work and travel costa rica 2022

Work & Travel USA.

El programa Work & Travel USA fue creado por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos y tiene como objetivo principal el intercambio cultural entre estudiantes universitarios de diferentes nacionalidades, residentes y turistas de los Estados Unidos.

Cada país cuenta con fechas específicas para realizar el programa. Las fechas autorizadas para estudiantes costarricenses son entre el 10 al 20 de Diciembre (Inicio) y del 15 al 31 de Marzo (Finalización).

El programa se realiza a través de una oferta laboral remunerada dentro la industria turística y hotelera durante la temporada de invierno en los Estados Unidos. Los estudiantes universitarios podrán practicar sus habilidades con el idioma mientras viven una experiencia de intercambio multicultural, haciendo nuevos amigos y obteniendo experiencia de trabajo con un empleador estadounidense.

La visa requerida para participar en el programa es una Visa J1 de Intercambio Cultural, la cual es otorgada por la duración del programa.

Nuestros Sponsor

SEP Costa Rica es representante autorizado y asociado al Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) organización debidamente acreditada y designada por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos como J1 Visa Sponsor.

Los J1 Visa Sponsors son organizaciones que se dedican al desarrollo, coordinación y supervisión de los diferentes programas de intercambio cultural bajo la Visa J1 incluyendo el programa Work & Travel USA. CIEE es el Sponsor más grande e importante de los Estados Unidos en programas Work & Travel USA.

El programa está dirigido a estudiantes de pregrado y grado (Bachillerato o Licenciatura) de tiempo completo en cualquier universidad privada o pública con modalidad presencial. Las universidades privadas deben estar asociadas a CONESUP.

Estudiantes de universidades con modalidad a distancia como la Universidad Estatal a Distancia y la Universidad San Marcos NO son elegibles. Tampoco estudiantes de institutos post secundarios o colegios universitarios como el IFA, INA, ISESA, CUC o cualquier institución académica que imparta carreras a nivel de diplomado o técnico profesional.

El estudiante deberá estar cursando al menos 4 cursos durante el último periodo lectivo del año (cuatrimestre o semestre) y haber completado satisfactoriamente al menos un bloque universitario al momento de aplicar a la Visa J1.

El aspirante debe tener entre 18-28 años de edad al momento de aplicar al programa y debe cumplir con un nivel de inglés intermedio conversacional que le permita desenvolverse en situaciones cotidianas y de la vida real.

El estudiante debe tener disponibilidad para participar en el programa dentro de las fechas establecidas para Costa Rica (10 – 20 de Diciembre al 15 – 31 de Marzo). Además, deberá tener la disposición de viajar a cualquier estado, pueblo o región de los Estados Unidos y realizar el programa con uno de los empleadores autorizados por CIEE.

El estudiante que desea aplicar al programa debe cumplir con el perfil solicitado obligatoriamente.

Work and Travel USA

Es el programa líder de trabajo remunerado en los Estados Unidos para estudiantes de nivel superior que se desarrolla todos los años de diciembre a marzo.

El objetivo es darte la oportunidad de trabajar en una empresa norteamericana, perfeccionar tu nivel de inglés y conocer otras culturas conviviendo con ciudadanos de todo el mundo que participan del mismo programa.

Las posiciones de trabajo se concentran en sector turístico (Centros de Ski, Hoteles, Restaurantes, Bares, etc.) y las posiciones dependen generalmente del nivel de inglés y perfil del participante.

Habilidades y destrezas

Nivel de inglés: Para poder realizar un proceso exitoso de aplicación en Costa Rica, tanto como para un excelente desarrollo del programa en los Estados Unidos se necesita niveles de inglés (intermedio – intermedio/avanzado – avanzado) ya que se requiere un entendimiento del idioma que les permita comprender textos, aplicaciones, documentos de contratación e información general del programa, este nivel de inglés será evaluado por uno de los representantes de SEP Costa Rica al momento del estudiante realizar el pago de la inscripción por valor de 100 USD.

Empatía: Saber escuchar y ser comprensivo. Saber ponerse en el lugar de los demás. Tratar de buscar soluciones a los problemas y diferentes situaciones que se les presentan en el día a día.

Equilibrio Emocional: Es importante saber manejar este aspecto ya que al llegar a Estados Unidos actúan en la mente varios factores como el choque cultural, las costumbres, cambio de horarios, comunicación o entendimiento y ciertas situaciones que puedan ser desfavorables al momento de tomar decisiones. Los impulsos llevan a cometer errores en situaciones de fácil solución y/o manejo.

Puntualidad y Responsabilidad: Todo trabajo lleva implícito estas dos cualidades para lograr un buen funcionamiento. Llegar tarde al trabajo o no hacer las labores asignadas puede ser causal de despido si esto sucede en más de una ocasión.

Madurez y seguir indicaciones: Realizar las indicaciones asignadas en el empleo es sinónimo de madurez. No realizar ciertas actividades porque no están en las funciones asignadas en primera instancia o solicitar cambios en posición de trabajo porque son “demasiado duras, difíciles o complicadas” lleva a causar malestar y mala relación con los empleadores y/o superiores.

Colaboración y Cooperación: Es un requisito importante, pues en la empresa, ya sea en cualquier nivel de la organización, se requiere de mucha colaboración y cooperación, sobre todo cuando se habla de trabajo en equipo.

Interactuar con Otras Culturas y Valores: Aprender a interrelacionarse con otras culturas existentes dentro del mismo entorno. Interactuar con personas de otros países quienes hablan lenguas diferentes a la nuestra.

Capacidad para Trabajar en Equipo.

Buen Comunicador: Disponer de una cierta aptitud para la comunicación activa, y poseer la capacidad y la disposición para establecer una comunicación fluida y permanente.

Lidiar con Conflictos: Aprender a enfrentar conflictos ( Personales, grupales). Aprender a tratar con gente de diferentes culturas, y convertir s situaciones en resultados positivos y productivos. Colaborar en la suavización de roces entre individuos, alentar el diálogo.

Adaptación al Cambio: Poseer espíritu “Proactivo” (en pro del cambio). Perder el temor a interactuar con otras culturas. Ser partícipes activos de programas de desarrollo por parte del Sponsor en USA. Estar dispuestos a realizar diferentes actividades en el trabajo, rotar la posición de empleo y ejecutar nuevas funciones.

Respeto: No solo se debe exigir respeto, sino también deben ser respetuosos con sus empleadores, managers, compañeros de trabajo, compañeros de vivienda y todas las personas en general que son interna y externamente parte del programa en Costa Rica y en los Estados Unidos.

Independencia y Autonomía: Durante la duración del programa estarán lejos de la familia, amigos y personas cercanas. Saber manejar el tiempo, el dinero que ganan en el trabajo y hacer las cosas de manera independiente y autónoma juega un papel indispensable para llevar a cabo el programa de manera exitosa. Salir a mercar, cocinar, levantarse temprano, lavar los platos y la ropa, llegar al trabajo a tiempo, tomar el bus o andar en bicicleta son situaciones básicas del programa y estas son posibles si la autonomía es un valor adquirido en casa de cada participante.

Seguir órdenes e indicaciones: Recibir las órdenes e indicaciones de la mejor manera. No fomentar discusiones, disputas o peleas con superiores o compañeros de trabajo. Llevar al dialogo si algo no es lo correcto o indicado.

Obtener una oferta laboral remunerada entre 15 a 20 USD por hora y un mínimo de 30 horas de trabajo a la semana. Practicar el idioma Inglés con personas de varias partes del mundo y ciudadanos norteamericanos. Conocer nuevas personas y hacer amigos de diferentes culturas y países. Desarrollar habilidades de trabajo en famosos ski resorts, restaurantes, parques de diversiones, hoteles, resorts entre otros espectaculares lugares. Opción de conseguir un segundo empleo una en Estados Unidos. Una vez finalizado el programa el estudiante cuenta con 30 días para permanecer en Estados Unidos en calidad de turista, y regresar a su país de origen.

Empleadores

Nuestras opciones job fair / placement.

Modalidad Premium:

SEP Costa Rica organiza las mejores Ferias de Empleo. Los más importantes centros de ski, hoteles y resorts asociados al programa vienen hasta Costa Rica para contratarte. Algunos también realizan las entrevistas de manera virtual.

¿Cómo participar?

Debés inscribirte bajo la modalidad Premium (con oferta de empleo) y coordinar una entrevista con uno de nuestros agentes para evaluar tu nivel de inglés y ver a qué tipo de trabajo podrías aplicar exitosamente. Las entrevistas en la Feria serán otorgadas de acuerdo al perfil requerido y en orden de inscripción. Cuanto antes te inscribas mayor prioridad vas a tener.

Incluye: Certificado de Elegibilidad DS-2019 necesario para tramitar la Visa J-1 (que permite trabajar legalmente en USA) + Seguro Médico para Emergencias + Participación en las entrevistas de Trabajo presenciales o virtuales + Asistencia en el trámite de visado con la Embajada + Orientaciones y material informativo previo al viaje + Línea telefónica de atención gratuita dentro de los Estados Unidos. Te mostramos algunos Empleadores que han contratado a través de SEP, todas las temporadas participan distintos empleadores en nuestras ferias de empleo.

Empleadores que han contratado a través de Sep CR en años anteriores.

> Northstar Ski Resort – California > Big Ski Resort – Montana > Keystone Resort – Colorado > Specialty Sports Venture – Colorado > Snow Mt Ranch – Colorado > Snowbasin Ski Resort – Utah > Utah Park City – Utah > The Westin Colorado Aspen/Snowmass – – Mount Olympus Park – Wisconsin > Wilderness Resort – Wisconsin > Killington Resort – Vermont > Loon Mountain – New Hampshire > Heavenly South Lake Tahoe – California > Angel Fire Resort – New Mexico > Red River Ski Resort – New Mexico > Sugarbowl – California > Deer Valley – Utah > Chula Vista – Wisconsin > Estes Park – Colorado > Jackson Hole – Wyoming > Vail – Colorado > Yellowstone club – Montana > Sun Valley – Idaho

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Work and Travel in Costa Rica

Help us grow. share what you know about getting work in costa rica for travellers., volunteer and paid work opportunities in costa rica for travellers.

Costa Rica is the tropical destination in the Americas you always dreamed about. With one of the highest densities of wildlife and plant life on Earth, you have everything you need for a memorable adventure. Volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica are also available in abundance. We’ve compiled this travel guide for Costa Rica to help you get started with one of the most exciting yet challenging countries in the world. If you’re ready to push your limits you’re in the right place. 1. Conserve Sea Turtles on the Pacific Coast Costa Rica is one of the prime nesting places for sea turtles. Travelling for thousands of miles, female turtles lay their eggs on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica every year. Volunteers can join the beach patrol to help find the hatcheries so they can be protected for conservation and research purposes. If you’re there to work and travel in Costa Rica at the right time you can also participate in the baby turtle release programmes, which ensure that as many hatchlings as possible make it across the beach to the ocean without being harassed by predators. 2. Marine Protection in Puntarenas On the Gulf of Nicoya this popular backpacking destination is famed for its huge amount of marine life. Help protect an array of pelicans, crocodiles, and sharks with a marine conservation programme there as you work in Costa Rica. You’ll help the professionals provide education for the protection of marine life, patrolling the beaches, collecting eggs, and research into some of the least understood species on Earth. And you don’t need any prior qualifications to get involved in a project like this. 3. Care for Abandoned Children in San Jose The capital, unfortunately, has a big problem with street kids. Hundreds, if not thousands, of abandoned children need your help. These volunteer initiatives help care for abandoned children by providing them with a safe and educational atmosphere so they can put the past behind them. You’ll help with feeding them, cleaning, and playing games. Volunteers often help them with their reading and writing skills to give them the tools they need to build a positive, healthy life for themselves as they grow up.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR COSTA RICA

Costa Rica embraces the ‘Pura Vida’ philosophy when it comes to visa requirements for foreigners who want to come to the country. You’re able to enter the country for 90 days with only a valid return ticket required if you come from any developed country. This applies to citizens of the UK, the European Union (EU), North America, South Africa, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. You should bear in mind that Costa Rica does not fall under the CA-4 Agreement, so you don’t have to worry about spending as much time as possible here whilst compromising your ability to stay in the other Central American countries. There are also no difficulties with securing a volunteer position here. You don’t have to deal with any complex regulations to be able to work and travel in Costa Rica.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN COSTA RICA

Spring work.

Between March and April are some of the hottest months of the year. To avoid excess humidity you should avoid the coastlines and head to a major city like San Jose. Looking after abandoned children or teaching English is highly recommended throughout the spring season.

SUMMER JOBS

The summertime is the dry season in Costa Rica. This is also when the bulk of Western tourists pour into the country. Volunteer projects ramp up their efforts at this time of year to take advantage of backpackers travelling in Costa Rica. It’s also the most desirable time to head to the coastline. At this time of year surfing and diving instructors are much needed to take on the additional work. You don’t need to have qualifications prior to arriving in the country as you can obtain your qualifications there. The more qualified you are the more likely it is that you’ll find some paying work. For paying work, your best option is to go to the Pacific Coast. The Atlantic Coast does have opportunities, but this area is far less popular.

