FAQs Costa Rica

All information you need before you visit Costa Rica. Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you!

FAQs Costa Rica

All information you need before you visit Costa Rica. Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you!

Entry requirements Costa Rica updates March 2022:

The entrance to Costa Rica is enabled for tourists from all the countries of the world by air, land and sea.

The tourist must meet the visa requirements, when required, as well as the requirements established in the framework of the pandemic.

Traveling to Costa Rica couldn’t be easier! The Government of Costa Rica has announced that requirements to provide proof of vaccination status, purchase supplemental health insurance, and submit an online health pass within 72 hours of travel will be suspended as of April 1, 2022.   

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing entry requirements: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements 

Latest update January 6, 2023:

People from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao must present a negative covid-19 test to enter Costa Rica. In this way, the measure is finalized by executive decree and will be in force as of next Monday, January 9, according to the Ministry of Health.

“THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IN THESE TERRITORIES IN THE LAST 14 DAYS, MUST SUBMIT A RT-PCR OR ANTIGEN TEST WITH NEGATIVE RESULT OR VIRUS NOT DETECTED BY COVID-19, CARRIED OUT BY A LABORATORY AND WITH A MAXIMUM 72 HOURS BEFORE ENTERING THE COUNTRY”, THEY POINTED.

In addition, people over 12 years of age must have the document that allows verification of the complete vaccination schedule against this disease. In addition, these requirements apply to people who enter the national territory, coming from those countries, by land or international flights. It is also necessary that the document with the result is in English or Spanish without exception.

A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.

  • Your country of origin determines the amount of days available to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
  • In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country.
  • Even with a 90-day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as allowed by your passport.

Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.

All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are:

  • Traveling on a one-way ticket
  • Entering the country with a return ticket dated more than 90 days after arrival
  • Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country

By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport:

  • A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country
  • A pre-purchased flight out of the country
  • Proof of passage on a cruise ship

When entering or leaving a port in Costa Rica, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than the US $ 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, cash or securities, you must request and complete the form provided for this purpose at the migration post and present it to the Customs Authority for verification; The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures. The omission of what is established by Costa Rican law (No. 8204, article 35) will result in the immediate loss of money.

What inoculations do I need before entering Costa Rica?

Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing entry requirements: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements 

For more information click here

Depending on your country of origin you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries have this privilege. For more information click here

All visitors must have a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.

A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival.  It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.

  • Your country of origin determines the amount of days available to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
  • In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country.
  • Even with a 90-day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as allowed by your passport.

Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.

All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are:

  • Traveling on a one-way ticket
  • Entering the country with a return ticket dated more than 90 days after arrival
  • Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country

By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport:

  • A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country
  • A pre-purchased flight out of the country
  • Proof of passage on a cruise ship

You are allowed to drive with your normal driver’s license for three months.

Requirements for Renting a Car in Costa Rica

In order to drive in Costa Rica as a foreigner, you need your original passport, a valid tourist visa stamp and a valid original driver’s license from your home country.  An international driver’s license is not required in Costa Rica.

If your driver’s license is not in Roman script, then you will need to get an international driver’s license. Costa Rica car rental companies require the original valid driver’s license. You need to bring your original driver’s license and original passport with you every time.

The water is potable in most of the country. We recommend using bottled water, especially in areas around the coast.

The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

All major credit cards are widely accepted. You will find ATM machined distributed throughout the country.

Costa Rican authorities require a yellow-fever vaccine certification from travelers of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leon, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, even if you were only transiting through any one of these countries.

Among the countries listed are Latin American Countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. This is very important to take into account. If you are coming from one of the listed countries and do not have a current vaccination certificate then you will be denied boarding on flights to Costa Rica.  The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before the start date of your trip.

The safest way to avoid complications if you are travelling to any of the countries on the list above is to get the vaccination and the proof of vaccination from your doctor before leaving home.

Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs.

