Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Digital Entry Form Requirement
All travelers must complete the free online Digital Tourist Card (PGT) at least 72 hours before arrival, providing passport details and travel plans. This replaces paper forms and streamlines immigration at airports like San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR).
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Costa Rica, with at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your airline, as some require six months validity for international travel.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to avoid delays at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, Canada, Australia, UK, and most Latin American nations can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. Upon arrival, you'll receive an entry stamp granting this period, but overstaying can result in fines or bans.
Proof of onward travel (e.g., return ticket) and sufficient funds (around $100/day) may be requested at the border.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa (e.g., China, India, certain African countries), apply at a Costa Rican consulate abroad with documents including a valid passport, application form, photos, proof of funds, and travel itinerary. The fee is approximately $50, and processing takes 15-30 days.
Business or student visas have additional requirements like invitation letters; consult the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specifics.
Border Crossings
Airports are the primary entry points with efficient biometric checks; expect questions about your itinerary and accommodations. Overland borders with Nicaragua and Panama require vehicle permits if driving and can involve longer waits during peak seasons.
Yellow fever vaccination proof is mandatory for travelers from endemic areas like parts of South America or Africa; no COVID-19 restrictions as of 2026.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas like Corcovado National Park) is highly recommended, as healthcare costs can exceed $10,000 for emergencies. Policies should include adventure activities like zip-lining or surfing if planned.
Providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5/day; carry digital and printed copies for border officials.
Extensions Possible
Tourist stays can be extended up to 30 additional days by applying at the General Directorate of Migration in San José before your initial 90 days expire, with a fee of about $50 and proof of funds. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on immigration discretion.
For longer stays, consider a temporary residency visa for retirees or investors, which requires separate applications and financial proofs.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to San José or Liberia by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at sodas for authentic gallo pinto or casados under $10, avoiding resort buffets to save up to 60% on food costs. Fresh fruit from roadside stands or farmers' markets in places like Monteverde provides cheap, healthy snacks.
Self-catering in Airbnbs with kitchens can further reduce expenses for longer stays in areas like Tamarindo.
Public Transport Passes
Use the affordable bus system with direct routes between major spots like San José to La Fortuna for $5-10; no need for passes but buy tickets at stations to avoid markups. Colectivos (shared vans) in rural areas cut costs by 70% compared to taxis.
For national parks, opt for group shuttles that include entry fees, often bundled for $20-30 round-trip.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Manuel Antonio, hike free trails in Guanacaste, or visit volcanic viewpoints like Arenal without guides, offering authentic eco-adventures at no cost. Community-led birdwatching spots in the Osa Peninsula provide low-key wildlife encounters.
Many national parks waive fees for locals or offer discounted entry during off-peak months, saving $15 per person.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops with no foreign transaction fees if using Visa/Mastercard, but carry small USD bills or CRC for markets, taxis, and rural sodas where cards aren't an option.
ATMs are plentiful in cities but charge $3-5 fees; withdraw larger amounts to minimize costs, and notify your bank of travel plans to avoid blocks.
Park Passes
Purchase the annual National Parks Pass for $25, granting unlimited entry to 30+ parks like Tortuguero and Rincón de la Vieja, ideal for multi-destination trips and paying off after 2-3 visits.
Combine with eco-tour operator discounts for bundled activities, reducing overall adventure expenses by 20-30%.
Smart Packing for Costa Rica
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes like moisture-wicking shirts and convertible pants for humid jungles and beaches; include long sleeves for sun protection during hikes in Corcovado. Swimsuits, rash guards, and flip-flops are musts for Pacific and Caribbean coasts, while a light fleece suffices for cooler highlands like Monteverde.
Modest attire is appreciated in rural communities, and packing versatile layers accommodates microclimates from rainforests to volcanoes.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A/B plugs (US-style), a solar-powered power bank for off-grid spots like Drake Bay, and a waterproof phone case for water activities. Download offline maps via apps like Maps.me and a translation tool for Spanish in non-touristy areas.