The start of autumn is a continuation of the dry season. All the roles detailed in the previous section will still be available. If you want to get away from the tourist areas as you work and travel in Costa Rica you should head inland and consider a homestay. For many families, this is a busy time as they begin to harvest before the rainy season comes around. You’ll get an authentic taste of how real Costa Ricans live. Many travellers also take the chance to combine their homestay with a Spanish immersion experience.

In winter it’s the rainy season. There are tourists, but not on the same scale as summer. The best available seasonal work is English teaching work in one of the major urban areas like San Jose. It’s the preferred option for volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica as nobody likes to work out in the rain. And in Costa Rica the rain can get extremely heavy. If you don’t want to teach English in Costa Rica you may consider getting involved in education programmes. There are initiatives on offer to provide education to street kids and other underprivileged groups. There are no requirements to be a professional teacher either.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. It’s why so many foreigners have decided to move to the country permanently. Crime levels are about the same as in any Western country and violence against tourists is extremely rare. You do have to put up with the touts and the various scammers that inhabit the main backpacking destinations, but a firm ‘no’ is normally enough to stop them from bothering you. In short, an incredible experience awaits you if you want to work and travel in Costa Rica. Are you ready to embark upon your tropical adventure?

Recent Contributors

• Edited on Jan 19 2018 by Yara

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Costa Rica Guide

Travel information and maps, working in costa rica.

One of the most common questions about relocating is “ can foreigners work in Costa Rica ?”

Whether it’s a full time job, something part time to supplement social security, or running a B&B on the side – practically and legally the concise answer is usually “ No .”  At the same time there are thousands of visitors that work.

loopholes | pay | residency | gigs | unique skill | remote work | illegals | owning

Several challenges face foreigners seeking employment in Costa Rica.

• First , it takes 3-5 years and costs several thousand dollars to gain the permanent residency status required to work legally.
• Second , the competition for good jobs is fierce.  Underemployment plagues a well educated resident population who have the inherent advantage of being familiar with the local work culture.
• Third , the jobs are also where most of the people are – in the crowded, noisy, polluted, crime ridden, traffic jam clogged cities that foreigners are often trying to avoid.
• Fourth , pay is low compared to what expats are accustomed to and compared to the cost of living.

Foreign Employment Exceptions & Loopholes

Remember, anything that gets around the work requirements to get a foreigner paid may take a job away from a Tico and will probably be met with a little animosity from time to time.

(a) Working in restaurants and the tourism industry for cash off the books is the most common way for foreigners to earn (b) Remote work or online employment is probably the best way to avoid the pitfalls of Costa Rica’s foreign worker regulations but has some downsides like many of the jobs require actual skills, there’s a lot of competition, and teaching Chinese to school kids in Beijing means working on their schedule…2:00 a.m in Costa Rica (c) Technically any form of compensation requires legal work status (d) “Real jobs” where a corporation sponsors a legal work permit often hire from inside the company, require specific training and education and are usually in the city (e) Gigs are a gray area.  Things like Uber are technically illegal for Costa Ricans as well as foreigners so who knows… (f) It’s extremely time consuming to deal with the red tape, bureaucracy and drama of owning a small business and very difficult to succeed since the owner is not allowed to “work.”

Residency Requirements for Working in Costa Rica

The perpetual tourist border runs that many expats use for the first year or two cannot be used to work legally.

There are a number of options to obtain temporary residency in Costa Rica but none of the temporary statuses permit foreigners to work.   In fact one of the requirements for temporary residency is payment of a “security deposit” of several hundred U.S. dollars to cover the airfare and other costs of your own deportation if you’re caught working illegally.

There are two statuses that allow people from other countries to work in Costa Rica. The first is permanent resident which takes several years of bureaucratic red tape and thousands of dollars in legal fees to obtain.  The second is naturalized citizen which require permanent residency plus fluency in Spanish, passing a history test and some more red tape and legal fees.

It should be clear that if you actually need a job it’s unlikely you have the time or money to pursue residency or citizenship while not working so consider other possibilities such as working in the gray area of the gig economy , obtaining a corporate sponsorship for a unique skill , working remotely and collecting your paychecks in a foreign bank, or being the boss .

Unique Skills & Sponsorship

Speaking English is not a unique skill.

Exceptions to the residency requirements may be made on a case by case basis when employers require unique skill sets and education impossible to find in the Costa Rican workforce.  You’d think this meant to hire nuclear magnetic resonance imaging repair technicians or other exotic workers but more often it’s used by corporations like Amazon or Pepsi to import managers or executives trained in their U.S. offices.

Before you get too excited we’ll repeat that speaking English is not a unique skill. In fact Costa Rica has a highly educated bilingual workforce that can probably fulfill any job requirements except 15 years management experience at a U.S. or European company.  If your boss hasn’t asked you to move to Costa Rica you probably don’t qualify either.

Now the good news.  Speaking English combined with a bachelors degree in science or education may qualify you to teach the kids of the Amazon and Pepsi execs in private school. They prefer native speakers.

Working “Under the Table”

“Illegal Migrant Worker” isn’t a job title most aspire to but when considering moving to Costa Rica it suddenly becomes a valid option.

Workers with illegal immigration status are vulnerable.  Employers take advantage of the uncertainty and inability to complain about poor wages, lack of benefits, sexual harassment, or unfair treatment.

Immigration officers have the right to enter any business or workplace and inspect documents at any time.  Anyone who appears to be working without permanent residency and a valid work permit may be subject to immediate deportation.

More often than not immigration is looking to impose a fine or collect a bribe from the employer and doesn’t go to the trouble of hauling illegal workers to the border.  Even though the odd are against getting caught or ejected the constant threat of deportation makes working illegally untenable for anyone with family, responsibilities or possessions (no they don’t allow you time to sell your motor scooter).

The possibility of being permanently banned from Costa Rica is actually a minor annoyance compared to the main problem with working illegally – low pay.

Wages in Costa Rica are low to begin with and illegals earn even less – possibly only a dollar or two an hour.  There are plenty of people on social media who’ll insist they have a buddy who pulls down $250 a night cash tips as a bartender.  Believe them if you want but a legally employed cardiologist barely makes that much in Costa Rica.

The Gig Economy is a Gray Area

The government has not passed laws to regulate things like Uber so it might be possible to work without breaking any laws.

Working for Barter – Payment in Kind

Technically it doesn’t matter whether you’re paid in dollars, colones, or chickens.  Working in exchange for room and board or other goods is technically just as illegal as working for cash without the appropriate status or permit.

Earning Without Working – Owner/Representante/Inversionista

We know a few people who’ve worked as bartenders or rafting guides to pick up a few extra bucks and extend their vacations but all of the expats we know who have real incomes in Costa Rica have started with the business ownership approach.  Most have eventually attained residency or even citizenship and can now legally work at any job but they started by earning money not working.

Foreigners are allowed to invest in, buy or create a business that employs Ticos (or legal expats) for all of the work.  They are technically allowed to “manage and train” but not do any “work.”  It’s a bit unclear where the line is drawn but we know a restaurant owner who was fined and threatened with deportation when an undercover investigator observed them busing a table.

Costa Rica is near the bottom of lists of “business friendly” countries because of huge tangles of red tape and inept slow moving bureaucracies, unclear and arbitrary laws and regulations, lack of financing, and high costs of employment.  Managing employees can be extremely tricky especially without accidentally doing any work.  Existing businesses are landmines of litigation because you inherit responsibility for all the past actions of the company.

If that’s not enough to scare you off and you have a few hundred grand of your own money then hunt down a good accountant and better lawyer and start a business.

Remote Work from Costa Rica

We’ve been told by our lawyer that technically doing any work in Costa Rica without permanent residency, citizenship or a work permit is illegal.

Of course it’s ridiculous to picture the immigration police dragging some German CEO out of the hot springs at Tabacon and slapping them in handcuffs because they answered a work e-mail…pura vida!

In reality there are some gray areas.  Remote medical billing work online and teaching English to students in China via video chat are popular remote jobs that expats with only tourist or temporary resident status take advantage of.

From experience, none of our friends have had a problem doing remote work and receiving pay in a foreign bank account while in Costa Rica.

We are not permanent residents and our visits are declared as “business” on the immigration form but we’ve never been asked for a work permit.

The most difficult part of remote work is finding a good job with adequate pay.  The most common one we know of is teaching English to Chinese children online.  The upside is that it can eventually pay up to $20 per hour (about 10x the Costa Rican minimum wage) but the downside is you have to work Chinese hours.

Wages in Costa Rica are Low – All Work & No Pay

After establishing temporary then permanent residency, proving you have a unique skill and obtaining a work permit you may be disappointed to learn that workers in Costa Rica earn as little as one tenth as much as their counterparts in the U.S., Canada or Europe.

Not surprisingly more highly educated workers earn more, but still not much.  A business major or chemical engineer fresh from a Costa Rican university can expect to earn at least $6.19 an hour – less than half the wage of a teenager slinging burgers at McDonald’s in Seattle ($12.50 per hour minimum) and at least five times less than a college graduate in the U.S.

An entry level skilled/specialized worker like an electrician or computer technician worth $30,000 a year up north starts at less than $7,000 in Costa Rica.

Unskilled labor fares the worst with housekeepers earning less than $2 an hour and farm workers even less.  Minimum wages in the first world are approximately 500% higher. A housekeeper at a hotel in Costa Rica will work almost all day to match the amount a maid earning minimum wage in Seattle earns in one hour .

The table below is from the Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social and shows legal minimum wages for various levels of education, training and qualification.

Any plan to work in Costa Rica as an expat needs to take into consideration that not only are your skills likely to be worth less but there will be many locals willing to do the job for very low pay.

High Unemployment & Underemployment in Costa Rica

Official unemployment rates hover around 10% and underemployment is common adding pressure in the job market.  After learning Spanish, establishing immigration status, obtaining a work permit, retraining to local standards and lowering salary expectations foreign job seekers still have to beat out qualified Ticos in a very competitive job market.

Income as a Cost of Living Yardstick

Another extremely common question potential expats ask is “ can I live on $X per month in Costa Rica ?”  Often the number “ $X ” is a U.S. social security payment.

The richest ten percent of households in Costa Rica earn about $60k per year.  The monthly U.S. social security payment at full retirement age (66 yrs) is $2,788 per person x 2 people x 12 months = $66,912 per year.

How low can you go?  The Census Bureau (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos INEC) reports that the average total middle class household income is $1,200 a month and that one out of four Costa Rican families live on less than $400 a month.

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Work and Travel in Costa Rica: A Digital Nomad Guide

By: Author Guest Blogger

Posted on Last updated: October 28, 2022

Having coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, Costa Rica is a country worth visiting. It is also one of the happiest countries in the world.

Known for its bio-diverse rainforests, serene beaches, and fragrant coffee beans, this Central American country is a place that needs to be on the list of every digital nomad. 

If you love the tropical climate and the idea of a peaceful country, book your tickets for the capital, San Jose .

Especially if you are looking to be an adventure travel writer, Costa Rica might be the perfect country to start.

Here’s some advice that might come in handy if you do decide to visit this eco-friendly country.

Table of Contents

Internet 

Weather , airbnb , coworking spaces , hostels , puerto viejo de talamanca, santa teresa.

For starters, Costa Rica is not a cheap place to live and work.

Not as cheap as many of the other Central American destinations like Guatemala and Nicaragua.

However, there are a lot of things that this country has to offer that cancel out that high cost of living.

This country offers all the facilities that you need to work remotely , in addition to a rich and serene environment. 

The exact cost of living will vary depending on your own choices and tastes.

Here is a rough idea of what you are looking at, in terms of expenditure per month, if you want to move to Costa Rica: 

• $700 for accommodation.
• $400 for food.
• $75 for internet and phone.
• $150 for transport.
• $250 for entertainment. 

That totals $1,575 per month, which is still far cheaper than the average $5,000 per month expense of living in the USA.

Costa Rica does not have the best internet, but it is not so bad that you can’t work using it.

The average internet speed in the cities is 4.2 Mbps, and you can easily get connections up to 10 Mbps in all major cities. 

Public Wi-Fi and cafe or restaurant internet situations are not very good, so you’ll have to rely on your mobile data connection when you are out of your accommodation. 

Unlike developed countries, an internet connection is not typically included when you rent an apartment.

You’ll have to get one separately. Local internet providers will give you a connection of 50mbps for $50. 

Costa Rica is the perfect location if you want to escape the harsh winters.

The climate is predominantly tropical with no real winters. There are two seasons, the dry and the rainy season.

If you happen to be in Costa Rica in the rainy season, make sure you have battery backup and mobile internet to get your work done, as electricity can be problematic during this period.

Expect to have a lot of vibrant sunny days when you are in Costa Rica.

As the country is near the equator, it gets 12 hours of sun almost all year. 

