Costa Rica Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed May 2024. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Costa Rica's visa policy is nationality-based. The length of stay granted is determined by your passport and ranges from 30 to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens may enter without a visa for tourism or business.
Passport must be valid for at least one day beyond entry date. Tourist card fee is no longer charged since 2019.
Travelers must obtain pre-approval online before boarding.
Cost: Moderate government fee paid by credit card
Print or save the PDF approval. Airlines will ask for it at check-in.
Must obtain a consular visa in advance from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate.
Visa issuance can take 2, 4 weeks. Extensions possible inside Costa Rica.
Arrival Process
Upon landing in Costa Rica, passengers proceed through immigration, baggage claim, and customs in a single flow.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Costa Rica allows limited quantities of duty-free items. Anything above the allowance or on the restricted list must be declared.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh meat and dairy, risk of foot-and-mouth disease
- Untreated wood products, risk of pests
- Drugs and narcotics, strictly enforced
Restricted Items
- Firearms, require prior permit from Costa Rican authorities
- Medications, bring prescriptions for controlled drugs
Health Requirements
Entry health controls in Costa Rica are minimal beyond standard vaccination rules and occasional pandemic measures.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever, only if arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, or Uganda
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Routine boosters (MMR, DPT)
- Rabies for long-stay or rural travelers
Health Insurance
Not mandatory for most tourists. But having Costa Rica travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly advised. Policies can be purchased locally if needed.
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Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Costa Rica Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
One parent traveling alone needs notarized consent from the other parent or proof of sole custody. Bring the child's passport and birth certificate.
Dogs and cats need an international health certificate issued within 14 days, proof of rabies vaccination, and internal/external parasite treatment. Advance notification via the Costa Rica SENASA portal is required.
Apply for a 'Residencia Temporal' or 'Residencia de Largo Duración' at DGME offices in San José or Liberia. Tourists can request a 90-day extension once for a fee.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.
View Costa Rica Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Costa Rica?
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