7.
What is the source for 911 being the Tourist Police number in Costa Rica? ▼
Verified from Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1: https://www.911.go.cr/. Last verified: 2026-01.
Does 911 work everywhere in Costa Rica? ▼
911 is available throughout Costa Rica. The system is well-developed and covers the entire country, including rural areas, though response times may vary.
Can I call 911 from a mobile phone without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. 911 calls are free and can be made without a SIM card or airtime credit from any mobile phone.
Do 911 operators speak English in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes. 911 operators are trained to handle calls in both Spanish and English. English support is widely available, especially in tourist areas.
Which number handles tourist emergencies in Costa Rica? ▼
Call 911 for all tourist emergencies. The Policía Turística (Tourist Police) is dispatched through 911 and patrols major tourist areas.
Are ambulance services free in Costa Rica? ▼
Red Cross ambulance services dispatched through 911 are free. However, private ambulance services may charge fees. Public hospital emergency treatment is free or low-cost.