Accommodation

It might be hard to find an excellent place to live and work in Costa Rica, but with a little bit of searching, you can get a place that meets your needs.

The three most feasible approaches to this problem for digital nomads are below. 

This is the go-to solution for digital nomads in any country. You can find anything from a private condo to a two-bedroom home in Costa Rica on Airbnb, where you can set up your living and working space.

Some outstanding services provide coworking facilities in Costa Rica to get your work done in a friendly and productive environment.

One of the prime examples is Selina Hostel Jaco Costa Rica . Not only will you find a shared working space with fellow digital nomads but also an authentic Costa Rican living experience. 

If you are looking for something very budget-friendly where you can also meet new people, hostels are the best option for you.

However, not all of these are available online, so you’d have to consult the locals to get to one. 

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can get a private or shared dorm in a hostel. 

Destinations

Costa Rica might be expensive, it might not have the best internet, but when it comes to destinations, there is no lack of them in this Central American country. 

If you want to experience amazing Caribbean beaches, rich Costa Rican nightlife , and the biodiversity of Central America, this is the perfect destination for you.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small town near the Caribbean sea where you can enjoy nature away from the fast-paced life of major cities.

If you are not a beach person and like to live in the city lights, San Jose, the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, is the one for you.

It is filled with friendly locals and offers several cafes and other coworking spaces where you can get work done while experiencing Central American culture. 

Tamarindo is a small town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

The Playa Grande beach on the northern side of the town is the natural habitat of leatherback turtles, where you can observe them in the most natural way possible.

It is one of the top destinations in the country for backpackers and surfers.

For the digital nomads who want to escape the bustling cities and want to experience nature in its purest form, Santa Teresa is the place to go.

Started as a remote fishing village, this small coastal town has serene beaches with no overflow of visitors, authentic local food, and friendly locals. 

Costa Rica is a tropical country in Central America with a moderately hot climate.

The cost of living here is a bit high, and internet connectivity is not the best in the world, but it does offer some of the most serene beaches.

You can find accommodation via Airbnb or in hostels or get the services of companies like Selina providing coworking spaces in their hotels.

While you are there, do not miss the city life of San Jose, the beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Tamarindo, and the natural beauty of Santa Teresa. Pura vida!

This story is brought to you in partnership with Selina.

This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines . For information on advertising opportunities, go here .

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

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Travel to Costa Rica

Nestled in Central America, Costa Rica is a true paradise that’s hard not to fall in love with - boasting rugged rainforests, cruisy coastlines, and tropical beaches.

It’s also known for its chilled out vibe as the local Ticans do not take life too seriously - they simply enjoy it and coined the term ‘pura vida’ which is basically their way of living. They appreciate the simple pleasures and live a relaxed life to the fullest.

Costa Rica is a wholesome destination offering heart pounding adventures for the wild at heart and heart warming retreats for the wellness enthusiasts. One can tarzan swing or hike a volcano in the morning to then unwind on the beach at sunset in the late afternoon - the perfect balance!

Natural wonders not to miss include Manuel Antonio beach and National Park, Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. 

Costa Rica allows visitors to recharge and experience a new side of life that will leave a lasting imprint on both their wellbeing and happiness!

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Often dubbed as the ‘happiest country in the world’, Costa Rica’s people, also known as Ticos, are friendly and warm. Their strong sense of freedom and equality is heavily evident in their rich culture and various traditions.

Best time to visit

Dry season (December - April) is generally the most popular period to visit. With a low chance of rainfall, even in the rainforests, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and exploring.

Visibility, which is important for common Costa Rican activities such as snorkelling, trekking and wildlife spotting, is high also.

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How to Travel and Work in Costa Rica

There is nothing like doing work with the view of a spectacular rainforest or the ocean as your backdrop. This is exactly what it’s like when working and traveling around Costa Rica. For those like me who prefer to roam instead of settle, here’s how you work and travel around the breathtaking country of Costa Rica. 

How to Work in Costa Rica

In this digital age, it is very possible to make money and tour the world at the same time. There are occupations in which you can work from any location, so long as there’s internet connection. These types of work consist of: 

• Social media influencer or manager
• Any type of writing or blogging
• Photography or Videography
• Translating, interpreting, or language teaching

Because Costa Rica is an inspiring location with so much to explore, it’s important to incorporate the following skills within your work:

• Discipline . Make you stay focused and complete the tasks you need to. 
• Balance . Develop a healthy work and travel life balance to where travel doesn’t take over work, and you don’t overwork so much there is no time to discover new places. 
• Goal setting . Set goals for both travel and work, with a way to reach them. 
• Perseverance . Be sure to be persistent with work no matter how tempting the beach looks! 

Special Considerations When Working Abroad

When working from Costa Rica, there are many important factors to consider for everyday living, which are: 

• Language. If you don’t speak Spanish, do you plan to learn? If so, how do you plan to communicate until you are fluent? 
• Currency. Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC) as their primary type of money. What is the exchange rate for the currency from your country? 
• Customs and etiquette. What is acceptable and unacceptable in Costa Rica? It’s always smart to do research beforehand, to avoid any unwanted situations. 
• Your travel visa. Make sure you take care of that beforehand and know all the stipulations, particularly if you play to stay for an extended period.

How to Incorporate Travel in Your Work 

Traveling is just as important as working, especially when you are in a place as rich in culture and serene as Costa Rica. There is so much to learn and uncover there! To be absolutely certain that you incorporate travel in your work, it’s recommended to:

• Know what adventures are available to you. Make a bucket list of the things you must do.  
• Plan ahead. Having a plan will make the travel run smoother. 
• Make friends with the locals. They have insider knowledge and are able to enrich your experience. 
• Make travel a necessary part of your work. If at all possible, document your travel experiences and use it as a source of income.  

Advantages of Working in Costa Rica

There are a plethora of benefits of traveling while working, particularly to a place like Costa Rica. Documented below are some incredible highlights of this location, and why it would be an enriching experience to wander there. 

Rainforests

This country has no shortage of rainforests, which encompass national parks. Touring a rainforest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it can be accomplished easily when working from Costa Rica.

Volcanoes are mystic and alluring all at the same time. Not only does this stunning location have rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls, but also volcanoes that you can hike.

Beaches in Santa Teresa

Best known as a charming beach town, Santa Teresa is a great place for work and travel. There is something so calming and relaxing about the ocean, and that feeling is carried over to towns near the sea.

Santa Teresa is no exception, with the charming cafes (that are great for setting up a laptop) and the sound of the water and palm trees that go with the breeze. There is no shortage of activities there, including ATVs and horseback riding along the coast. Not to mention, the area is known for private vacation villas and home that make you feel more immersed, and focused, on enjoying your “workcation” in this tropical paradise.

It is very possible to work and travel in a country like this one. It can be done by having the right job type, skillset, and having the motivation and desire to explore gorgeous landscape of Costa Rica. 

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• Work & Travel

Working Holiday in Costa Rica

Free Guide to Work & Travel in Costa Rica  for Canadians 

Download a FREE Guide to planning and having an amazing working holiday in Costa Rica. This comprehensive guide, created by our knowledgeable travel advisers, is tailored for IEC-qualified Canadians and provides essential information on the entire process. Learn how to apply for your visa, get insider information on how to land a great job, find accommodation about where to travel and get answers to all other questions you may have.  

Capital City

Transportation, overview of the working holiday visa in costa rica   .

A working holiday in Costa Rica seamlessly fuses work, travel, and cultural immersion. Engage in meaningful work like teaching English while embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle, seamlessly integrating into the local community. Experience the vibrant culture firsthand and enhance your interactions through basic Spanish.

The journey offers a range of job opportunities, such as teaching English, which not only sustains your stay but also creates a positive impact. As you inspire and educate, you’ll also have the chance to explore Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes, from serene beaches to lush rainforests and enchanting volcanoes. Prioritize staying hydrated, safeguarding against insects, and carrying comprehensive travel insurance for a secure adventure.   

Balancing work commitments with adventurous explorations, you’ll find yourself immersed in local accommodations, savoring traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural festivities. Forge connections with fellow participants and local communities, enriching your journey with personal growth, cultural understanding, and lasting memories. This working holiday promises a dynamic experience, where teaching and traveling converge against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s captivating scenery and welcoming ambiance.   

Eligibility Requirements for Working Holiday Qualified Canadians 

Costa Rica has certain requirements for Canadians traveling for a working holiday visa. To be eligible, Canadians must meet specific eligibility criteria for the application process:   

• You must be a Canadian citizen with a valid Canadian passport (valid for a minimum six months past the end date of the visit)   
• You must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years   
• You must be in good health   
• You must have a clear police record   
• You must provide proof of financial resources (at least $2,500 CAD)   
• You must not be accompanied by any dependents  
• You must purchase travel health insurance for the full duration of your stay in Costa Rica   
• You have not held a youth mobility visa for Costa Rica before   

Note: You need a job offer to apply for a working holiday visa (also known as a youth mobility visa). But you can enter Costa Rica as a tourist and stay there for 90 days until you have been placed in a teaching position by our partner. You then need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which costs $200 USD. Through the visa for Costa Rica, you are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for up to 12 months.   

Eligibility Requirements for the Teach in Costa Rica Program   

We at GO International work with our partner in Costa Rica to provide job placements as English instructors. To participate in our program , Canadians must meet specific eligibility criteria for the application process:   

• You must be eligible for the working holiday visa for Canadian citizens   
• You must hold a TESL/TEFL certificate (120 hours) or be willing to book our Teach in Costa Rica + TESL program   
• You must hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree or pay the $250 CAD extra charge   
• You must be between the ages of 22-35 years (18-21 years only by request)   
• You must be a native English speaker with no strong accent   
• You must be willing to commit for 6-12 months   
• You must provide a clear background check during your application   
• You must be of good health and disclose any mental or physical health conditions during your application   
• You must cover any tattoos and remove any facial piercings (apart from the standard ear piercings) during teaching   

Navigating the Working Holiday Visa Process

Your journey to Costa Rica begins with understanding the visa process. Here is a guide to your visa application to allow an easy transition from Canada to Costa Rica.     

Step 1: Document Preparation 

Before leaving Canada, you must take all the Canadian documents that would be needed for the application of the working holiday permit or residency in Costa Rica.   

The documents to be prepared in Canada are the following documents:   

• Birth certificate   
• Criminal record check (with no more than 6 months of emitted)   
• Recent certification (no more than one month of issuance) covering the last three months to prove you have enough funds (CAD$2500) to cover your expenses at the beginning of your stay in Costa Rica   

Please review and have the documents properly authenticated by the corresponding Canadian authorities before coming to the Consulate. The documents will be legalized and given back to you. You must take these documents to Costa Rica, to finish the procedure to have a temporary residence.   

Documents legalized by the Consulate must be taken to the Authentication Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica for authentication of the Consul’s signature. Documents issued in other language than Spanish to be valid in Costa Rica must be translated by an official translator. The list of official translators is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica.   

Step 2: Temporary Residence/Permit Application

Once you are in Costa Rica, you must continue the process to get a temporary residence/permit at the General Direction of Immigration in San José, Costa Rica, where the applicant will request the temporary residency under the category that applies to their case. For example: a specific occupation worker, a professional, a specialized technician, or a worker under contract, as appropriate.   

Below you will find the main requirements that you with your employer must present to the General Direction of Immigration to process your temporary residence:   

• Written and signed request to the Director General of Immigration Costa Rica, to get a temporary resident or special category as specific occupation worker, professional, specialized technician, worker under contract, whichever is applicable. Such written request must include the following applicant’s information: Full name, nationality, profession/occupation, date and place of birth, passport number, validity and type, address and place or means to receive notifications. The signature can be placed in front of the immigration officer who receives the application or have it notarized by a Costa Rican public notary. Complete the affiliation form available at the website of the Direction of Immigration. Birth certificate legalized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.   
• Complete the affiliation form available at the website of the Direction of Immigration.   
• Birth certificate legalized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.   
• Criminal Records legalized and stating not being condemned in the country of origin or any other country of residence in the last three years and translated into Spanish by an official translator.   
• Certified true copies of all passport pages of the applicant or presentation of the original passport and a copy to be confronted by the official who receives the application.   
• Proof of registration in the Consular Registry of the Embassy of Canada in Costa Rica.   
• Proof of registration of fingerprints with the Police Archive at the Ministry of Public Security of Costa Rica.   
• Two recent passport photos.   
• Pay the applicable fee of US$50 to be deposited in Banco de Costa Rica account number 242480-0   
• Applicable fee of 125 colones plus 2.50 colones per page of application presented to be deposited in Banco de Costa Rica account number 242480-0   
• Contract of employment from a Costa Rican employer accrediting the applicant as a specific occupation worker, professional or specialized technician, as applicable, indicating the name of the employer, address and other relevant contact information, the job title of the position being offered, job description, duties and terms of employment, including salary, normal working hours, and duration of the contract.   
• Under oath declaration of the employer indicating the specialized functions and knowledge of the person to be fitted for the job.   
• Legal identification of the company/employer that requests the working permit for the foreigner, with no more than one month of issuance as well as confirmation that the hiring company is up to date with their legal obligations (sanitary and health permits, operating permit and taxes, as applicable.   

