A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.
Since Nov. 1, Costa Rica has allowed all countries in the world to enter by air, as long as they meet the country’s visa and COVID-19 entry requirements.
The Government of the Republic has facilitated the entry of international tourists, and since Oct. 26, eliminated the requirement of RT-PCR tests for the detection of the coronavirus. Neither Costa Ricans nor foreigners will be issued sanitary confinement (or quarantine) orders when entering the country by air. These measures are subject to change and dependent on the evolution of the pandemic both in Costa Rica and around the world.
Tourists visiting Costa Rica are asked to abide by the sanitary protocols implemented for carrying out all tourist activities in the country.
Entry requirements for the country
For information on visas, refer to the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners: https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Visas.aspx
The following requirements remain during the pandemic:
- Complete the digital form called HEALTH PASS and available at https://salud.go.cr
- This pass will be available 48 hours before boarding. It must be accessed in an updated browser (except for Internet Explorer). An individual form must be completed for every person, including minors.
- Purchase health insurance
- It is mandatory that tourists purchase travel insurance, covering their accommodations in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19 illness. An explanation of one’s travel insurance coverage, addressing Costa Rica’s requirements, must be uploaded or entered into the HEALTH PASS in order to be reviewed and approved by the Costa Rican authorities. If more information on international insurance is needed, the Costa Rican authorities will contact the passenger at the email address indicated in the HEALTH PASS.
- In the case of international insurance, the tourist must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting at least three conditions, without forgetting to add it to the HEALTH PASS:
- Validity of the effective policy during the visit in Costa Rica.
- Guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in cases of pandemic disease COVID 19 in Costa Rica, for at least US $50,000 (fifty thousand dollars of the United States of America).
- Minimum coverage of US $2,000 for extended lodging expenses due to pandemic illness or trip interruption/cancellation due to illness, which covers the extra cost of the passenger due to quarantine.
- If you do not have international insurance, it is possible to opt for travel insurance from Costa Rican companies approved by SUGESE (General Superintendency of Insurance of Costa Rica), which offer their services at Juan Santamaría international airports (city of San José) and Daniel Oduber Quirós (city of Liberia).
- National insurances meet all the requirements to have coverage of medical expenses for illness, including COVID-19, for a minimum amount of $20,000 and coverage for extended lodging expenses or quarantine, due to pandemic illness, for a minimum amount of $2,000.
- Local insurance authorized for travelers can be valued at the following links. If you have doubts or queries about the requirements or conditions of the insurance, please email seguros@ict.go.cr
- Foreigners with temporary or permanent residence or temporary category who return to Costa Rica, and who are not up to date with the corresponding payments with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, must purchase a temporary local insurance for 22 days or bring an international insurance that complies with the requirements of a foreign tourist.
- In the case of foreigners with the migratory category of permanent or temporary resident, or special category in the latter case, with the exception of the Student Subcategory, they must demonstrate the insurance by the Costa Rican social security, which can be verified at https://sfa.ccss.sa.cr/servMedicos/validarDerechos.do
If these requirements are not met, the passenger will not be able to enter the country.
Private flights
From Sept. 1, private flights from the United States of America are allowed to enter the country. For passengers on private flights, the same requirements already described apply.
Maritime entry
Passengers and crew of yachts and sailboats must meet the same sanitary entry requirements that the country requires of those who enter by air.
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, tourists coming from yachts or sailboats must also hand over to the immigration authorities the document “International Ship Sailing and Dock” in authorized marinas.
In case of doubts with the medical insurance, the passengers and crew of yachts or sailboats can write to the email seguros.marinas@ict.go.cr.
Remember that:
A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.
- Your country of origin determines the amount of days available to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
- In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country.
- Even with a 90-day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as allowed by your passport.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.
All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are:
- Traveling on a one-way ticket
- Entering the country with a return ticket dated more than 90 days after arrival
- Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country
By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport:
- A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country
- A pre-purchased flight out of the country
- Proof of passage on a cruise ship
Obligation to Declare when entering or leaving Costa Rica:
When entering or leaving a port in Costa Rica, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than the US $ 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, cash or securities, you must request and complete the form provided for this purpose at the migration post and present it to the Customs Authority for verification; The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures. The omission of what is established by Costa Rican law (No. 8204, article 35) will result in the immediate loss of money.
What inoculations do I need before entering Costa Rica?
Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.
For more information click here
Depending on your country of origin you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries have this privilege. For more information click here
All visitors must have a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.
A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.
- Your country of origin determines the amount of days available to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
- In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country.
- Even with a 90-day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as allowed by your passport.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.
All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are:
- Traveling on a one-way ticket
- Entering the country with a return ticket dated more than 90 days after arrival
- Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country
By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport:
- A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country
- A pre-purchased flight out of the country
- Proof of passage on a cruise ship
You are allowed to drive with your normal driver’s license for three months.
