UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes … [Read more...]
Passports & Visas
NOTE: As always tourist visas are issued to most visitors (see list of automatic visa countries) upon arrival. However, since Dec 1 the length of stay indicated on the visa may be less than the previous automatic 90 days. Proper documentation is the sole responsibility of each … [Read more...]
Travel Insurance
NOTE: As of April 1, 2022 the requirement that every un-vaccinated visitor to Costa Rica is required to prove they have travel insurance that covers Covid when they arrive at the airport has been eliminated. see details No Coverage = No Refunds, No Exchanges & No Credits Use it or lose it. … [Read more...]
Covid Testing Requirements & Locations
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. Testing is still required to return to the U.S. and many other countries. SJO international airport and LIR offer one hour antigen testing. … [Read more...]
Electronic Health Pass – Pase de Salud
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the health pass and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been eliminated. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes … [Read more...]
Immunization Records
No immunizations are required for travelers entering Costa Rica from the U.S., Europe or Canada. You do not need an "immunity passport" (aka World Health Organization international certificate of vaccination). Covid 19 Vaccine NOT Required UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all … [Read more...]
Departure Tax (Exit Tax)
For decades the Costa Rica departure or exit tax (aka "departure tax" $29 per person) was paid at a counter in the airport before check-in. The "new" system including the departure tax in tickets has been phasing in since November of 2014. See Examples & Is It Included in My Ticket? NOTE: … [Read more...]
Arrival, Entry or Tourism Tax
There are a total of $58.19 Costa Rica taxes and fees typically charged to international air tickets. Most people don't notice these because they are included in the advertised price of airfares. In July of 2019 Costa Rica's new value added tax (Impuesto al Valor Agregado – IVA) applies to … [Read more...]
Sixaola Panama Border Run
Costa Rica Departure Tax The $7 departure tax when leaving Costa Rica by land is considerably less than the $29 exit tax charged if you are departing by air. It can be just as painful however. Theoretically paying the departure tax should be a breeze at machines similar to ATMs … [Read more...]