Costa Rica Guide

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Covid Testing Requirements

Covid Testing Requirements

Update February 17, 2021 - Info that was helpful as recently as yesterday is completely out of date and could cost travelers a lot of time and money.  The expensive, inconvenient, and time consuming rtPCR test ($90 to $250, 1 to 3 days for results) is no longer necessary (except for Canadians).  … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Electronic Health Pass – Pase de Salud

Electronic Health Pass – Pase de Salud

insurance | electronic health pass | where to test | planning/logistics assistance The pase de salud or electronic health pass for Costa Rica travel is simply a form you fill out with your contact, passport and flight information plus the the policy number for the required travel insurance. … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Passports & Visas

Passports & Visas

NOTE: As always tourist visas are issued to visitors upon arrival.  However, since Nov 2020 the length of stay indicated on the visa has been reduced from the previous automatic 90 days to the number of days of required Covid insurance on your pase de salud.  If you have one week of insurance your … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Immunization Records

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).  However, since November 0f 2020, each visitor must purchase approved Covid 19 insurance … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Departure Tax (Exit Tax)

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Arrival, Entry or Tourism Tax

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

NOTE: Every visitor to Costa Rica is required to prove they have travel insurance that covers Covid when they arrive at the airport.  Special policies are available that only cost a couple of dollars a day - see how and where to buy the required insurance. No Coverage = No Refunds, No Exchanges … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Sixaola Panama Border Run

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Visas, Docs & Requirements
  • Covid Testing Requirements
  • Electronic Health Pass – Pase de Salud
  • Passports & Visas
  • Immunization Records
  • Departure Tax (Exit Tax)
  • Arrival, Entry or Tourism Tax
  • Travel Insurance
  • Sixaola Panama Border Run



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