What are the entry requirements?
All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of the trip.
Visitors from the following countries are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa:
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States and all European countries except from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republics, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Visitors from these countries are allowed to stay for 30 days without a visa:
Australia, Belize, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, The Philippines and Venezuela.:
What are the customs regulations?
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes an array of items for personal and professional use, as long as they do not appear in quantities that suggest commercial intent. Costa Rican law requires that baggage be examined and that travelers submit customs declarations listing all articles acquired abroad, including fruit, vegetables, meat, meat products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. In the case of families, one declaration can be filled out by the family head.
Do I need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica. It should be valid during the following 6 months from the entry date to Costa Rica.
Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
Depending on your country of origin you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries have this privilege.
Can I enter Costa Rica with a one way ticket?
All visitors must have a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.
Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?
You are allowed to drive with your normal driver’s license for three months.
Is Costa Rica safe?
San José is a big city, and North American and European visitors bring expensive cameras and other things that tempt. Here are a few tips for avoiding petty theft:
1. Make a photocopy of your passport and leave the original, your airline ticket and the bulk of your money in your hotel safe.
2. Change money in your hotel and ask for part of it in small bills.
3. Carry backpacks on your front.
4. Never change money in the street or flash big wads of bills.
5. Don’t wear anything other than costume jewelry. Men, get a cheap watch for the trip.
6. If you are going out at night, take a taxi.
7. Don’t leave money or valuables lying around your hotel room. Use the safe or check them in at the reception desk.
Do I need to have any special precautions?
Please consider the following precautions during your trip that are the same wherever you travel around the world:
Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger, do not carry any stranger’s luggage through customs or immigration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket or a body pouch, or money belt.
Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers checks (not all places take travelers checks) are good tools when you travel. Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the main page and the date stamped entry page of your passport, the number of your credit cards, traveler checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers. Valuable items should be left in a safe box. Avoid crowds as well as dark and lonely places, and deal with well-known tourism agencies instead of unknown persons. In other words, take the same precautions you would have when visiting any other country, but do not let that decrease your enjoyment of this experience.
How is the weather in Costa Rica?
Be prepared for sunshine, rain, cool mountain breezes, and muggy jungle mists depending on where and when you visit our country. Due to our topography, we have a variety of variety of micro climates. As you ascend or descend in altitude, or move from one province to another, our weather changes.
Our rainy season, which typically brings sunny mornings and afternoon showers, lasts from May to November, but it’s best to be prepared for rain at any time of the year. In rain forests and cloud forests, it rains almost every day, sometimes several times per day. Costa Rica’s beaches are hot and humid, except for the northwestern province of Guanacaste, which tends to be dry and breezy.
When is the best time to travel?
The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year: High Season (related to the dry season, from December until April), Peak season (Christmas, New Year and Easter), and the Green Season (also called the Low Season -related to the rainy season, from May until November). If you live in the Northern Climates, you will probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America and Europe find the rest of the year equally pleasant. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists -during the Green Season.
What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the same as U.S. Central Standard Time, but does not observe daylight savings time.
What should I bring?
A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary, a small first aid kit, binoculars - camera, walking shoes, sunscreen, traveler’s checks - cash or/and credit cards, swim suits, casual clothes for nightlife and fine dining, insect repellent, copies of your favorite Costa Rica travel guide, sandals - sunglasses & hat, necessary medications, rain jacket, passport/birth certificate & driver’s license.
What are the business hours?
Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and do not close for lunch. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, Dinners and American Express being the most popular. Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Most commercial business open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses at commercial centers from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Most restaurants open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Hotels and some restaurants are open 24 hours.
Is there a good communication system?
Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, telex, radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is: 116, local information: 113, long distance information: 124. Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels.
Is driving a good idea?
Many people love driving and visiting the country at their own pace. Car Rentals are available from the major rental companies. To rent one you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Costa Rica, most are open 24 hours. Auto insurance is a MUST, which is included in your contract with the car rental because most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. When the rented car is given to you, the contract will explain both parts responsibilities. If you are involved in a traffic accident: Do not loose your temper, do not leave the place of the accident, do not move the car, cooperate with the legal authorities, do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability, and contact your rental car company immediately.
Is bus transportation available?
