Entry Procedures

Costa Rica grants visa-free tourist entry to many nationalities, including Japan, most EU countries and the United States, typically for stays of up to 90 days. Travellers from other countries may need a visa arranged in advance. The permitted length of stay is decided by the immigration officer at entry. Rules can change, so check the official Costa Rican immigration sources and your embassy before you travel.

Your passport should be valid with sufficient remaining validity for your stay, and many travellers are advised to keep at least several months beyond the planned departure date. Costa Rican officers frequently ask for proof of onward or return travel and may request evidence of sufficient funds. Keep these ready to avoid problems at entry.

On arrival you may be asked for documents in addition to your passport. These commonly include a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Travel insurance is recommended. Having these ready helps entry go smoothly.

Travellers may bring personal effects and a reasonable duty-free allowance of goods such as a limited quantity of alcohol and tobacco for personal use. Bringing fresh food, plants, seeds and animal products is tightly controlled for biosecurity and may require inspection or be prohibited. Declare any regulated items and keep receipts for valuable electronics.

You can generally bring prescription medicines for personal use, but carry them in their original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter, ideally in English or Spanish. This is especially important for controlled substances and injectables. Pack medicines in your hand luggage and bring enough for your whole trip, as specific brands may not be available locally.

No vaccination is required for travellers arriving directly from countries without yellow fever risk, such as Japan. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or have recently transited a country with yellow fever risk in Africa or South America. Routine vaccines should be up to date, and check current health advice before you travel.

Most travellers arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia. Costa Rica has been moving toward a digital entry form that you complete online before arrival, so check the current requirement. At the counter the officer may ask about your length of stay, address and onward travel before stamping your passport.

Arrivals can be busy, so allow time and have your documents organised. Many services and buses use US dollars and colones interchangeably, but small local currency is handy. There is a departure tax, though it is usually included in the airfare; confirm when booking. Roads can be rough in rural areas, so plan transfers in advance during the rainy season.