What are the requirements to enter Costa Rica? This is one of the most common questions travelers ask before planning a trip to the beautiful Central American destination. Costa Rica welcomes millions of visitors each year with its stunning beaches, rainforests, and adventure activities, but knowing the entry rules is essential to avoid any last-minute issues at the border. From passport validity and visa rules to return tickets, funds, and health requirements, understanding these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival in Costa Rica.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica sounds dreamy until you hit the big question: what do you actually need to get in? I asked myself the same thing the first time I flew into San José. I stood in line clutching my passport, a screenshot of my hotel booking, and an onward ticket I had booked the night before. I breezed through. The person behind me did not. Let’s prevent that.
I’ll break down the real-world entry requirements, the stuff immigration actually asks for, and a few tricks I use to avoid stress at the border. Quick heads-up: rules can change fast, so I always confirm details with my airline and Costa Rica’s immigration website a week before I fly. It saves me from awkward surprises.
The short answer: what you must have
You already skimmed for this, right? Here’s the core list. If you carry these, you set yourself up for a smooth entry.
- A valid passport with at least one blank page
- A return or onward ticket out of Costa Rica
- The correct visa status for your nationality
- Proof of sufficient funds and a clear travel plan
- Health requirements if you transit through certain countries
Highlight these in your planning doc:
- Passport validity: Keep it valid through your stay. Some airlines want 3 months of validity. I follow that rule to avoid drama.
- Onward ticket: Always carry proof that you will exit Costa Rica on time.
- Visa policy: Many travelers enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Others need a consular visa.
- Yellow fever vaccine: You need it if you come from or transit through specific risk countries.
Passport rules that trip people up
Keep your passport in good shape. Immigration officers see everything, and they notice everything.
- Validity: Costa Rica expects your passport to remain valid for the length of your stay. Airlines often enforce a stricter rule and ask for 3 to 6 months of validity. I play it safe and keep 6 months.
- Blank pages: Carry at least one free page for stamps. Two is better.
- Condition: Avoid torn covers, missing lamination, or water damage. I saw an agent grill a traveler over a peeled photo page. That person sweated bullets for 20 minutes. Not fun.
- Dual nationals: Enter and exit with the same passport. Keep the other one handy if you used it to book flights.
Visa policy made simple
Costa Rica sorts nationalities into groups. The categories matter because they decide your permitted stay and whether you need a visa.
Visa-exempt nationalities
Most travelers from North America, much of Europe, and parts of Latin America enter without a visa for up to 90 days as tourists. Immigration can stamp 30, 60, or 90 days. Yes, they can choose. I often get 90, but I never guarantee it.
- You must show an exit ticket within your allowed stay.
- You must hold funds and a place to stay, at least for your first nights.
You need a visa if your nationality falls under consular or restricted categories
Some passports require a consular visa or a restricted visa. You can check your category with Costa Rica’s Directorate General of Migration or your nearest Costa Rican consulate.
- Consular visa holders usually receive up to 30 days on entry.
- Restricted visa travelers must obtain approval before travel.
You hold a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa or residence
Costa Rica grants entry to some travelers who hold a valid multiple-entry visa or residence card from the US, Canada, or Schengen states. This route can offer entry without a separate Costa Rican visa if your permit meets the criteria and remains valid long enough.
- Bring the physical visa or residence card.
- Confirm the rule for your nationality, your visa type, and your remaining validity. I always verify with the consulate and my airline because carriers follow IATA Timatic rules.
Digital nomad permit vs tourist entry
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad category that lets you live and work remotely from Costa Rica for longer stays. This setup requires proof of steady income, health insurance, and paperwork handled after entry. If you just plan a short stay, you enter as a tourist and keep your work with clients outside Costa Rica.
I met a designer in Tamarindo who used the digital nomad route and loved the stability. I stuck to short tourist entries with occasional co-working passes. Both paths work. Pick the one that matches your timeline.
Onward tickets: what counts and how to handle it
Immigration officers take proof of onward travel seriously. Airlines check it at the gate and sometimes at check-in. No onward ticket can mean no boarding.
What works:
- A paid return flight to your home country
- A flight or bus ticket to another country within your permitted stay
- A refundable ticket you cancel later
- A time-limited reservation from a legit booking service
What doesn’t work:
- A “plan” to leave that you can’t prove
- A printable hotel booking labeled “nonrefundable departure ticket” that looks sketchy
I once used a fully refundable ticket out of San José and canceled it after I settled on dates. I keep proof of cancellation just in case the airline asks questions later. You can also use a low-cost flight to Panama or Guatemala. Keep your options flexible, but keep them real.