Step 3: Receive Your Work Visa Approval 

If your application is approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa. Once in Costa Rica, adhere to the rules and regulations of your program, including program objectives , duration, and any other requirements.   

Strategizing for Your Working Holiday Program in Costa Rica   

Embarking on a working holiday program requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some key areas to focus on:   

Financial Planning: Creating a comprehensive budget that accounts for visa fees, travel expenses, accommodation costs, daily living expenditures, as well as setting aside emergency funds, ensures you have a clear financial roadmap throughout your journey. By understanding the cost of living, you’ll be better equipped to manage your finances and make the most of your time in Costa Rica without unnecessary financial stress. Read more tips and strategies here .   

Transportation: Research and familiarize yourself with the country’s transportation options, including public buses, rental cars, and rideshare services. Purchase a local SIM card for your phone to access navigation apps and stay connected. Depending on your location and work arrangements, plan your daily commute and explore transportation routes to your workplace and other destinations.   

Bank Account: Research local banking options and open a bank account for smoother financial transactions. Look for banks with convenient ATMs and favorable currency exchange rates. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with accessing funds abroad. Prioritize online banking for easy monitoring of your finances, and ensure you have access to online banking platforms while in Costa Rica to stay in control of your monetary resources.   

Cultural Preparation: Familiarizing yourself with the customs, traditions, and social norms of the country will help you navigate daily interactions with locals and colleagues. Learning basic phrases in Spanish not only aids communication but also showcases your respect for the local culture. Understanding Costa Rica’s cultural nuances allows you to engage more meaningfully, avoid misunderstandings, and create authentic connections that enrich your experience.   

Balancing Work and Exploration: Establish a clear work schedule that allows you to fully immerse yourself in your job while also carving out dedicated time for leisure, travel, and cultural experiences. By planning ahead and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can make the most of your time in Costa Rica, ensuring you have the opportunity to both excel in your work responsibilities and savor the diverse beauty and culture the country has to offer.   

Embracing the Costa Rican Culture and Lifestyle   

Embracing the Costa Rican culture and lifestyle is a rewarding aspect of your working holiday program. Immerse yourself in the “Pura Vida” way of life, characterized by a laid-back and positive attitude. Engage with locals by participating in cultural events, festivals, and community activities. Delve into the country’s rich traditions through trying authentic cuisine, learning about local crafts, and exploring historical sites. By respecting local customs, practicing basic Spanish phrases, and forming connections with residents, you’ll not only enhance your experience but also gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of Costa Rican life. Get additional insight into a day in the life of a working holidaymaker through this article .   

Travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a wealth of stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities to explore. Here are the top five must-visit places in Costa Rica:   

• Arenal Volcano: This iconic volcano offers a mesmerizing blend of lush rainforests and steaming crater, attracting adventurers with its hiking trails, hot springs, and the chance to witness natural beauty in its raw form.   
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: An enchanting realm of mist-shrouded trees and diverse wildlife, Monteverde offers unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching, zip-lining, and exploring suspended walkways amidst the captivating cloud forest.   
• Manuel Antonio National Park: Nestled along the Pacific coast, this park boasts pristine beaches and dense rainforests teeming with wildlife. Its unique blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems makes it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.   
• Tortuguero National Park: Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero’s intricate network of canals leads you through dense jungles where you can spot nesting sea turtles, colorful birds, and abundant flora.   
• Corcovado National Park: Remote and biodiverse, Corcovado is a haven for those seeking untamed wilderness. Its untouched beaches, elusive wildlife like jaguars and tapirs, and dense vegetation make it a truly immersive and unforgettable natural experience.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i qualify for a working holiday in costa rica.

Check if you meet the eligibility requirements set by the working holiday agreement between Canada and Costa Rica. Ensure your passport has a minimum validity of six months beyond your intended stay.   

Note: The eligibility requirements for GO International’s Teach in Costa Rica program is slightly different. Make sure to check the requirements for this program on our website .   

Can I work in Costa Rica?

Our Teach in Costa Rica program provides job placements for English teaching roles. These positions can be at a language academy, international school, or online. 

How long will it take to secure a teaching position once my TEFL course is completed?

Usually, we work on the placement process during the course and aim to get placements finalized by the time the course is complete. Most candidates receive their placements in the third or fourth week of the course.  

Will I have the opportunity to choose where I teach and what age group I teach?

You will be asked for your preferences regarding the type of job (in-person vs. online), location type (beach vs. city), or other factors such as salary or age group. Our partner in Costa Rica will try to facilitate your preferences, but it is important for participants to be open-minded in their approach to placements.   

Is knowledge of Spanish necessary?

While not mandatory, basic Spanish can enhance your experience and interactions. Consider taking language classes to improve communication.   

Can I bring my family with me?

The working holiday visa is typically for individuals only. Family members will need different visa options.   

Can I use my Canadian driver’s license in Costa Rica?

Temporary visitors can use their valid Canadian driver’s license for up to three months. For longer than that, consider obtaining an International Driving Permit or a Costa Rican driver’s license.   

What are the benefits of participating in the working holiday program?

Participating in the working holiday program can provide several benefits, including the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, enhance language skills, develop cultural understanding, and expand professional networks.  

What is the significance of a working holiday in career development?

A working holiday plays a significant role in career development as it allows individuals to explore new environments, learn from different work cultures , and a cquire transferable skills that can enhance their professional growth.  

Embarking on a working holiday in Costa Rica is a remarkable opportunity to blend work, travel, and cultural exploration. This guide has equipped you with valuable insights to plan and execute a fulfilling journey. From securing the visa, embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle, and immersing yourself in the local culture, your working holiday promises personal growth, memorable experiences, and meaningful connections. As you step into this transformative adventure, remember to approach each challenge with an open mind, seize every opportunity, and savor the beauty of Costa Rica’s landscapes, traditions, and vibrant communities. Your working holiday promises to be a chapter of growth, discovery, and unforgettable moments in the heart of Central America’s natural and cultural wonderland.  

If you or someone you know is considering a working holiday in Costa Rica, please feel free to reach out to us . We are committed to offering help and guidance in any way we can.   

Teach in Costa Rica

Do you have a passion for teaching and would like to live in Paradise? Then this program is as close as it gets! Discover the beauty of Costa Rica while gaining valuable teaching experience through extensive training and practical application.

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Costa Rica literally translates to "rich coast,” and it’s easy to see how it got its name. In addition to world-class beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific, this peaceful paradise boasts some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. In fact, scientists say five percent of the world's species are found here. For reference, the country is only as big as West Virginia. 

The unparalleled wildlife watching includes encounters with slumbering sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as pretty as they are poisonous, and endangered nesting sea turtles. With dogged determination, they survive, symbiotically, in the shadow of some of the world's most active volcanoes. 

Whether you want to hike in a cloud forest at 10,000 feet above sea level or you dream of riding horses on a white sand beach, it’s never been easier to reach the rich coast. There are nonstop flights to Costa Rica from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Come in winter; the country is one of the best places to visit in January . Or, plan a trip for the summer months when hotel rates drop as temperatures rise — treat yourself to a stay in one of Costa Rica's best hotels and resorts .

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Nayara Springs: Soak in your villa’s private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs.  
• Zip lining: Feel the cloud forest come alive as you soar through the canopy. 
• National Parks: These 28 protected areas are Mother Nature at her finest. 
• Restaurant Silvestre: Taste an award-winning chef’s contemporary interpretation of Costa Rican cuisine.
• Limón: Experience the country’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. 

W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal 

With its audacious architecture and cheeky decor, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal stands out on a coast filled with cookie cutter beach resorts. Rooms run the gamut from traditional queens with balconies and ocean views to treehouse suites with private plunge pools. The property has a spa, 18-hole golf course, beach club, adults' and kids' pools, and five restaurants.

Nayara Springs 

This adults-only oasis was voted one of Central America’s best resort hotels by T+L readers. “From the moment you arrive you feel pampered,” Erica Linares, a Latin America specialist at Kensington Tours told Travel & Leisure. She’s a fan of the welcome drink, Costa Rica’s answer to the Bloody Mary. Meanwhile Emmanuel Burgio , a T+L Top Travel Advisor specializing in Central America, praises the private plunge pools.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Located four miles from San José's airport, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the capital. That said, it feels a world away from all things urban thanks to its valley views and meticulously manicured gardens and outdoor spaces, including several pools and a coffee plantation.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo

This family-friendly resort is one of Travel + Leisure' s top 500 hotels in the world . “It commands one of the best locations in Costa Rica and offers easy access to the country’s most beautiful beaches,” James Kaiser, author of “ Costa Rica: The Complete Guide ” told Travel & Leisure. His pro tip is to bring binoculars to spot the humpback whales migrating offshore in winter.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve

Also voted one of the best resorts in Central America by T+L readers, this luxurious ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to immerse oneself in nature. In addition to proximity to wildlife, Burgio loves the waterfront location. “The bungalows boast terraces with ocean views and outdoor showers, and the shared outdoor pool overlooks the Pacific.” 

National Parks

Between its diverse flora, fauna, and geothermal features, Costa Rica is a nature-lover's paradise . A quarter of the country is set aside for conservation, and there are 28 National Parks to choose from. “Plus, unlike Colombia or Brazil, you can visit multiple ecosystems in one day,” said Kaiser. 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Between Costa Rica's 300 beaches there are waves for diehards, beginners, and everyone in between. One of the best places to practice is Tamarindo, where Iguana Surf's instructors are as passionate about teaching as they are pipelines. As you improve, try the Nicoya Peninsula. According to Linares, “It’s known for its powerful waves and the town of Santa Teresa has a very relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.” 

Wellness is a way of life in Costa Rica – it's home to one of the world's five blue zones – so it seems sacrilegious to not get a spa treatment while in town. Vida Mía Healing Center & Spa sits atop a "high vibrational crystal mountain" and was named "Best Spa in the Americas."

Often considered to be the birthplace of ziplining, Costa Rica offers canopy tours almost everywhere there are trees. Hanging bridges are usually an option, too. At Selvatura Park in the Monteverde cloud forest, there are nearly two miles of treetop walkways.

The Pacuare Region

If you ask Burgio, one of the most under-the-radar experiences you can have is a private hike through the Talamanca Mountains with a guide from the indigenous Cabécar community. According to Burgio the Pacuare River is also the best place in Central America for whitewater rafting. 

Restaurante Celajes (Organic)

With its insect hotel, working farm, coffee plantation, and sugar cane fields, Hotel Belmar takes farm-to-table to a whole new level. As a result, its pride and joy – Restaurant Celajes – is so well-respected diners drive from as far away as San José just for dinner.

Lidia’s Place (Caribbean) 

According to Kaiser, the country’s best food is found on the Caribbean coast where “ the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up.” Lidia’s Place is where he goes for the best Caribbean chicken. A small, family-owned establishment, don’t be surprised if Lidia stops by to say hola. 

Sano Banano (Healthy)

Translating to healthy banana, Sano Banano serves feel-good food – breakfast, lunch and dinner – in an open-air restaurant. Enjoy seating on the back patio or front porch overlooking Montezuma's lively main street and don’t miss the artisanal chocolates for sale by the cash register.

Don Rufino (Costa Rican) 

Choose from prix-fixe menus, a la carte, or a five-course tasting tour at this Arenal landmark where Linares says the dishes are delicious and the ambiance is just as memorable. Grandma’s roasted chicken, served wrapped in banana leaves, has a cult-like following, so order it before it sells out. 

Restaurante Silvestre (Experiential) 

This San José institution is famous for its edible experiences derived from “unorthodox and avant-garde culinary techniques.” Since it’s deemed one of the best restaurants in Central America, reservations are a must. And because the chef-driven tasting menu knows no bounds, it’s not ideal for picky eaters. 

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your goals. If you're looking to snorkel in clear Caribbean waters, opt for the dry season which on the Caribbean side, is mid-May through mid-December. Meanwhile, in the rest of the country, the dry season is the opposite. It runs from December to May. This is when everything is open and roads are passable. If you want to take advantage of low season rates and avoid crowds, visit during the wet season (which is marketed as the green season). 

For the best cultural events , visit during January for Palmares (basically Carnival) or Easter week. As a Catholic country, many of Costa Rica's biggest holidays correspond with the Church's. Regardless of when you visit, you can always watch sea turtles nest and hatch, go zip lining (they do it rain or shine), and learn how to surf.

Related : The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

How to Get There 

Costa Rica has two main airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. SJO is your best bet if you’re visiting Manuel Antonio, Limón, Arenal, or the Osa Peninsula. It also tends to have the cheapest flights. For trips to Guanacaste and Alajuela, you’ll probably want to fly into Liberia. Both airports offer rental cars. 

Of course, it’s possible to fly into one airport and out of the other. And transferring between the two is easy thanks to public buses and shared shuttles. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Driving to Costa Rica is not recommended as you’ll have to pass through countries with civil unrest and border crossings can be complicated.

