Published on Monday, March 30, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica has launched its Safe Holy Week Police Operation, a nationwide security effort aimed at increasing surveillance during the busy holiday period, the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) announced.

The Catholic observance began Sunday, March 29, and runs through Sunday, April 5, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, including his passion, death and resurrection.

Across the country, Holy Week is marked by religious events and cultural traditions, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to take part in one of Costa Rica’s most significant annual observances.

The holiday period also coincides with the traditional Holy Week school break, making it one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Many Costa Rican families head to beaches and rural destinations, while international arrivals increase due to spring break travel.

 

Authorities said the police operation is designed to deter burglaries and theft, which tend to rise as people carry more cash for vacation spending.

The MSP said more than 7,000 officers are being deployed across highways, national parks, tourist hotspots, beaches and key entry and exit points nationwide.

Police presence will be significantly increased in high-traffic areas, including streets, boulevards, ATMs, and shopping centers.

The operation will cover land, sea and air, with coordinated participation from multiple police divisions, including the National Police, Tourist Police, Mounted Police, Bicycle Police, Air Surveillance Service, Coast Guard, Traffic Police, Immigration Police and Municipal Police.

Officials said these units will work alongside park rangers, National Emergency Commission personnel, Red Cross paramedics, firefighters, agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization, and the 9-1-1 emergency system team.

Authorities are urging the public to take basic safety precautions, including avoiding the display of cash in public, keeping personal belongings out of sight, refraining from wearing jewelry in crowded areas, avoiding isolated locations, and not leaving vehicles parked on the roadside.

Costa Rica has also increased surveillance in national parks during the holiday period to prevent environmental crimes, the National System of Conservation Areas said.

Police are asking residents to report any robbery or suspicious activity to the 9-1-1 emergency line.

In related developments, Costa Rica has temporarily suspended weekday vehicle restrictions in San Jose during Holy Week.

The country’s passenger rail service has also been suspended for the holiday period, according to the Railway Institute.

The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is responsible for maintaining public order, training police units and coordinating national anti-crime efforts.

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