Costa Rica

Capital: San José
Population:  4.857 million
Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars (USD) are accepted as legal currency throughout the country
Languages: Spanish
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CST

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information.

If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please see the entry requirements.

Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry for passengers arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries, such as Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador & Colombia. If your flight makes a stop in one of these countries, you may be asked to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Costa Rica. Find a local vaccination center.

COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

• All travelers: An online health form that must be completed within 48 hours prior to your departure for Costa Rica. You can access the health form through this secure link. After completion, you will receive a QR code to present to airport authorities for confirmation. A physical print-out and a mobile phone confirmation are both accepted. 
• Vaccinated travelers: Vaccinated travelers do not have to have proof of insurance as of August 1, 2021. Proof of vaccination should be submitted 72 hours before departure at the earliest through this secure link. 
  • Vaccinations from Moderna, Pfizer-Biontech, Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson are accepted. 
  • The 2nd dose must have been applied at least 14 days prior to arrival.
  • Certificates or official vaccination cards are accepted as proof, which contain at least the following information: name of vaccinated person, date of the 1st and 2nd dose, indication of which vaccine was administered
• Unvaccinated travelers: Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of USD $50,000 for medical costs and USD $2,000 lodging expense in the event you need to quarantine, needs to be uploaded in the health form. If you purchased your travel insurance from us, a coverage of USD $1,000 for lodging is included. In order to increase your COVID-related coverage, here are three supplemental travel insurance policies that cover the minimum lodging expense required by the Costa Rican government. Be sure to read the information carefully, as these policies will give you the extra COVID coverage you need should you test positive during your trip, but they should be considered supplemental coverage to the broad range of coverage of regular travel insurance. 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Sagicor
  • INS

More information about passport, visa & entry requirements.

Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry for passengers arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries, such as Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador & Colombia. If your flight makes a stop in one of these countries, you may be asked to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Costa Rica. Find a local vaccination center.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there are no other required vaccinations for travel to Costa Rica, but immunization against typhoid and hepatitis is recommended. Also ask your doctor about malaria suppressants if you will be visiting the Pacific southwest region or the Caribbean shoreline. Be sure to take insect repellent and suncreen!

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Costa Rica is a year-round destination. Temperatures in San Jose and the Central Highlands are mild and springlike. The mountains can be cool at night. Coastal areas tend to be hot and steamy, but hot and dry in the Pacific northwest.

December through May is Costa Rica's relatively dry period. June through October tends to be wetter, but as a result the vegetation looks even more verdant during this time.

Most restaurants include the 13% restaurant tax and the 10% service charge. Check the bottom of the menu or ask your server if the charge is included. Add a small tip on top of the 10% service charge if you feel the service was excellent.

U.S. credit/debit cards are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica and typically offer the best exchange rate.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

Shop for pottery, traditional miniature painted oxcarts, jewelry made of semiprecious stones, hand-painted feathers, wood carvings, leather goods, and other high quality handicrafts. Tasty local treats such as coffee, rum, coffee liqueur, macadamia nuts and hearts of palm, also make great souvenirs.

Voltage: 110-120 volts. Plugs A & B. You will probably need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.