Requirements for Renting a Car in Costa Rica
In order to drive in Costa Rica as a foreigner, you need your original passport, a valid tourist visa stamp and a valid original driver’s license from your home country. An international driver’s license is not required in Costa Rica.
If your driver’s license is not in Roman script, then you will need to get an international driver’s license. Costa Rica car rental companies require the original valid driver’s license. You need to bring your original driver’s license and original passport with you every time.
The water is potable in most of the country. We recommend using bottled water, especially in areas around the coast.
The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. You will find ATM machined distributed throughout the country.
Costa Rican authorities require a yellow-fever vaccine certification from travelers of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leon, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, even if you were only transiting through any one of these countries.
Among the countries listed are Latin American Countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. This is very important to take into account. If you are coming from one of the listed countries and do not have a current vaccination certificate then you will be denied boarding on flights to Costa Rica. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before the start date of your trip.
The safest way to avoid complications if you are travelling to any of the countries on the list above is to get the vaccination and the proof of vaccination from your doctor before leaving home.
Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs.
Departure tax is $29, can be paid in US Dollars, colones or with a credit card.
Only Poás Volcano National Park, Carara National Park and Santa Rosa National Park offering wheel chair access.
All you need is insect repellent, a raincoat with a hood and hiking boots. When you’re headed on vacation, the idea is to keep it as stress-free as possible. Pay attention to the little things to avoid any snags. BRING THE RIGHT SHOES! There are a ton of fun things to do in Costa Rica and you don’t want your footwear to limit you or give you blisters. A pair of sandals and some decent sneakers should do fine. If you plan on doing some serious hiking or climbing, consider some heavier duty options.
Sales tax is 13%.
Dial 911 for immediate assistance. In addition, CRS Tours will give you a 24-hour emergency number, in the event that you encounter problems or need answers to urgent questions.
The Tico Times. www.ticotimes.net.
You can go to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean or to Las Baulas National Park in the Pacific.
Yes we can, we work with a respected flight handler. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange your international flight.
We have a lot of experience in organizing group itineraries for students and special interest groups. It will be our pleasure to accommodate your request. We are a consolidated company that works internationally with groups from countries including: United States, Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.
If you want a tailor-made vacation, we can help you plan an exciting trip. You pay no extra charges or fees for our services. We put our local knowledge to work for you and help make your Costa Rica vacation the best it can be. Call or e-mail us and get help from the experts. Just click here, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
The packages and itineraries on this website can be modified based upon your preferences.
All members of our staff are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, we also speak Dutch and German.
Please mention to us that you would like a tour guide who speaks English and we will be sure to arrange one for your trip.
Costa Rica Specialized Tours
Prices during the green season (May – November) are normally lower, with less visitors.
Of course you are more than welcome at our office for professional information!
Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities for the enjoyment of the entire family. All of our tours and activities are designed to be safe and educational and to have a very nice experience. Click here for family tours.
Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families, with plenty of exciting activities everyone will enjoy including walks, guided visits, group games, interacting with the locals, enjoying the local cuisine, beach sports and much more.
A Valley of Culture
The capital of the country, San José is the epitome of culture and entertainment.
The National Theater offers inspiring performances, while the Gold Museum features Pre Columbian and Costa Rican art. If you’d like to know more about the local culture, the National Museum will take you through Costa Rica’s history while the Children’s Museum will take you and your family on an interactive learning adventure.
CRS Tours offers more than 1000 (!) transfer combinations throughout Costa Rica. You travel in international company and will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel. Most of the time our transfers are direct. However, sometimes a transfer is needed at a restaurant or hotel. Busses are modern and have air-conditioning. Average transfer price is around US$ 25.00 per person. Click here for transfer rates or click here for our tours with transfers. We also offer you a car and driver service, ask for our rates.
Costa Rica’s year-round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night giving an “eternal spring” feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland.
Costa Rica’s wet season is from May to October. As one goes from the drier Pacific coast it becomes progressively wetter, so that the Atlantic coast has the most rainfall (up to 300 days annually). San Jose’s temperature ranges from a high of 24-27 degrees C, to a low of 14-16 degrees. The hottest months are March and April. July through October are the rainiest months of the year (winter). Mornings are usually sunny followed by heavy rains in the afternoon.
CRS Tours is a Costa Rican tour operator affiliated to the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Board), the National Chamber of Tourism (Reg. Number # 772), and ACOPROT (Asociación Costarricense de Profesionales en Turismo). We have to abide by high standards of accounting and accountability. We also received the Safe Travels Logo for working with strict Covid 19 protocols.
One reason is that our packages are all about value. We have developed close relationships with domestic flights, hotels, tour operators and rental car suppliers to obtain the best package rates, which we pass on to you. Another reason is that is easy; we take the hassle out of searching all over the web and figuring out where the best deals are, offering the highest service standards you can find in Costa Rica.
US$29 (twenty-nine US dollars). This tax applies to citizens and foreigners, minors and adults.