Money, accommodation, and purpose of trip
Immigration wants to feel confident that you can support yourself and you plan a legal visit.
- Funds: Carry a card and some cash. You may hear numbers like $100 per month of stay or similar. I keep a recent bank statement or a banking app screenshot.
- Accommodation: Book at least a few nights. I show a confirmed hotel or Airbnb for night one and a loose itinerary for the rest.
- Purpose: State tourism, visiting friends, or business meetings as appropriate. I never say “I will work in Costa Rica” while on tourist status, even if I plan to answer emails from a beach chair.
Ever watched an officer ask “How long will you stay?” while they stare at your face for silence? I answer clearly, smile, and keep documents ready. It works.
Health rules that matter
You don’t need routine vaccines to enter Costa Rica, but certain travelers must show a yellow fever shot.
- Yellow fever vaccine: If you visited or transited a risk country, you must carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This list includes parts of South America and Africa. I check Costa Rica’s official list before every flight that touches those regions.
- COVID-19: Costa Rica removed testing and insurance requirements for tourists. I still carry insurance that covers medical care and trip changes.
- Medication: Carry prescriptions in original packaging with your name on them. I keep a doctor’s note for controlled substances.
I once transited in Bogotá for under 5 hours and still carried my yellow card just in case. The agent didn’t ask, but I didn’t sweat it.
Minors, families, and special cases
Travel with kids can trigger extra questions. Prepare simple paperwork and you move faster.
- Children traveling without both parents: Carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent or legal guardian. Add contact info and travel dates.
- Different last names: Bring a birth certificate copy. I saw this shorten a tense chat at the window from 10 minutes to 30 seconds.
- Pets: Dogs and cats can enter with a health certificate issued shortly before travel. Check Costa Rica’s animal health authority rules and confirm with your airline’s pet policy. Some carriers cap pet counts per flight.
Arriving by air, land, or sea
By air
Most travelers land at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR).
- Fill out any arrival form the airline hands you.
- Queue for passport control, show your onward ticket, and answer simple questions.
- Collect your bag and pass customs. Don’t bring fresh produce or meats unless you like long conversations.
By land
Crossings from Nicaragua and Panama work well if you arrive with patience and the right documents.
- Carry a printed exit ticket from Costa Rica.
- Check for local exit or entry fees at the border posts.
- Expect lines during holidays and midday heat. I time my crossing early in the morning.
By sea
Cruise passengers usually clear immigration as a group. Independent sailors must handle clearance at designated ports. Carry your boat papers, crew list, and passports for every person on board.
How long you can stay and how to extend
Immigration controls the length of your stay, even if your nationality qualifies for 90 days.
- Stamped stay: Officers can stamp 30, 60, or 90 days based on your profile and documents.
- Extensions: You can request an extension at the immigration office inside Costa Rica, but you must apply before your stay ends. Expect paperwork and fees. I prefer to plan my trip within the initial stamp.
- Border runs: You can exit and re-enter, but you shouldn’t rely on this as a long-term plan. Officers can shorten your next stay if they see frequent exits. I keep proof of travel purpose, funds, and a flexible ticket to avoid raised eyebrows.
- Overstay: Don’t do it. Fines and future entry issues can ruin future trips.
Driving, drones, and duty-free stuff
Driving
You can drive with your foreign license as a tourist for the time listed on your entry stamp. Car rental desks ask for a credit card, your passport, and your license. I snap photos of the car before I leave the lot, because rental return arguments never help my blood pressure.
Drones
You can bring a drone for personal use if you follow local rules. Fly away from crowds, airports, and protected areas. Some national parks ban drones. I check park rules before I pack it.
Customs and what you can bring
- Alcohol: You can bring a reasonable amount for personal use. I keep it modest to avoid tax.
- Food: Skip fresh fruit, veggies, meats, and seeds.
- Electronics: Carry normal personal gadgets without trouble. I spread batteries across carry-on and checked bags as the airline requires.
Common questions I hear all the time
Do I need travel insurance?
Costa Rica doesn’t force tourists to carry it, but I always buy a plan that covers medical and evacuation. A clinic visit can cost less than you expect, but hospital stays add up. Insurance helps you sleep better.
Will immigration ask for proof of funds?
Sometimes they do. I keep a recent bank statement or an app screenshot. I carry a physical card they can recognize.