There are seven provinces in Costa Rica, and each has its own distinct vibe. Here are three we recommend starting with. 

San José : The capital boasts the best souvenir shopping and has many cultural institutions including the Museum of Costa Rican Art, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Museum of Costa Rica. It’s also where you’ll find the country’s best culinary offerings.

Alajuela : Alajuela is popular with adrenaline junkies as it’s home to Arenal Volcano National Park where you can zipline, hot springs hop, and hike in a cloud forest all in 24 hours. The province is also where you’ll find one of the world’s largest craters in Poas Volcano National Park (reservations required). 

Limón : Limón is located on the Caribbean side and highlights include Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. This province is also where you can experience the country’s incredible Afro-Caribbean culture . Approximately eight percent of Costa Ricans are of African descent.

Trains and Buses: Costa Rica is rebuilding its train infrastructure, damaged during the 1991 earthquake. For now, buses are the best public transportation. While most are privately owned, fares are low. For example, a four-hour ride might cost $10. "Directo" buses offer nonstop service. "Colectivos” stop pretty much everywhere.

Taxis and Shuttles: Costa Rica's official taxis are red or orange (the only cabs licensed for airport pickups) and all have a yellow triangle emblem. It's also easy to pre-book private car services or shuttles online. 

Rideshare: Although it’s technically not legal, Uber has been operating in Costa Rica since 2015. However, it's limited to major cities and tourist hotspots. DiDi is also an option, but it’s also not that reliable in remote areas.

Car Rentals: Car rentals are cheap and plentiful, but keep in mind that most cars are manual, and Costa Rica’s roads don’t have the best reputation (during the wet season, many roads turn into rivers). Try to get a high-clearance SUV with AWD, and if you need extras like a roof rack for surfboards, carseat for kids, cell phone for navigation, or additional drivers, book with Vamos . It’s the only company that offers all of the above for no fee.

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Work and Surf Costa Rica: 5 Places to Work, Stay & Surf

Costa Rica ranks top on the list of dream surfing destinations. The consistent surf throughout the year and wide choice of breaks make Costa Rica a top place to shred. But that’s not all. It’s also becoming increasingly popular among nomads.

If you’re planning to work and surf Costa Rica, then you’ll need to find a productive space to grind when you’re not in the water. Keep in mind that living in Costa Rica is not as affordable as some of the neighbouring Central American countries. But if your budget allows, then Costa Rica is a great option to work and surf – and these recommended places allow you to do both with comfort and ease.

There are plenty of dedicated surf camps for nomads taking a break from the laptop. Read our blog here for more information.

* Just to let you know that this article contains affiliate links. If you click on them we might receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Costa Rica Surf Guide

Costa Rica is a magical surfing destination with a relaxed, laid-back vibe. The tropical climate and lush jungle make for a beautiful scene, and long lines of glorious swell frame the region.

The Costa Rica surf season is fairly consistent, promising fun waves throughout the year. Especially around Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. Even so, there is a high season and low season which will greatly impact the budget of the trip.

The low season, also known as the rainy season, runs from May to November. Although rainfall is high, the surfing conditions are arguably better than during the dry season. As an added bonus, accommodation prices are lower and tourism hotspots are less crowded.

The high season, also known as the dry season, begins in December and continues until April. Prices are typically higher, but the weather is more comfortable and the surf is still rewarding.

The water is balmy throughout the year, and you’ll only need a pair of board shorts, a rash vest and a swimming costume.

Some of the best surf spots to bookmark include;

• Witch’s Rock
• Ollie’s Point
• Santa Teresa
• Playa Langosta
• Playa Grande

Remember to keep your surfing level and the existing conditions in mind before choosing a spot!

Wondering where to surf throughout the year? Read our month-on-month guide here.

Living and Working Remotely in Costa Rica

When you’re not spending time practising your cutbacks and getting tubed, then you’re probably going to be resting up or having client meetings. It’s important to consider location, WiFi connectivity and comfort when choosing a place to live and work in Costa Rica.

Other considerations include your budget, whether you want community or prefer privacy.

Rapture Surf Camps Costa Rica

Rapture Surf Camp in Allevanas offers an unbeatable experience, surrounded by like-minded surfing nomads. If you’re looking for a crew to bounce ideas off of in the office and zinc up before a session, then Rapture is for you.

The coworking environment offers blazing fast internet and convenient space that promises productivity. A short 10-minute walk from the surf camp is the “little Hawaii” of Costa Rica, an untouched surf spot that offers a variety of different surf breaks.

What we love:

• A convenient surf spot for all levels of riders
• Incredibly fast internet and a comfortable space to work
• Plenty of additional activities on offer such as yoga and weekend activities

Book at Rapture Surf Camp Costa Rica

Colibri Surf House

The complex boasts a variety of different apartments, each with a reliable WiFi connection and patio to chill. The units are further kitted with a private bathroom and basic kitchen setup for added convenience.

The location is close to bars, restaurants, shops and, of course, the beach. Nestled in the jungle, the apartments offer you a safe space to retreat and be productive when you’re not in the water.

• Everything that you need for an independent, productive stay
• Central without being noisy
• A three-minute walk to a fantastic surf spot

Book to stay at Colibri Surf House here

Selina Tamarindo

Selina has earned a name for itself as a nomad friendly spot to stay, especially among surfers. Their set-up in Tamarindo is no different, boasting comfortable living quarters, an established workspace and a location convenient for surfing.

There are also daily activities available from the resort, including yoga, salsa lessons and surfing classes. When you’re not tapping away at your computer, then you can make new friends in the common areas. On the days that the surf isnt pumping (which it pretty much alwasy is) we recommend that you take a day trip out to Arenal , where you can visit waterfalls or climb a Volcano!

• An established coworking, coliving arrangement
• The balance between socializing and privacy
• Close to Tamarindo surf spots

Book your spot at Selina Tamarindo

Outsite Santa Teresa

The stunning tropical villa is the ultimate definition of coworking, coliving in Costa Rica. There are eight bedrooms in the villa, each with its own private bathroom, and plenty of common space to relax and connect with fellow nomads and surfers.

There is a dedicated workspace and office supplies, as well as reliable internet. Perhaps one of the best perks of Outsite is the opportunity to wake up and check the surfing conditions before making your way into the water.

• Sophisticated space to work
• Incredible view of Santa Teresa
• Opportunity to connect with like-minded nomads

Find out more about booking at Outsite Santa Teresa here  

Vista del Alma Boutique

Vista del Alma Boutique exudes style and elegance, offering comfort and convenience in the middle of the lush jungle. The deck boasts an outstanding view that is perfect to enjoy your morning coffee and answer a few emails.

There is plenty of space to fire up your laptop and the zen mood helps to get you into the zone. Although it’s possible to walk to the beach for your daily surf, it’s recommended that you drive as the climb up the hill is not for the faint-hearted.

• Outrageous view of the Costa Rica ocean
• Stylish and comfortable in all aspects
• Did we mention the view?

Book your stay at Vista del Alma Boutique here

Coasting Costa Rica

These are just a few suggestions on places to stay that will tick all the boxes needed to work and surf Costa Rica. The tropical environment contributes to an easy-going mood that doesn’t invite any unnecessary admin.

If you’re looking to branch out as a surfing nomad to other parts of the world, then you can read our other blogs in the series here.

• Work and surf in Ericeira
• Places to stay, work and surf in Hossegor
• Working and surfing in Cape Town
• Surfing and coworking in Bali

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Candice Boyers

Candice Land, aka Candi Land, aka The Captain, is a freelance writer, digital nomad and full-time globe trotter.

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Destination must-see's.

Guanacaste:

One of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, it is called the tropical paradise. Located in the far northwest corner of Costa Rica, it is not only diverse, but exotic as well. It lies between two mountains with a beautiful sandy coast. Its hot and dry climate makes it a popular location for surfers trying to escape the cold winter months in the northern latitude.

Manuel Antonio National Park:

This is the smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, but it is considered one of its best. It is recognized for its vast biodiversity and is home to many of Costa Rica’s endangered species. It features lush tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves, and white sandy beaches. You’ll find well-marked trails that allow visitors to explore freely, but there they limit the amount of visitors because of the park’s popularity

Arenal Volcano:

Currently lying dormant, this massive, ancient volcano was the country’s most active volcano for over 40 years. Looming over the landscape, Arenal dominates the horizon in the rainforest. Around the volcano you can visit the wildlife refuge, take a sky trek, raft the river, or repel a waterfall.

Tortuguero National Park:

This Park is unique as it is better traveled by boat rather than by foot. There are boat tours or kayak and canoe rentals available for visitors. There is a trail that travels along the beach where you can observe turtle nesting in their natural habitat. Other than turtles you will also find a variety of animals here such as jaguars, macaws, tapirs, and over 300 species of birds, reptiles, and other mammals.

Destination Must-Do's

Lake Arenal Cruise:

This vast and pristine lake sits at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. It is considered the country’s most spectacular lake offering numerous water activities and of course a beautiful view. They have a multitude of cruises such as a volcano viewing and nature tour, romantic sunset cruise, fishing excursion, or bird watching cruises.

Tamarindo Beach:

Once a sleepy fishing village, it has grown into the area’s most developed and accessible tourist town. This sun-drenched setting consists of soft beige sand, tide pools, and some of the most stunning sunsets. The beach hosts several international surf competitions. Besides surfing, the main activities to do here are sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and horseback riding.

Monteverde Cloud Forest (Hanging Bridges):

The skywalk is a combination of suspension bridges and walking trails that bring you through the lush Montverde rainforest. There are six bridges and the trails are about a mile and a half long. Local guides lead you on the tour teaching you about ecology. The canopy of this tropical forest was widely unknown due to its towering height until these suspension bridges were created and opened up a whole new world to visitors.

Coffee Plantation:

Costa Rica is known for its impeccable coffee. The coffee bean is socially, economically and politically important to the country. The highland areas surrounding San Jose and the Tilaran Mountain range is where you will find many coffee plantations as they have the ideal climate for growing coffee. To fully understand the importance, take a plantation tour that gives you a chance to try the world’s freshest cup of coffee.

Expert Advice

With some free time in San Jose I would visit the popular Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, a small piece of paradise.

When packing, think in layers to account for temperature changes. I also highly recommend a raincoat or poncho and sturdy shoes you can get wet. It’s called a rainforest for a reason!

The local currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon. US dollars are also widely accepted in most tourist areas, though colones may be required for some small purchases.

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LIVE, WORK AND EXPLORE IN COSTA RICA

See program requirements.

Requirements

Benefits of the tourism offer:

• Costa Rica offers a wide variety of options in accommodations, cuisine, transportation and tour guides from professional agencies located throughout the country’s tourist regions, allowing them to serve tourists who come to any region of the country for prolonged stays.
• We are a destination that is characterized by peace, nature, sustainability, solidarity, hospitality and wellness, as well as a commitment to the environment and a diverse tourism offer with an excellent quality-value relationship.
• Costa Rica is a country that has everything it takes to provide visitors with unique, authentic experiences. It is a nation of quality, not mass tourism, with highly qualified tourism professionals who are ready to serve. Our goal is for tourists to feel like they’re real ticos as well.
• Long-term visitors can visit the country at any time of the year, with a variety of outdoor activities that are free from crowds, adopting a sustainable and secure approach that complies with the strict biosafety protocols implemented by all tourism subsectors.

Benefits of the destination:

• Costa Rica is a country with high degrees of connectivity, allowing digital nomads to keep in touch with their companies anywhere in the world.
• The country’s geographic location, climate, timezone, air connectivity and the tourism experience make Costa Rica an attractive destination for digital nomads.
• According to a study by InsureMyTrip, Costa Rica ranks in the top 10 digital nomad destinations worldwide.

Legal benefits:

• Digital nomads will not be considered to be normal residents for tax purposes, meaning that they will be exempt from complying with “formal and material duties” to the General Directorate of Taxation of the Costa Rican Ministry of Finance.
• Digital nomads will be able to use their driver’s license from their home country for the full duration of their stay in the country.

