COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition.  Tourist facilities are extensive and generally adequate.  The capital is San Jose.  English is a second language for many Costa Ricans.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Costa Rica for additional information.

Tourists use hotels and vacation rentals both by companies and beach vacation rentals by owner. Tamarindo vacation rental is one of the best beach rentals in the area.

Real Estate sales in the North West Coast of Costa Rica is booming. Tamarindo vacation rental is located on the Pacific Coast, in Northern Costa Rica, only 50 minutes from Liberia International Airport.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket.  Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way.  Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizens to stay up to ninety days; to stay beyond the period granted, travelers must submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration.  Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, and extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  There is a departure tax for short-term visitors.  Tourists who stay over ninety days may experience a delay at the airport when departing.  Persons who overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.

Costa Rican immigration authorities permit tourists to carry photocopies of the passport data page and Costa Rican entry stamp on their persons, leaving the original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place.  Due to the high incidence of theft of passports, travelers who carry their passports are urged to place them securely in an inside pocket, and to keep a copy of the passport data page in a separate place.

The most authoritative and up-to-date information on Costa Rican entry and exit requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2112 “S” Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-6628, fax (202) 234-6950, website http://www.costarica-embassy.org, or from the Costa Rican consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Francisco, and Tampa. The Costa Rican immigration agency maintains a website at: http://www.migracion.go.cr.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington or one of Costa Rica's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements before shipping any items.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures for minors at entry and exit points.  These often include requiring documentary evidence of the child's relationship to the accompanying parents and, if one of the parents is not traveling with the child, permission from the non-traveling parent for the child's travel.  Having such documentation on hand may facilitate entry in and departure from Costa Rica.

Dual U.S./Costa Rican citizens are required by Costa Rican authorities to comply with entry and exit laws that pertain to Costa Rican citizens.  American parents of minors who obtained Costa Rican citizenship through birth in Costa Rica or to a Costa Rican parent should be aware that these children may only depart Costa Rica upon presentation of an exit permit issued by the Costa Rican immigration office.  Parents of dual citizen children are advised to consult with the Costa Rican Embassy or consulate in the U.S. about entry and exit requirements before travel to Costa Rica.  For general information about dual nationality, see the Consular Affairs’ Dual Nationality Flyer.

See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Costa Rica and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of Costa Rica web site at http://www.costarica-embassy.org for the most current visa information.

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:   There have been no recent acts of terrorism in Costa Rica.  Visitors to Costa Rica may experience the effects of civil disturbances such as work stoppages and strikes.  Although infrequent, these acts can create inconveniences for visitors. On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, currents are swift and dangerous, and there are few lifeguards or signs warning of dangerous beaches.  Several American citizens drown in Costa Rica each year due to riptides or sudden drop-offs while in shallow water.  Extreme caution is advised.  

Adventure tourism is popular in Costa Rica, and many companies provide white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jungle canopy tours, deep sea diving, and other outdoor attractions.  In recent years, several Americans have died on Costa Rica's flood-swollen rivers in white-water rafting accidents.  Others have died trying to reach the mouths of active volcanoes.  Americans are urged to use caution in selecting adventure tourism companies.  The government of Costa Rica regulates and monitors the safety of adventure tourism companies; enforcement of safety laws is overseen by the Ministry of Health.  Registered tourism companies with operating permits must meet safety standards and have insurance coverage.  The safety regulations enforced in Costa Rica are not the same as safety regulations enforced in the United States.   

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad. .

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. 

See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Medical care in San Jose is adequate, but may be more limited in areas outside of San Jose.  Travelers may also find most prescription and over-the-counter medications available in San Jose.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  A list of local doctors and medical facilities can be found at the website of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, at http://usembassy.or.cr.  An ambulance may be summoned by calling 911.  The best-equipped ambulances are called “unidad avanzada.”

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. 

Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world.  The fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles and motorcycles is disproportionately high.  Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored, turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way.  Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common.  Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals may use the main roads.  Traffic signs, even on major highways, are inadequate and few roads are lined.  Shoulders are narrow or consist of drainage ditches.  All of the above, in addition to poor visibility due to heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous.  Landslides are common in the rainy season.  All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities.  However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and many destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension four-wheel drive vehicles.  Travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access roads.

Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies.  In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must/must be left where they are, and not moved out of the way.  Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government ofCosta Rica as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: 

Land Ownership and Shoreline Property: U.S. citizens are urged to use caution when making real estate purchases, and consult reputable legal counsel and investigate thoroughly all aspects before entering into a contract.  Coastal land within fifty meters of the high tide line is open to the public, and construction on the next one hundred fifty meters inland is possible only with the approval of the local municipality. 

Squatters: Organized squatter groups have invaded properties in various parts of the country.  These squatter groups, often supported by politically active persons and non-governmental organizations, take advantage of legal provisions that allow people without land to gain title to unused agricultural property.  Local courts may show considerable sympathy for the squatters.  Victims of squatters have reported threats, harassment, and violence.

Disaster Preparedness: Costa Rica is located in an earthquake and volcanic zone.  Serious flooding occurs annually on the Caribbean side near the port city of Limon, but flooding occurs in other parts of Costa Rica as well, depending on the time of year and rainfall.  General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.