Can I work remotely as a tourist?
You can work online for clients outside Costa Rica while you visit, but you cannot take local employment. If you want a longer stay with clear rules, consider the digital nomad category.
Do I need to show a full itinerary?
No one expects you to plan every minute. Show your first few nights and a rough list of places you plan to visit. That shows you have a plan without locking you in.
What to do if the airline agent pushes back
Airlines face fines if they carry travelers who fail entry checks. You must convince the agent before you even see immigration.
- Arrive early so you have time to buy or tweak an onward ticket.
- Carry printed copies of your onward ticket and hotel booking.
- Keep your visa or residence cards handy, not buried somewhere in your backpack.
- Stay calm and friendly. I ask the agent what they need and hand it over neatly.
Ever tried to bring up a PDF on your phone while the line grows behind you and your boarding time ticks closer? Print the essentials. Your future self will thank you.
Quick reference table
Use this cheat sheet while you pack.
| Requirement | Who needs it | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Everyone | Keep it valid through your stay. Airlines may ask for 3 to 6 months validity. |
| Onward ticket | Everyone | Show exit within your permitted stay. Flight or international bus both work. |
| Visa | Depends on nationality | Many enter visa-free up to 90 days. Others need a consular or restricted visa. |
| Proof of funds | Recommended for all | Carry a card and a recent bank statement or app screenshot. |
| Accommodation | Recommended for all | Show a booking for the first nights. |
| Yellow fever vaccine | Travelers from or via risk countries | Carry the vaccination certificate. Check the official list before travel. |
| Travel insurance | Optional for entry | I buy it anyway. Medical coverage saves stress. |
| Consent letter for minors | Kids traveling without both parents | Notarized letter with dates and contacts. |
Pre-trip checklist you can copy
I keep this list in my phone Notes app. I check these off two days before I fly.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with one or two blank pages
- Onward ticket printed and saved offline
- Visa status confirmed for my passport
- Hotel or Airbnb booking for first nights
- Proof of funds screenshot in my phone
- Yellow fever certificate if I passed through a risk country
- Travel insurance policy number and contacts
- Emergency contacts and address of my first stay
- Copies of passport and cards stored in cloud and printed
- Local cash or ATM plan for arrival
I also pack a small folder with the printouts. I label it “Travel Docs” and slide it in the front pocket of my backpack. Old-school paper still wins these moments, IMO.
Where I double-check rules before I go
- Costa Rica’s Directorate General of Migration website
- The nearest Costa Rican consulate
- My airline’s travel rules page and IATA Timatic results
- Official health ministry notices for yellow fever and vaccine changes
I run through these sites for 5 minutes while I sip coffee a week before my flight. I repeat the check 48 hours before I go. Two quick checks beat one frantic scramble at the airport, FYI.
A few extra tips that save time
- Take a photo of your entry stamp after you pass immigration. You may need the date when you rent a car or extend your stay.
- Keep your boarding pass until you exit the airport. Some officers ask for it at customs.
- Download offline maps. Cell service gets spotty when you leave the city.
- Carry a pen. Those tiny forms don’t fill themselves. You also avoid borrowing a pen from a stranger who chews it. Yikes.
Costa Rica greets prepared travelers with easy smiles and fast stamps. I carry the right documents, I answer with confidence, and I keep backup proofs. I do that, then I relax and plan breakfast with gallo pinto. You got this 🙂
Costa Rica Entry FAQ
Traveling to Costa Rica soon? Here’s a handy FAQ to ensure your arrival is as smooth as the surf at Playa Tamarindo.
What are the requirements to enter Costa Rica?
You need a valid passport, an onward ticket, visa if applicable, proof of funds, and yellow fever vaccination if necessary.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check if you need a consular or restricted visa.
What is an onward ticket and why is it important?
An onward ticket proves you’ll leave Costa Rica within your permitted stay—it’s key for immigration and airline checks.
How can I prove I have sufficient funds?
Carry a card and a recent bank statement or banking app screenshot showing funds.
Are there any health requirements for entry?
You may need a yellow fever vaccine if transiting through risk countries. No COVID-19 test is currently required.
Can I extend my stay in Costa Rica?
Possibly, through the immigration office, before your current stay ends. Extensions include paperwork and fees.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Costa Rica?
It’s optional but recommended for peace of mind, covering medical care and unexpected events.
How should minors prepare for travel?
Children traveling without both parents need a notarized consent letter, and possibly birth certificate copies if names differ.
