requirements to enter the country
Entry to Costa Rica has been opened to tourists from all countries. All tourists must comply with the immigration processes established in the General Immigration and Aliens Act (Ley General de Migración y Extrangería). During your visit in Costa Rica, you are required to comply with the health protocols put in place by private companies when participating in any tourism activities in the country.
In accordance with Article 42 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens (No. 8764) and Article 30 of the Immigration Control Regulation (Executive Decree No. 36769-G), foreign nationals intending to enter Costa Rica must provide:
- A valid passport or travel document. Passports and travel documents will only be accepted if they can be read electronically in line with the guidelines established by the
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and must be valid for the period set forth in these guidelines.
- Visa, if required under these guidelines.
- Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
- Return ticket to the country of origin or plan of onward travel that includes the next destination.
- No impediment to entering Costa Rican territory.
maximum stay
The maximum legal stay for foreign nationals will be determined by the immigration agent upon their entry into the country.
- Countries in the first group: up to 180 calendar days, non-extendable
- Countries in the second group: up to 30 calendar days
- Countries in the third group: up to 30 calendar days, extendable
- Countries in the fourth group: up to 30 calendar days, extendable
please remember:
- In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need a ticket for a return flight, which the immigration official will ask to see when you arrive. It is recommended that you make a photocopy of your passport with the entry stamp, which you should carry with you at all times during your stay.
- The number of days you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica will depend on the group your country of origin belongs to.
- The immigration official may ask you to demonstrate that you have the funds needed for your stay in the country.
- The immigration official may indicate in your passport that your permitted stay will be for a different amount of time.
- Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof that they will be leaving the country before their visa or entry stamp expires.
- All travelers must therefore have a ticket for return or onward travel.
Non-residents must have a ticket for return or onward travel if they:
- Are arriving on a one-way ticket.
- Are entering the country with a return ticket that is more than 90 days after their date of arrival.
- Are flying to Costa Rica and flying out of a different country.
By law, a return or onward travel ticket may be on one of the following means of approved commercial transportation:
- A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country.
- A pre-purchased flight out of the country.
- Proof of passage on a cruise ship.
obligatory declarations when entering or leaving
Yellow Fever Vaccination Information for Residents and International Visitors
As of August 31, 2026, Costa Rican citizens and residents traveling to countries or regions considered at risk for yellow fever transmission must:
- Receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
- Hold a valid International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Destinations included in this requirement: Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and designated high-risk countries in Africa.
Information for International Visitors
This requirement applies specifically to Costa Rican citizens and residents departing from Costa Rica to at-risk destinations. International visitors traveling to Costa Rica should verify applicable health requirements based on their country of origin, recent travel history, and transit stops.
Travel Recommendations
Before traveling, please:
- Check the health requirements of your destination.
- Schedule vaccination at least 10 days before departure.
- Verify that your vaccination certificate is valid and accurate.
- Keep a digital copy of your certificate during your trip.
Proper planning and compliance with vaccination requirements can help ensure a safer and smoother travel experience.