Entry/Exit Requirements

For entry into Costa Rica, you must present both a valid passport and either a round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel to another country.  Passports should be in good condition, as Costa Rican Immigration may deny entry if a passport is damaged in any way.  All persons – including U.S. citizens – traveling to Costa Rica from certain countries in South America and Sub-Saharan Africa must provide evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination prior to entry.  For further information concerning visa, entry, and exit requirements for Costa Rica, travelers should visit the Embassy of Costa Rica’s website or contact the Embassy  at 2112 “S” Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 499-2991, fax (202) 265-4795.

Costa Rican authorities may permit U.S. citizen tourists to stay up to ninety (90) days, but are not required to do so.  Visitors must pay a departure tax of 29 USD when leaving Costa Rica.  Visitors who want to stay beyond the period of stay authorized by Costa Rican authorities must request an extension by submitting an extension application to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration.  Extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Tourists who overstay the authorized period of stay without receiving an extension may experience a delay at the airport when departing, are subject to deportation and/or a fine of 100 USD for each month of overstay, and may be denied entry to Costa Rica on future visits.

Because of possible fines levied by Costa Rican Immigration, many airlines will not permit passengers without proof of return or onward travel to board flights to Costa Rica unless they have Costa Rican citizenship, residency, or a visa.  Costa Rican Immigration now also requires that you be able to demonstrate financial capacity of at least 100 USD per month while you are in Costa Rica as a tourist.  For more information, please visit the Costa Rican Immigration Agency website. 

Most Costa Rican educational institutions will assist individuals planning to study in Costa Rica to apply for a student visa, if a visa is necessary.  Individuals with round-trip tickets who plan to study for less than three months do not need a visa and may enter for up to 90 days as a tourist.  Individuals who plan to study for longer than three months and will be attending an educational institution that does not provide assistance to obtain a visa should verify documentary requirements in advance with the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate as well as with the pertinent airline.  

Visitors who plan to drive in Costa Rica should be aware that the Costa Rican government may prevent any driver involved in a vehicular accident from departing Costa Rica until all injury claims have been settled.  This is true regardless of whether or not the driver is at fault or covered by insurance.  The courts often delay imposing a settlement until all injured parties have fully recovered and the definitive costs are known. Travelers may be prevented from leaving the county for months, or even years, until a local judicial resolution is reached. Visitors should carefully consider the hardships such an extended stay in Costa Rica could impose on themselves and their families before deciding to drive in Costa Rica.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Costa Rica.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.