Foreign nationals may apply to the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers if they provide paid services remotely, irrespective of whether such services are subcontracted, using digital or telecommunication technologies or analogous means, to a natural person or legal entity located outside of Costa Rica, earning a minimum amount of three thousand U.S. dollars ($3,000.00) per month originating from outside of Costa Rica for the provision of such services, or a minimum of four thousand U.S. dollars ($4,000.00) per month originating from outside of Costa Rica for the provision of such services if they also wish to apply for their dependents to legally stay in the country. The above amounts will be determined in accordance with the official sale price set by the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

Foreign nationals and their dependents who meet the following requirements may legally stay in the country under the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers:

• Application form signed by the applicant or their representative. Check the Form, regulation and legal aid section on this page to download the relevant forms depending on whether the applicant will submit the form online through the Tramite Ya digital platform https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/ or in person using a physical form in the central or regional offices of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGEM).
• Receipt confirming payment to the Government in the amount of one hundred US dollars ($100.00) or the equivalent amount in Costa Rican colones at the reference exchange rate of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, in accordance with Article 256 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens. This deposit must be made to account no. 242480-0 of the Banco de Costa Rica.
• A copy of the photo page of the foreign national’s valid passport, which contains their photograph and biographical information, as well as the page containing the Costa Rican entry stamp if the applicant is already in Costa Rica. The passport must always be provided for the documentation process.
• Consular or restricted visas as applicable to the group of countries set forth in the requirements under Executive Decree no. 36626-G, entitled “Regulation on granting entry visas to Costa Rica”, based on the applicant’s nationality in accordance with the provisions of the “General Guidelines on Visas for the Entry and Stay of Non-Residents”. The exceptions set forth in the above-mentioned guidelines will be considered when applying this rule.
• Bank statements accompanied by an affidavit declaring that the statements have been requested and obtained from the corresponding financial institution. These statements must provide evidence of income and indicate that the individual has received payment or remuneration during the previous year from outside Costa Rica in an amount of not less than three thousand US dollars ($3,000.00) per month at the official sale rate determined by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, or four thousand US dollars ($4,000.00) if the applicant is requesting that their family group be granted permission to legally stay in Costa Rica. Alternately, the applicant may submit a certification of the above issued by a public accountant or notary public, if the procedure is completed in Costa Rica, or by the counterparts of such professionals abroad in accordance with the legislation of the respective country. This certification is the only component that must be accompanied by the respective consular legalization or apostille.

By law all documents issued in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official translation in Spanish. Applications for underage children or children with disabilities of any age must be signed by the parent completing the application or whose application in this sub-category has been approved, or the latter’s special representative. If the application is submitted by a representative, it must be accompanied by the respective power of attorney granted under the laws governing such legal acts.

For the purpose of complying with the provisions of Item 70 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens and safeguarding national security, and in compliance with the provisions in Item 11 bis of Law 10008, the issuance of visas in this category is subject to a security review by DGME of the criminal and police records via the national and international databases to which it has access. Likewise, if it deems appropriate, DGME may carry out biometric revisions in order to safeguard national security.

Requirements for

Issuance of the, immigration, medical services.

Spouses or common-law partners, children under twenty-five years of age or children of any age with disabilities, and/or seniors who live with the person(s) who work or provide services remotely must submit the information requested in numbers 1-4 for this sub-category.

Check the Formularios según Trámite section on this page to download the relevant forms depending on whether the applicant will submit the form online through the Tramite Ya digital platform https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/ or in person using a physical form in the central or regional offices of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGEM).

In addition to the above, familial connections must be proven using one of the following requirements, as applicable, which must be issued by the corresponding authorities of the country of origin:

• Marriage certificate issued in the last six months.
• A document that clearly represents a declaration or recognition of the civil union, issued in the last six months by the competent authority.
• A copy of the birth certificate of minor children or unmarried children up to the age of 25.
• If the dependent is a person with disabilities, a medical opinion that identifies the condition.
• Accompanying seniors must demonstrate the existence of a familial link or cohabitation with the person applying under this special Estancia category by means of an affidavit to that effect.
• Foreign nationals applying under the sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers and their dependents, whether applying digitally or in person, must complete the registration process on the digital platform, granting their informed consent within the scope of Article 5 of Law 10008, and meet the requirements listed above, as applicable.
• If the applicant intends to submit a physical, in-person application, they must make an appointment through the DGME’s Web Appointments Portal using the option of Stay (Estancia) for Digital Nomads.
• If the application is made in person, the applicant must appear at the Service Platform of the Foreign Nationals Administration (Plataforma de Servicios de la Gestión de Extranjería) with all of the necessary requirements for opening their file. This Platform is located in the central DGME offices in La Uruca, or in the regional offices that carry out the DGME’s administrative procedures.
• The Foreign Nationals Administration or the respective regional coordinating body will have a period of 15 calendar days from the date on which the application is submitted to issue a resolution in writing with respect to the application in this sub-category.
• No more than 5 calendar days after receiving the application, the office processing the file will issue a single written notice , in which it lists the requirements left out of the application, or requests that the user provide clarifying or supplementary information. The applicant will have 8 working days to complete or clarify their application.
• Once the applicant submits all requirements, the remainder of the administration’s 15-calendar day period to issue a definitive resolution will begin to elapse.
• If the requirements listed in the notice are not submitted within 8 working days, the application will be rejected through an administrative act in accordance with Law 6227 , the General Law on Public Administration, and the file will be archived.

Immigration Document

Once a notification has been sent regarding the resolution granting the ability to remain legally in Costa Rica under the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers, issued by the Foreign Nationals Administration of the DGME, the foreign national and/or their dependent(s) will have a period of three months to process their immigration accreditation document. If the individual does not compete the process within this time period, procedures will be initiated with the aim of cancelling the immigration status granted.

For documentation, the foreign national must request an appointment by calling the Immigration Call Center at 1311 or the Bank of Costa Rica at 800-227-2482.

On the day of the appointment, the foreign national must provide:

• A receipt confirming payment to the Government in the amount indicated in the approval resolution , in accordance with Article 215 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens.
• A receipt confirming payment to the Government in the amount of ninety US dollars ($90.00), corresponding to the request for legal stay documents , as well as the issuance of the document that certifies the legal stay and the fees corresponding to the Special Social Immigration Fund.
• Receipt for a single payment as a guarantee deposit for non-residents, Stay (Estancia) sub-category, according to the amount set forth in the Regulation on the Guarantee Deposit Fund of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens, in accordance with Executive Decree 36539-G
• Passport of the foreign national that is valid and in good repair . The passport used to initiate the passport must be provided as a proof of identity. If the passport is expired, it must be provided along with the valid travel document.
• Medical services policy that covers the applicant and their dependents for the full period of the authorized legal stay.
• The policy must cover the full period of the legal stay authorized by DGME for this category.
• It must include coverage guarantees for medical expenses in the event of illnesses in Costa Rica of at least fifty thousand US dollars ($50,000.00) and its period of validity must cover the duration of the stay in the country. The medical services policy may be offered by one of the insurance companies authorized by the Office of the Superintendent General of Insurance of Costa Rica and duly registered with that authority. Alternately, applicants may obtain an international insurance policy with the above-mentioned coverage.
• In the event of family groups, each family member must have a medical services policy that follows the above points.

Forms, regulation

And legal aid, nomad insurance.

For renewals under this immigration category, the foreign national must demonstrate that they have been present in the territory of Costa Rica for a minimum period of 80 days in accordance with Article 15 of the Law.

Renewal is subject to the following requirements, in accordance with Article 10 of the Regulation, Renewal of the Stay (Estancia) Sub-category:

• Application form signed by the applicant or their representative. The applicant must enter the Tramite Ya digital platform, available at the URL https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/ or any other such digital platform that DGME may, in the future, make available to users.
• Bank statements accompanied by an affidavit declaring that the statements have been requested and obtained from the corresponding financial institution. These statements must provide evidence of income and indicate that the individual has received payment or remuneration during the previous year from outside Costa Rica in an amount not less than three thousand US dollars ($3,000.00) per month at the official sale rate determined by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, or four thousand US dollars ($4,000.00) if the applicant is requesting that their family group be granted permission to legally stay in Costa Rica. Alternately, the applicant may submit a certification of the above issued by a public accountant or notary public, if the procedure is completed in Costa Rica, or by the counterparts of such professionals abroad in accordance with the legislation of the respective country. This certification is the only component that must be accompanied by the respective consular legalization or apostille.
• A receipt confirming payment to the Government in the amount indicated in the approval resolution, in accordance with Article 215 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens.
• A receipt confirming payment to the Government in the amount of ninety US dollars ($90.00), corresponding to the request for legal stay documents, as well as the issuance of the document that certifies the legal stay and the fees corresponding to the Special Social Immigration Fund.
• Passport of the foreign national that is valid and in good repair. The passport used to initiate the passport must be provided as a proof of identity. If the passport is expired, it must be provided along with the valid travel document.
• The regulation states that all of the required documents in the application have to be translated into Spanish. Who is able to provide such a translation?

To be on the safe side, applicants can have the translation completed by an official translator registered with the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a notary public with knowledge of the language.

Documents can also be translated abroad, but the official sources consulted note that working with a Costa Rican translator is more practical, as this can prevent errors or problems with translations done in applicants’ home countries, which generally slow down the process.

• Where do digital nomads have to make the $100 deposit (receipt of payment to the Government) required to enter the country?

The USD $100 must be deposited in the account no. 242480-0 in Banco de Costa Rica, which belongs to the Republic of Costa Rica. This is the account generally used for payments to enter the country.

The payment receipt may be attached to the form that must be completed on the Trámite Ya platform, or a printed copy may be taken to authorized Immigration offices.

• How does the medical services insurance work for digital nomads?

The medical services insurance must cover the full duration of the digital nomad’s stay in Costa Rica for the full period authorized, and must have a coverage of at least USD $50,000.

The policy may be from an international provider or a Costa Rican insurance firm regulated by the Office of the Superintendent General for Insurance of Costa Rica. Any dependents accompanying the digital nomad to Costa Rica must also be covered by an insurance policy.

• What requirements does a digital nomad need to meet to open a bank account with a Costa Rican financial institution?

Digital nomads may open savings accounts in financial institutions belonging to the national banking system provided that they comply with the provisions of the Law on Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, Unauthorized Drugs, Connected Activities, Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (8.204).

They must also comply with all regulatory frameworks relating to the fight against money laundering. The Office of the Superintendent General of Financial Institutions (SUGEF) will issue any regulations or guidelines that prove necessary.

• Do I need legal assitance to apply?

No, no legal assitance is required.

* By law all documents issued in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official translation in Spanish. *

* by clicking below you will be leaving visitcostarica.com and redirected to other sites *.

Your Costa Rica Dream is So Close

Costa Rica’s natural wonders and welcoming locals can make this your year to remember. Click the map to see how Costa Rica matches up with your time zone to make your work days as productive as possible.

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Application requirements.

How can tourists apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?

Foreign nationals who wish to apply for the non-resident immigration sub-category of “Remote Worker or Service Provider” must fill out an application form, which can be signed by them or their representative. This form is available online via the Trámite Ya platform of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME) or as a physical form available from the Foreign Nationals Administration or the regional offices that carry out administrative procedures for the DGME.

Currently, only the application form for the tourist visa – also called the Estancia visa – is available Trámite Ya website. Tourist visas are available for a maximum period of 90 days, though no “distinction” has been made as yet for visitors to enter the country as a digital nomad, according to sources. Tourists have also not been provided with any other channels in which they can submit such an application.

Meanwhile, for foreign nationals already in the country who wish to change the category under which they are staying in Costa Rica, DGME offices should be able to provide the required form as long as the application is made within the 90-day duration of their tourist visas.

The press department of the DGME was asked about when the form would become available and stated that “the final details are being ironed out before the process will be available” and that once the regulation is published in La Gaceta, they will “be able to communicate more clearly to users”.

Can the Digital Nomad Visa be requested from abroad, or only after entering Costa Rica?

Both methods are possible. Tourists who are still in their home country can apply online using the Trámite Ya platform. Once their visa is approved, they can come to Costa Rica.

One of the requirements listed on the application form is an image containing the page of the passport with the Costa Rican entry stamp. According to company spokespersons, the regulation “leaves the possibility open”, but those who have not yet arrived in Costa Rica are free to “skip the step”.

Tourists can also apply if they have entered the country under a different short-term stay visa and wish to change to a Digital Nomad Visa.

How long will Immigration take to provide a response?

According to Rodríguez of Outlier Legal, if we use current processes for permanent or temporary residence permits as a point of comparison, the law states that Immigration has 90 calendar days to resolve applications. However, the immigration specialist notes that a typical residence process can take 12 or 15 months to be resolved.

The regulation on digital nomads sets out a period of 15 calendar days for resolutions, but Rodríguez points out that experience would indicate that this duration is unlikely to be respected, with resolutions potentially taking around four months or longer, depending on the demand for applications.

“In October 2020, DGME launched the Trámite Ya platform, which sought to expedite resolutions on residency applications, but what we’ve seen is that even with the platform, these applications are not being resolved within the legal timeframes,” concludes Rodríguez.

For tourists who have been working remotely from Costa Rica for several months and wish to prolong their stay, what is the process?

Prior to the passage of Law 10.008, digital nomads were entirely outside the vocabulary of Immigration, they were unregulated. What some tourists did was essentially to apply for a different immigration category (temporary visitor, for example) and continue to work remotely from the country without any kind of incentive to do so.

Now, however, foreign nationals will need to change their immigration category in order to obtain the tax benefits of being a digital nomad.

Article 15 of the law on digital nomads states that “the immigration benefit shall be granted for one year, and may be extended once for an additional year. In order to obtain such an extension, the beneficiary must have stayed in the country for a minimum of 180 days during the year originally granted.”

Furthermore, prior to the expiration of the immigration benefit, in cases where it is appropriate to do so and in which the relevant formal and substantive requirements are met, beneficiaries may apply for a change in their immigration category in accordance with the General Law on Immigration and Aliens (8.674).