Costa Rica has a bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation in the Central Valley. It is the primary means of transportation to natives. On the countryside, sometimes buses do not run frequently, in some places they operate only once a day. Another possibility is arranging transfers with tourism transportation agencies which would give you a first class service at reasonable rates.
What are the medical concerns and suggested vaccines?
Health care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas. Since long ago, diseases such as malaria and yellow fever were eradicated in Costa Rica. There are no plagues like in other countries and no special vaccine recommendations for travelers more than the influenza and the tetanus vaccines. Hospitals and the Red Cross will provide any medical treatment in case of emergency.
How much should I tip?
A 10% tip in a restaurant is appropriate but most restaurants will add it to your bill
so read your bill before paying a tip. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, private drivers, tourist guides, maids and bell boys would be glad to receive a tip. The amount would be totally up to you.
What would be the best way to plan a perfect trip?
Plan your trip well in advance so you have more options to choose from. Since your eating and drinking habits are often radically different during a trip, be sure to drink lots of fluids, especially the day before arriving. Try not to go overboard your first night giving your body a chance to acclimate. The water is safe to drink in all areas of the country; nevertheless we suggest you to buy bottled water for drinking. Wash fruits and vegetables with water before eating.
About Reservation Policies
Hotels, Car Rental and tours can usually be reserved within less than 24 hours to your arrival but guarantee of space will be effective only at the time that you have sent a deposit payment and received confirmation.
Can I get married in Costa Rica? What documents do I need?
Foreigners can get married in Costa Rica. The documents needed are: - original birth certificate - affidavit of single status - police record - valid passport - divorce decree (if applicable) - These documents need to follow the authentication procedure before being taken to Costa Rica.
What is the difference between the rain forest and the cloud forest?
The main difference is that in the cloud forest doesn’t rain as much as in the rain forest. The species of flora and fauna that you might find differ from one to the other.
Is the water drinkable in Costa Rica?
The water is potable in most of the country. We recommend using bottled water, specially in areas around the coast.
Is there a train service in Costa Rica?
There is a train tour that goes from San Jose to Caldera. For information and reservations please call (506)2233-3300 or (506)2221-0777.
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?
All major credit cards are widely accepted. You will find ATM machined distributed throughout the country.
What kind of inoculations do I have to take to Costa Rica?
No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica.
Do I need an electric adapter for a hair drier?
Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs.
What documents are required to enter with a pet to Costa Rica?
Dogs and cats entering Costa Rica must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, endorsed by a veterinarian service (VS) veterinarian. The examination for the certificate must be conducted within the two weeks prior to traveling to Costa Rica. The required vaccinations are: distemper, hepatitis, lestospirosis, parvovirus and rabies (for animals 4 months or older.
How much is he departure tax?
Departure tax is $26, can be paid in US Dollars, colones or with a credit cards.
How can I get a working visa?
You must apply for a working visa at the Costarican Consulate.
How can I apply for legal residency in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers different ways to legalize your status: -temporary resident -pensioner -Foreigner government mission For more legal information contact the Costarican consulate or the Costarican Residents Association at www.casacanada.net
Are the national parks wheel chair accessible?
The Poas Volcano National Park is the only one that offers access for wheel chairs.
Is there an American Legion in Costa Rica?
There is an American Legion for people who went to the army. You can also contact The Association of Residents at: (506)2233-8068 or at www.casacanada.net
If I decided to stay longer, can I get a visa while I am there?
You just have to leave the country for 72 hours, upon returning to Costa Rica the permit will be renewed automatically for 90 more days.
What should I bring when going to the rain forest?
All you need is insect repellent, a rain coat with a hood and hiking boots.
Are there domestic airlines that travel within the country?
You can contact SANSA at ww.flysansa.com (506)2221-9414 or Nature Air at www.natureair.net (506) 2220-3054.
What is the sales tax in Costa Rica?
Sales tax is 13%
What number should I dial in case of emergency?
Dial 911 for immediate assistance.
When do you celebrate Carnivals?
Limon Carnivals are celebrated in October and Puntarenas has them from February 21 to March 3rd.
Which are Costa Rica natural boundaries?
- North: Nicaragua - South:Panama - East:Caribbean Sea - West: Pacific Ocean
How is Costa Rica politically divided?
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces: San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Limon, Puntarenas and Guanacaste.