Departure tax is $29, can be paid in US Dollars, colones or with a credit card.

Only Poás Volcano National Park, Carara National Park and Santa Rosa National Park offering wheel chair access.

All you need is insect repellent, a raincoat with a hood and hiking boots. When you’re headed on vacation, the idea is to keep it as stress-free as possible. Pay attention to the little things to avoid any snags. BRING THE RIGHT SHOES! There are a ton of fun things to do in Costa Rica and you don’t want your footwear to limit you or give you blisters. A pair of sandals and some decent sneakers should do fine. If you plan on doing some serious hiking or climbing, consider some heavier duty options.

Sales tax is 13%.

Dial 911 for immediate assistance. In addition, CRS Tours will give you a 24-hour emergency number, in the event that you encounter problems or need answers to urgent questions.

The Tico Times. www.ticotimes.net.

You can go to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean or to Las Baulas National Park in the Pacific.

Yes we can, we work with a respected flight handler. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange your international flight.

We have a lot of experience in organizing group itineraries for students and special interest groups. It will be our pleasure to accommodate your request. We are a consolidated company that works internationally with groups from countries including: United States, Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

If you want a tailor-made vacation, we can help you plan an exciting trip. You pay no extra charges or fees for our services. We put our local knowledge to work for you and help make your Costa Rica vacation the best it can be. Call or e-mail us and get help from the experts. Just click here, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

The packages and itineraries on this website can be modified based upon your preferences.

All members of our staff are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, we also speak Dutch and German.

Please mention to us that you would like a tour guide who speaks English and we will be sure to arrange one for your trip.

Costa Rica Specialized Tours

Prices during the green season (May – November) are normally lower, with less visitors.

Of course you are more than welcome at our office for professional information!

Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities for the enjoyment of the entire family. All of our tours and activities are designed to be safe and educational and to have a very nice experience. Click here for family tours.

Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families, with plenty of exciting activities everyone will enjoy including walks, guided visits, group games, interacting with the locals, enjoying the local cuisine, beach sports and much more.

A Valley of Culture

The capital of the country, San José is the epitome of culture and entertainment.

The National Theater offers inspiring performances, while the Gold Museum features Pre Columbian and Costa Rican art. If you’d like to know more about the local culture, the National Museum will take you through Costa Rica’s history while the Children’s Museum will take you and your family on an interactive learning adventure.

CRS Tours offers more than 1000 (!) transfer combinations throughout Costa Rica. You travel in international company and will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel. Most of the time our transfers are direct. However, sometimes a transfer is needed at a restaurant or hotel. Busses are modern and have air-conditioning. Average transfer price is around US$ 25.00 per person. Click here for transfer rates or click here for our tours with transfers. We also offer you a car and driver service, ask for our rates.

Costa Rica’s year-round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night giving an “eternal spring” feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland.
Costa Rica’s wet season is from May to October. As one goes from the drier Pacific coast it becomes progressively wetter, so that the Atlantic coast has the most rainfall (up to 300 days annually). San Jose’s temperature ranges from a high of 24-27 degrees C, to a low of 14-16 degrees. The hottest months are March and April. July through October are the rainiest months of the year (winter). Mornings are usually sunny followed by heavy rains in the afternoon.

CRS Tours is a Costa Rican tour operator affiliated to the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Board), the National Chamber of Tourism (Reg. Number # 772), and ACOPROT (Asociación Costarricense de Profesionales en Turismo). We have to abide by high standards of accounting and accountability. We also received the Safe Travels Logo for working with strict Covid 19 protocols.

One reason is that our packages are all about value. We have developed close relationships with domestic flights, hotels, tour operators and rental car suppliers to obtain the best package rates, which we pass on to you. Another reason is that is easy; we take the hassle out of searching all over the web and figuring out where the best deals are, offering the highest service standards you can find in Costa Rica.

US$29 (twenty-nine US dollars). This tax applies to citizens and foreigners, minors and adults.