In concrete terms, what are the fiscal incentives for digital nomads?

The regulation states that the beneficiaries (digital nomads) will not be considered to be normal residents of Costa Rica for tax purposes, nor will the income they receive from abroad be considered to originate from a Costa Rican source. This means that they will be exempt from complying with “formal and material duties” to the General Directorate of Taxation of the Costa Rican Ministry of Finance.

As such, digital nomads will be exempt from paying income tax, as well as being exempt from import taxes on their basic computing equipment they use to carry out their work remotely, including their personal computer, cellphone, tablet, camera, recording equipment and other accessories.

For any objects that are not covered by the law that digital nomads wish to bring into the country, the applicant must complete a parallel process via the EXONET platform, an electronic information system of the Ministry of Finance, which has been set up to process tax exemption requests from the beneficiaries of incentives.

The benefits also include the ability for digital nomads to use their driver’s license from their home country for the full duration of their stay in the country.

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Costa Rica Travel Information

Costa Rica COVID Travel: What You Need to Know

July 1, 2023 By Sammi 236 Comments

If you plan on visiting Costa Rica, here is what you need to know about visiting during COVID-19. Read all about Costa Rica COVID travel, Costa Rica entry requirements, where to get a COVID test in Costa Rica and what happens if you test positive for COVID in Costa Rica.

As the COVID pandemic has been declared “over”, Costa Rica has not really updated any information about the situation in Costa Rica. We will only update this post if there are new updates.

Current Costa Rica Coronavirus Situation

Please click on this link, Costa Rica coronavirus to read the latest updates and statistics.

Costa Rica COVID Travel Restrictions and Border Opening

Costa Rica closed their borders beginning of March 2020.

On November 1, 2020, Costa Rica opened their borders to all countries in the world via air. On April 5, 2021, Costa Rica opened the land borders between Nicaragua and Panama.

Costa Rica Entry Requirements (COVID-19)

**As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. Still valid on January 1, 2023.** Costa Rica does not require quarantine, a health pass, travel insurance, QR code or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. There are no COVID-19 sanitary requirements to enter Costa Rica. Entering Costa Rica is exactly how it used to be before the pandemic.

The only sanitary measures and requirements for tourists is some places may still require face masks, hand washing and temperature taking.

Traveling around Costa Rica is nearly exactly how it used to be before COVID. There are nearly zero restrictions.

Do I have to be vaccinated to go to Costa Rica?

No. You do not have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for Costa Rica. Costa Rica is not requiring tourists to be vaccinated against COVID. Fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people can enter Costa Rica. You don’t need to have any booster shots to enter Costa Rica.

Costa Rica will not ask you for any COVID-19 vaccination information when you enter the country.

>> Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! <<

Yes, send me the tips

Costa Rica COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Tourists Need to Know About

When it comes to COVID restrictions in Costa Rica, the only ones pertaining to tourists are hand washing and temperature taking when required. Face mask wearing is 100% optional in all places except required in medical and health facilities.

There are no other restrictions – no driving restrictions, no curfew, etc. Costa Rican establishments do not require any proof of vaccination to enter.

Please check our post Costa Rica COVID to see details.

Do I Need to Wear a Mask in Costa Rica?

As of May 11, 2022, face masks in public spaces, open spaces and indoors have no longer been mandatory in Costa Rica except for health officials. However, individual establishments may still require them for their guests and people can still wear them if they wish.

Likewise, the face mask mandate may be reinstated at any point, particularly indoors and public transportation settings, so please be aware of this and bring at least one mask with you still.

My Experience Flying into Costa Rica

I flew into Liberia (Guanacaste) International Airport in October 2022 and into San Jose International Airport in June 2022. Since the previous COVID entry requirements were removed on April 1st, flying into Costa Rica was exactly like how it was pre-COVID. No negative test required, no quarantine, no health pass, no insurance, nothing was checked.

At immigration, the officer will ask how many days you are in Costa Rica, your first destination and occupation.

Then after passing immigration, it is normal procedure. Pick up luggage, go through customs and then exit airport. See what it’s like to go through customs and immigration in Costa Rica in our post.

**Please note due to the increase of flights arriving at the same time, immigration and customs has been taking much longer. P lease take that into consideration for your transportation plans when you land**

Where to Get a COVID test in Costa Rica

In case you need to get a COVID test in Costa Rica whether you are feeling sick or if you need one to re-enter your home country, nearly all labs, clinics and hospitals can administer COVID tests.

Please check your home country requirements to see what they require for re-entry. **The United States has removed its COVID test requirement on June 12, 2022. That means that air travelers entering the United States from abroad will no longer need to produce a 24 hour negative COVID test result.***

COVID tests in Costa Rica are done via a nasal swab.

Cost and Turnaround Time

The cost of a COVID test in Costa Rica varies between $55-300 USD per test. Antigen tests have an average of 1-8 hour turnaround time and are cheaper ~$50 USD. A PCR test is around $150 USD with a turnaround time of around 24-72 hours. Some labs may offer same day PCR tests for ~$300 and at home tests are now available. Results will be emailed in English or Spanish.

What Happens If You Test Positive for COVID in Costa Rica?

First, if you are feeling sick or believe you have COVID-19, isolate yourself and go to a clinic or lab to get tested.

If you need hospitalization, Costa Rica will not refuse anyone who requires COVID-19 hospital care regardless of their immigration and vaccination status.

Then if you are taking the test to re-enter your home country, airlines will not let you board with a positive test result. If your home country requires a negative test and you test positive, you will have to quarantine a given amount of days (usually 5- 14), which is determined by the doctor who attended you and the severity of the disease. You will have to comply with the entire duration of your stay at home order – even if you test negative during that period of time.

Tourists won’t be penalized if they overstay their tourist visa due to a stay at home quarantine order.

This is one of the reasons why we highly tourists to purchase a travel insurance, even though it is not mandatory. Many travel insurances will now cover COVID costs and it is especially important now since travel is still very messy with lots of flight delays and cancellations. Check our post for travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica here.

What Is Open in Costa Rica Right Now During COVID-19?

Everything. It is exactly how it used to be pre-COVID. There are no restrictions at all.

Had to Reschedule Your Trip? Here Are Some Helpful Resources

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica destinations guide (Best places to visit)

Costa Rica weather

Mytanfeet Costa Rica destination map

How to avoid crowds in Costa Rica

Disclaimer: Costa Rica border openings, travel restrictions and entry requirements are ever changing. We do our best to update this post with the latest information as much as possible. Please remember that the decision to travel is up to you and it is your responsibility to stay safe. Make sure to check the recommendations of your country when it comes to international travel.

Reader Interactions

April 6, 2023

Hi! Thank you for the information you have shared. Very helpful.

I am curious if you know about any requirements when arriving back in the USA after a visit to CR?

I am considering traveling from USA April 29, 2023 and returning May 6, 2023.

US no longer requires a negative COVID test to reenter the country from abroad

June 4, 2022

In order to get the quarantine, if you took an at home test, you need to contact the ministry of health yourself because with an at home test, results are not sent to the government, if you tested positive from a test done at a lab in costa rica, your results will be sent and the doctor will give you your quarantine information.

We just had a client test positive last week after getting her results back from her lab test here and they gave her order in one day so try to call them or maybe the email went to spam? Or you can try to call the lab you got your test with if you took a test in costa rica

June 2, 2022

Hello. I am in San Jose right now 6/1 and I tested positive for covid. I am confused as to when I will hear from the ministry of health. How long has it taken for other people to get their quarantine orders? I’m already self quarantining but I haven’t heard anything and I have no idea if I have to stay here for two more days or 10 more days since my symptoms started 7 days ago (And I have been quarantined for six of those days already, due to a positive home test, before I even got this official test). So my question is, how long does it normally take for the ministry of health to contact a covid positive tourist? I cannot find anything official about this. So barring anything official, can I hear about experiences with testing positive upon departure?

April 25, 2022

Hi. Flying out of Costa Rica at end of May. Canada does not require a covid test for fully vaxxed. Does Costa Rica require a covid test to get on plane even though Canada does not require it to enter the country? Thank you.

Costa Rica does not have any exit requirements.

Charlotte says

April 11, 2022

Hi! My family and I are going to Costa Rica next month and we aren’t sure if we need to be Covid tested or not before being able to return to the US. None of us are vaccinated. Anybody know?

April 12, 2022

Hi Charlotte, as of today, the US does require a negative test 24 hours before your flight, please check the CDC website (international travel section) for details and for updates

March 14, 2022

We will be in CR next week and are going to book appointments at the San Jose testing facility prior to our return. Our flight home is super early in the morning. Do you know if we’re able to get to the facility via car the evening before to do the test? I’m unclear if it’s accessible to the public, or if you have to be at the airport to access.

Thanks for your help.

I’m sure you can, you can make the appointment on the website and it’ll have the details

Natalie says

February 8, 2022

Thank you so much for your blog. Lots of useful information! One question – for covid testing to come back into the United States – can you use an at home test? As long as it is travel approved?

Yes I do know the US CDC website has a section regarding at home tests and which ones they accept so I would check their website

January 28, 2022

Are you considered fully vaccinated for the QR code or the vaccination card if you have had the first two jabs but not the booster yet?

Yes, the last dose must have been administered at least 14 days before your arrival day to Costa Rica, Costa Rica is not requiring the booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated (as of today – always check because things change all the time)

January 26, 2022

Hi Bailey, the CDC uses certain criteria to classify countries so with an Incidence Rate (new cases over past 28 days per 100,000 population) of more than 500, it is level 4, we have had a big increase of confirmed cases here in Costa Rica so per that criteria they moved us to Level 4. Our population is a little more than 5 million, and lately, there has been like 2-56000 average cases a day

Annette says

January 27, 2022

What happens after March 7 if I am already in Costa Rica with a tour group that is scheduled to depart on March 10? The new regulations about restaurants and hotels say that after that date tourists are not permitted

February 6, 2022

As of today, the date is March 8 when they will put the mandatory QR code in effect

Arielle says

February 15, 2022

Sorry to belabor this point but to be clear starting March 8th a person will not be able to enter any establishments (restaurant’s etc.) or participate in any activities (i.e. zipline, ATV etc.) if they are not fully vaccinated?

February 23, 2022

Correct that is what they said

In the hotels and resorts do you need to be fully vaccinated to stay there or can you stay unvaccinated?

April 26, 2022

There are no sanitary measures for COVID anymore in Costa Rica, as of April 1, they’ve removed all restrictions (only left is the mandatory face masks and hand washing)

Bailey says

I saw that the US (CDC) has raised travel to Costa Rica to a level 4 (Do Not Travel) because of a high-level of Covid in the country. Has there been a report of cases increasing significantly? My family has plans to return in mid April.

susan lopez says

January 24, 2022

HI we are arriving this Friday Jan 28 at 6pm to SJO- heard from a San Jose resident that its taking up to 6 hours to get through customs because they are so short on staff due to the 15 day stay at home policy if you get covid – workers are at 30%. Have you heard of this and can you provide any links to the actual articles?

I don’t know what article they’re talking about but it is true immigration and customs is taking a lot longer (customs is for luggage, immigration is for people).

Bobbi Summers says

Great Blog! You guys are awesome! Just to clarify… We will be in Jaco 24 hours prior to departure to US, and will need the rapid test. Listed on the approved site was only 1 location in Jaco and it was PCR only. You had listed 3. One of your other comments implied that some these service locations take your test to an approved location to be tested… hence Jaco has 3 approved places… correct?? Sorry to be a pain… This must be one of the most commented on posts I have seen!!

Yes so many nurses/doctors or clinics that take your sample will then send it to an approved lab to do the actual test.

Stephane Utz says

January 22, 2022

Hello, We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in April. My wif and myself are vaccinated but our children of 9 and 13 are not. Will they need to be in order to access public places like hotels, restaurants, museum,…? Thanks, Stephane

As of today, they said that children 12 and up will need to present the QR code (for proof of vaccination) if establishments ask for it

Michael says

January 21, 2022

Hello, You mention in your update not to rely on shared shuttles due to low availability. Is this still the case please?

Yes, never assume that all shared shuttle routes are running, many of them are now requiring at least 4 people to run so you will need to check availability if you are just 1 person

January 20, 2022

No, the insurance is required to enter the country for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals but it won’t be accepted to enter establishments after Feb 8 (at least so far – government hasn’t made any new updates on it so they are only accepting the QR code for fully vaccinated individuals)

Matthew YANTZ says

Thank you for the help.

Hello, I a. Planning on traveling to CR Feb 5 to 12. I am fully vaccinated but my wife is not vaccinated. We have both tested positive over Christmas. I have no problem buying the insurance for her, but I can’t find any info if the insurance covers us going to hotels, restaurants, bars etc.

Jolene says

January 14, 2022

Thank you for all this information, it’s very helpful! My husband and I plan to travel to CR next week and trying to research tests for coming back to the US. I have seen a few people who had at home Binax antigen tests done with verification via televisit to travel home when traveling abroad. Have you seen this allowed in CR?

