What Documents Do I Need To Visit Costa Rica?
To visit Costa Rica you need the following documents:
You must have a passport that is valid for the entire length of your stay. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for Costa Rican customs to stamp.
You must also have a prepaid airline ticket to leave Costa Rica within 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days you must apply for a tourist visa.
Citizens from the United States, Canada and most European countries don't need a visa to enter Costa Rica. To find specific visa requirements or restrictions for your home country, visit the Costa Rican embassy website.
If you are from a country besides the U.S. and you have a tourist visa to visit the United States, you do not need a separate tourist visa to visit Costa Rica.
Be prepared to provide proof that you have access to at least 100 USD per month of your stay.
You must have proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from Sub-Saharan Africa or South America.
For updated health information about travel to Costa Rica, please visit the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) website.
Do I have to pay a departure tax to leave Costa Rica?
Yes, but it is probably already paid. Costa Rica charges a departure tax of US$29 per person when you leave by air, and most airlines now include it in the ticket price, so check the taxes line on your booking before you go. If your fare doesn't include it, you can pay at the airport in cash or by card; allow a little extra time in high season. The same rule applies at Juan SantamarĂa (SJO) and Guanacaste (LIR) airports. When your Costa Rica Insider reviews your flights, we confirm whether the tax is covered. See Costa Rica's airports.
