Costa Rica

Travelers arriving in Costa Rica by air are usually required to present a return or onward ticket before boarding their flight. This serves as proof that you do not intend to stay in the country indefinitely. On the other hand, visitors entering by land (from Panama or Nicaragua) or sea will need to demonstrate their plans to leave Costa Rica, which could include a bus ticket, a border crossing reservation, or any other form of proof.

For tourists outside of the regions mentioned above, it’s advisable to contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your home country for specific entry requirements. Each country may have different visa regulations and additional criteria for visiting Costa Rica.

You also need to show proof of exit when entering Costa Rica. If you’re arriving by air, this is a non-issue, because as a tourist, you wouldn’t be allowed to board your plane without a return or onward ticket. But travelers entering Costa Rica by land (from Panamá or Nicaragua) or sea will need to show proof that they plan to leave.

If you are arriving in Costa Rica directly from a country where yellow fever exists (most South American and African countries), you will need to show proof of vaccination against this disease. Again, most of the time, they will ask for this before boarding your flight in the first place.

If you want more information on entry requirements, check out our FAQs. Regardless of your nationality, we strongly recommend checking the official entry requirements for Costa Rica with your local embassy or consulate before you arrive.

In summary, when preparing for your Costa Rica adventure, ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity, be ready to show proof of onward travel, and understand that the length of your stay is determined by the border official. By meeting these entry requirements and being well-prepared, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free entry into this tropical paradise.