A GoPro or compact camera captures sloth sightings and zip-line adventures; pack extra memory cards as Wi-Fi can be spotty in remote lodges.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with blister treatments for long hikes, motion sickness meds for winding roads to Arenal, and any prescriptions in original packaging. High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, and antidiarrheal for potential traveler's tummy are crucial in tropical zones.
Include a reusable water filter bottle since tap water varies; for adventure sports, add knee braces if prone to strains from surfing or ATV tours.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for national park treks, a lightweight hammock for beach downtime in Nosara, and a dry bag for river rafting on the Pacuare. Pack multiple copies of your passport, insurance, and yellow fever cert (if applicable), plus a RFID-blocking wallet for petty theft prevention in San José.
Binoculars enhance birdwatching in Tortuguero, and a headlamp is handy for night walks or power outages in eco-lodges.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe hiking sandals or lightweight boots with good traction for muddy trails in La Amistad Park and volcanic hikes; water shoes protect against coral and rocks while snorkeling in Cahuita. Comfortable sneakers work for urban exploring in Heredia, but always include waterproof options for afternoon showers.
Avoid new shoes to prevent blisters on multi-day treks; Tevas or Chacos are versatile for transitioning from jungle to beach.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and lotion to respect eco-sensitive areas; include aloe vera for sunburn relief after canopy tours and a wide-brim hat for UV protection. A compact poncho or packable rain jacket handles sudden downpours, and wet wipes substitute for showers in remote camps.
Feminine products and contact lens solution may be pricier locally, so bring extras; eco-friendly bug spray ensures comfort during turtle nesting season.
When to Visit Costa Rica
Dry Season (December-April)
Peak time for sunny beaches and clear volcano views in Arenal, with temperatures averaging 25-30°C and minimal rain, ideal for surfing in Tamarindo or zip-lining in Monteverde. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals congregate near water sources, though crowds and prices surge during holidays.
Perfect for families and first-timers seeking reliable weather for outdoor adventures without mud.
Shoulder Season (November & May)
Transitional periods offer a mix of sun and short showers, with temps around 24-28°C and fewer tourists, making it great for budget-friendly hikes in Chirripó National Park or whale-watching off Uvita. Lush greenery starts emerging, enhancing birding in the Talamanca Mountains.
Accommodations drop 20-30% in price, balancing comfort and natural beauty.
Green Season (May-November)
Rainy season brings vibrant rainforests and waterfalls in full flow, with afternoon rains and mornings often clear at 22-27°C, suited for indoor activities like coffee tours in Tarrazú or yoga retreats in Nosara. Turtle nesting in Tortuguero is magical under overcast skies, and biodiversity explodes with frog and insect sightings.
Cheaper rates (up to 50% off) and empty trails appeal to eco-enthusiasts embracing the "pura vida" rhythm.
Highland Cool (Year-Round Variation)
Elevated areas like Poás Volcano or the Cloud Forest see milder 15-20°C temps with mist, best visited December-March for crisp air and blooming orchids, or July-September for quetzal bird migrations. Pack layers for sudden chills during canopy walks.
Less affected by coastal rains, offering a refreshing contrast to beach vibes.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC). US Dollars widely accepted in tourist zones; exchange rates fluctuate around 500-550 CRC per USD. ATMs dispense both.
- Language: Spanish is official, but English is common in hotels, tour operators, and national parks like Manuel Antonio.
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6; no daylight saving time.
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (two/three flat pins, US-compatible).
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire; tourist police at 800-8000-911 for English support.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants (if not included), $1-2 per bag for porters, $5-10/day for guides.
- Water: Tap water unsafe in rural areas; drink bottled or purified. Eco-lodges often provide filtered options.
- Pharmacies: Abundant in cities (farmacias with red crosses); 24-hour options in San José like Fischel.