Coming & Going to Costa Rica
From Costa Rica Travel Guide: Vacation and Travel tips
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Every country seems to have their own set of requirements when traveling 'in' and 'out,' and Costa Rica is no exception. The good news is, the requirements are fairly basic, as it's quite easy to get in and out of the San Jose airport (Juan Santamaria International Airport)- with the possible exception of 'time'. There ARE frequent instances of waiting a few hours in various lines, depending. Flying into Liberia's, Daniel Oduber International Airport, located in the Guanacaste region is just a bit easier and less crowded than its older brother, Juan Santamaria Airport. But, if you are interested in Costa Rica travel, then you should probably take a look at this important information concerning entry and departure requirements even if you're a seasoned traveler. TravelCostaRicaNow.com thinks it's a good idea to remind you of things you may have forgotten you know.
Things have changed and a driver’s license and birth certificate will NOT get you into Costa Rica. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT that will not expire within six months. If your passport is in poor condition we highly recommends that you replace it before leaving, you could be turned away. If you even suspect your passport may be a bit 'weathered,' don't chance it, trust us, you really can be turned away and put on the next return flight. This would definitely be a vacation buzz kill. So, error on the side of being overly conservative.
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Visa Regulations
US citizens as well as those from Canada and most European countries may visit Costa Rica for 90 days. If you wish a longer visit, you must leave the country for 72 hours. This will refresh your visa for another 90 days. However, there is a legal loophole. If for instance you left the country BEFORE your 90 days were up, you could re-enter after just a short day trip across the border, which would also refresh your visa for another 90 days. We not endorse this, just reporting it. Doing this in and out thing a few times is no big deal. Doing it over and over (perpetual tourism) you can run a serious risk of being expelled from the country or refused re-admittance.
Traveling Alone with Minors
If BOTH parents are NOT traveling with the minor child, it is a good idea to get a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent authorizing travel to and from Costa Rica, with all the pertinent information included, such as dates of travel, itineraries etc. Although this policy is NOT strictly enforced, you can be sure if you DON’T have it, they will check and if you DO, they won’t. It just seems to be the way it works- don’t take the risk, as it’s a real vacation buzz kill. And don’t think that just because you and your child got ON the plane you’re safe; you can be refused entry into Costa Rica.
Flying with Pets to Costa Rica
Most, if not all airlines permit seeing-eye dogs in the cabin, while some allow small pets to accompany you in your seat. I’ve seen quite a few people who always carry their little dogs with them in big purses or bags and often the flight crew is oblivious to these little hitchhikers. I have often wondered what these people do about the animals relieving themselves on long flights. Bigger animals, or ALL animals depending on the airlines, will be relegated to the cargo hold or even on a entirely separate cargo flight. From May 15th to September 15th, many airlines will not accept pets as checked baggage; due to lack of air conditioning in the cargo hold.
When animals are checked in as baggage they will need a leak-proof cage or container with handles, so that baggage handlers will be able to easily lift and carry the animal. It is recommended that the container be big enough for the animal to turn around. It’s worth purchasing a travel kennel well before you travel so that your pet can get acclimated to it before they fly. In order to reduce nausea it’s a good idea to have the animal fast for six hours prior to take off. If the flight is longer than four hours, the animal should be fed a few hours before departure. Make sure and consult your vet in regards to sedating your animal pre
Policies often change, and some airlines are better than others in regards to transporting pets, so it is a good idea to do your homework in advance.
The paperwork required to bring your pets into Costa Rica has been changing in the last few years. In general you’ll need proof of a rabies vaccine, which must have been administered more than 30 days and less than one year before the departure date, along with health certificates from your vet and the USDA.
Landing in San Jose, Costa Rica (Juan Santamaria International Airport)
Immigration will be your first stop. This is where you present your passport and the little piece of paper stating your travel intentions while in Costa Rica (You probably filled it out on the plane before landing). Unfortunately, this line can be long, but not always.You will proceed to Baggage Claim and probably wait a few minutes before your bags arrive, but they usually show up eventually. On to Customs, where hopefully you won’t be stopped, but probably will. This seems more a formality than anything, but still, don’t be dumb enough to try and bring drugs, firearms, or illegal substances with you. In Costa Rica, you are NOT innocent until proven guilty under Costa Rica Law, and this is the ultimate vacation buzz kill.
After Customs you will proceed down another corridor where you will exit the airport. It can be a little intimidating to step out of the airport and have every Tico and their brother offering everything from rides, to tours, to places to stay, so stay on your toes and be mildly assertive, and don’t let them help you with your luggage.
Arriving by Land or Boat in Costa Rica
It’s a good bet you’re probably coming from Nicaragua or Panama and you will have to clear the frontier of those country’s first. Once you clear the frontier, you will present your documents to the Costa Rican side of the border. If you’re driving, the car’s documents must also be presented. Your car may also be sprayed with a chemical that kills any unapproved stowaways. Your baggage may be inspected.
Leaving Costa Rica (why would you?)
As you enter the San Jose airport (Juan Santamaria International Airport), take an immediate right because the first thing you must do is pay departure tax ($26.00 per person). You never have to wait long in this line, if at all, and they take US dollars, VISA credit/debit cards ONLY, and colones.
Checking into your airline is an entirely different thing and it can take long depending. Have the receipt for your departure tax, passport, airline tickets easily accessible, and you will have to fill out yet another small form before checking in at the airline counter. Midway through this line, your bags will be checked and dusted. Once you get to the airline counter, you’re almost home.
After the airline check-in process, keep all your documents out, you’ll need them numerous times, and proceed to the security area to check in. You probably know the drill, shoes off, bags checked, fingernail files and nail polish remover confiscated- the usual.
Now you can cruise to the gate. I would recommend the duty-free shops, they have some nice values on liquors (you should know about Cacique by now), perfumes, and a few electronic gadgets. I wish I could say the same for the restaurants and other shops, those prices are high.
Now you can spend the rest of your wait, thinking about how to make a life in Costa Rica.