January 15, 2022

The test to re-enter the US has to fulfill the USA regulations and requirements (not Costa Rica’s since you’re departing Costa Rica), I believe the CDC has a section about home tests on their international travel page

chris drown says

January 13, 2022

My husband and I, along with friends are coming to Costa Rica arriving Feb 5, 2022. We are thinking of purchasing the approved BinaxNow rapid test with telehealth service to bring with us. We plan to pack the test in our checked luggage. Do you know if customs at Liberia airport allows us to bring them into the country? We also plan to bring additional test kits to test once a week while there.

Thank you. I have enjoyed reading your site very much.

I think so – I’ve gotten some feedback from people who did their self administered test in CR so they brought it down themselves

Sandra says

January 7, 2022

Hi, We are in this beautiful country and have been able to stay at places that are out of the grid in the jungle as only visitors and felt more safe than at home in our own country which is Sweden in this case. I strongly recommend people to investigate jungle lodges in our case in the south area (Corcovado & Golfo Dulce).

To my question, me and the boyfriend have been wondering if there is a specific quarantine accommodations, a list of accommodations one must choose from and that is mandated/listed by the CR authorities if one of us test positive? We haven’t been able to find official I formation regarding the procedure when a tourist test positive.

Thanks in advance & thank you for sharing the info above!

Stay safe & God bless!

January 11, 2022

From what I have read, you will need to find your own place and hotels may deny you if you are COVID positive. The couple people I knew who tested positive rented an Airbnb

Dean Thompson says

January 5, 2022

Excellent blog site full of detailed and accurate info – KUDOS!

I have twice entered Costa Rica in the last 5 months (once by air initially and subsequently by land as a border hope to renew my tourist visa). I relied upon an electronic copy of a receipt for shuttle bus with a well established company in Costa Rica as proof of ongoing travel. They advised that this is very common practice and they have never had a problem. In neither case was I actually asked to show my proof of ongoing travel. All that said, I agree with blog authors that an ongoing plane ticket is most secure and lots of folks buy a ticket that is fully refundable and then cancel shortly after entering country to improve flexibility on how and when they will exit the country before their visa runs out.

Chaise says

January 10, 2022

Hello, thanks for your blog it really helps. My question is do you have any experience or an opinion on using a travel agency like bestonwardticket.com or onwardticket.com to provide proof of onward travel. The way I understand the process is that your renting a plane ticket and its all legit but im not sure.

Thanks again, Leaving for CR in 3 days!!!

I have known people who used that website – I have never personally used it but I know many people who have.

You can also purchase a refundable flight or many airlines have a 24 hour window where you can cancel without penalty

Sabrina says

January 4, 2022

Hi, thanks so much for your blog – it’s so useful!

I’m coming to Costa Rica in April and I plan to stay a couple of months and then travel around Central America. I was told that at the Airport they will accept a bus ticket out of Costa Rica as proof of you existing the country – is this your understanding too?

Just post just mentions flights, so I thought it was worth checking as it’s been worrying me!

It honestly depends – pre COVID they would sometimes accept bus tickets but airlines are getting stricter so they may not, it’ll depend on the agent. To avoid any hassle, a flight is the best proof out, you could try with a bus ticket but it really will depend on the agent if they decide its enough which is why I always recommend a flight as that is 100% to be accepted as proof

Judy Walsh says

January 3, 2022

Not a comment, but rather, a question. I live in CR and have for over 4-1/2 years. I applied for residency in October of 2019, and still have not received my Resolution. I am fully vaccinated with Pfizer and have had my booster shot two weeks ago today. I have my QR code. I need to make a border run in the next two weeks (Los Chiles) but I cannot find clear information about what I need to do for entry to Nicaragua and then return to CR the same day. Could you please help me understand what I do and do not need. I REALLY do not want to buy the insurance again for three more months.

Hi Judy, you’re fully vaccinated so you don’t need to purchase the insurance for Costa Rica anymore but Nicaragua does require a PCR test to enter and it’s within 72 hours from last time I had checked. Also although you’re in process for residency, I would recommend to still bring proof of you leaving Costa Rica within 90 days because from my experiences, immigration is classifying you as a resident if you have DIMEX card, and a tourist if you do NOT have a DIMEX card even if you’re in the process – they’re classifying it either tourist or resident, one or the other and not in between

Even though this one is for Penas Blancas, it is the same entry/exit requirements so you can check this post: https://mytanfeet.com/travel-tips/crossing-the-border-between-costa-rica-and-nicaragua/

Dennis christensen says

December 29, 2021

Hi Guys! We are coming there again in march. We fly out on a Monday and we need to be tested within 72hrs of flying. Do they do testing and run the labs all weekend for results? We will be based in Tamarindo btw.

December 30, 2021

Some labs may not open Sunday but most open Saturday

Ramiro Tijerina says

January 1, 2022

This information is very helpful since I have a trip to CR in Sept. Every little bit will help out especially in this area. The content on this blog is straight to the point and easy to understand.

December 28, 2021

We wife and I just spent 8 days in Guancaste on our first trip to CR….we loved it!!!! Thank you very much for all of the information you provide, it was very helpful.

We plan to return in April with our kids. Question: after February 8, 2022….will only fully vaccinated individuals be allowed to stay in hotels, hostels, airbnbs etc??

According to the government regulations they plan to put in the QR code mandate after Feb 8 so all establishments must ask for the QR code to allow only fully vaccinated in but just keep an eye bcause things are always changing

Brandon says

December 26, 2021

Is there any way to enter CR without a flight out for example if i wanted to walk across the border into nicaragua?

Land crossings will require you proof of leaving Costa Rica, actually land crossings tend to be more strict so I would make sure you have it.

December 21, 2021

So, as I understand it, before I leave Atlanta I will be asked to show QR code. It won’t be needed in CR? I apologize if I missed this in your articles.

December 23, 2021

CR immigration will ask you for it as well as airlines before you board

December 10, 2021

Thank you so much for this information! You are a life saver

I. Mora says

December 3, 2021

Thank you so much for your blog; the best that I found in the information helped me prepare to travel to Costa Rica. This is my first time traveling to this country. I hope to do not have any inconvenience and enjoy this vacation.

Best Regards,

November 16, 2021

Hi! First off thank you for your blog. It has really helped me prepare for my trip to Costa Rica. Our trip dates will be from November 28- December 18th which puts us right in the middle of the Transition period leading up to the Jan 8th covid mandate. Not everyone in my party is vaccinated. My question for you is, do you think those in my party that are not vaccinated will be able to go to restaurants, hotels and do activities? I am worried to go all the way to Costa Rica only find out that most of the business decided to follow the mandate early and are only taking in vaccinated individuals. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

We don’t know anything more than you to be honest because they just put in a temporary suspension of the mandate and they will make their final decision on the 18th. Then if the mandate goes forward, the only way we will know how establishments will operate is by a sign in their window indicating the mode of operation they are working under or if they announce it on their website/social media. I would check back after the 18th when the decision is supposed to be made. I do know of some businesses that are already preparing to follow the 100% fully vaccinated rules and some that are going to do 50% but we are all waiting to see what is supposed to be decided this week.

November 19, 2021

Has there been a set answer for the mandate with 11/18 being the date of decision?

Not yet (still no final final decision yet)

December 1, 2021

Still waiting to here if the mandate went into effect on 12/1. I have family traveling to Costa Rica the 8-12th of Dec. thanks for your help

Hello, yes it is in effect starting today

October 6, 2021

Hi Thank you very much for the insightful blog!!

is it required to provide negative tests or vaccinations to enter hotels and restaurants in Costa Rica?

Thanks in advance! Nils

Costa Rica doesn’t require COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country or move about the country (as of right now)

Sandy O says

December 14, 2021

Hello, We will be leaving CR to return to Canada on Feb 18th and plan to get our pre-flight PCR COVID test at the airport in Liberia. Can the test be booked a few days before or do their appointment times book up? I am reluctant to book this far ahead due to the possibility of flight time and date changes. Thanks, Sandy

Hi Sandy, please check their website to see what their policies are: https://covid.morphotr.com/

October 17, 2021

Hi Nils, on Oct 13, the government announced they will require the COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain establishments beginning on Dec 1, please read the section above for more details and we will be updating this post accordingly

October 5, 2021

Yes as long as it has the following information:

1. Name of the person who received the vaccine 2. Date of each dose 3. Pharmaceutical house (vaccine brand)

Is EU Digital COVID Certificate accepted for entry to Costa Rica? Or do you know where I can find this information?

September 9, 2021

Hi, we plan to go to Costa Rica and I also have to plan a place where to be tested before the departure back to the USA. Most probably we will be some 2-3 prior the flight in Monte Verde area, most probably in Santa Elena. Can you please recommend any place, laboratory where they do at least antigen tests? Do we need a reservation or walk-in is just ok? Would you know the price per person? I realised the tests in Costa Rica are quite expensive. The other place where to be tested can be also Tamarindo, so the same questions for this place as well… Do you have a good experience with the local labs? Do they provide the results rather sooner then 72 hours, the best would be within 24 hours… Thanks so much for any recommendations or ideas. I still hope USA won’t require the negative tests soon for those who are vaccinated.

September 10, 2021

Hi Andy, there is a section in this post about where to get a COVID test and I separated it out by locations.

Anne Theaker says

September 7, 2021

Hi this is a great article. We are fully vaccinated and will wear masks of course. I read on the government sites that COVID numbers and hospitalizations are quite high. Can you give me a little feedback on how “safe” it will be to visit in light of the pandemic? Thanks so much Annie

September 16, 2021

Hi Anne, yes it is true that our COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths have increased a lot lately unfortunately for Delta. However everything is open in Costa Rica and at this point, the government is just putting the responsibility on the individual to be safe. Social distancing really doesn’t exist, masks are required for indoors and in public transportation but I think it’s like anywhere else now. Delta is circulating and hospitalizations are at the highest but everything’s open.

August 31, 2021

Visit Costa Rica tourism board: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

September 27, 2021

Hi Sammy! Thank you for sharing all of this great information. I do not see ReNu Vitamin Therapy or Clinica Medical Dental Villarreal on the approved labs list. There will be seven of us needing to test, so I want to make sure. We will be staying in Tamarindo. Thank you!

Hi Tana, a lot of clinics will take the sample and then sent it to a certified lab somewhere else to get tested since they don’t have their own lab for testing – they just take the sample. If you check the Guanacaste section, you’ll see a row that says Laboratorios Echandi, Laboratorio Medical Huacas, Clínica dental, centro comercial EL Gollo, Villareal, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and that’s the Clinica Medical Dental Villarreal clinic (the last test I took I got it there).

Jennifer says

I am sure this has been asked before however can you please confirm that a negative PCR test is not required for entry..I’m flying from Canada..

August 21, 2021

Will they accept Geoblue Blue Cross & Blue Shield international insurance. Health pass still wants insurance info???

August 23, 2021

They’ll accept your insurance as long as it fulfills their requirements, the insurance is required for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated tourists

Daniel says

August 24, 2021

I checked their “Health Pass” website and it says nothing about the requirement being only for the un/partially vacced. https://salud.go.cr/ Can you provide a government resource confirming your information?

Thank you in advance.

August 25, 2021

https://sites.google.com/presidencia.go.cr/alertas/ingreso-de-turistas-al-pa%C3%ADs?authuser=0

Michelle Hennessy says

August 2, 2021

Hello, This is a very useful article! Thank you! Do children have to wear masks in Costa Rica? Is there an age guideline? Regards, Shelly.

Above 2 years of age need to wear masks

July 31, 2021

You can’t because the airline will ask you for your QR code before you board and will make you fill out the health pass in order to board the plane but I have heard that Costa Rica is not updating the health pass until midnight on July 31 so try again on Aug 1 to see if they have updated it.

Sophie says

August 7, 2021

Hello! I am traveling to Costa Rica tomorrow and am trying to fill out the health pass but it still asks for travel insurance. I am fully vaccinated. How can I upload my vaccine card to bypass this question. Thank you!

August 8, 2021

Hi Sophie, try to use another browser or clear your cookies, they updated it on Aug 1 but it may still have some glitches

Anthony Dorsey says

Can I fill out the Health Pass when I land in Costa Rica? I travel there Monday, August 2nd. I’m currently trying to fill out the Health Pass, but it won’t let me complete the questionnaire without the travel insurance info. I’m fully vaccinated, so I don’t need travel insurance.

July 10, 2021

Hi. Love your blog! Do you know where I can find the official announcement about the insurance requirements changing on August 1st? Everything I see still says it’s required for all visitors. Thanks!

Hi Ellen, we have already updated our blog post to reflect these changes, please go to the travel insurance requirement section to read more details. Fully vaccinated (14 days after last dose) people can enter Costa Rica without purchasing insurance starting August 1. Minors under the age of 18 too. Vaccines accepted are Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca.

Thanks Sammi I saw it on your blog and also on the Tico Times, but all of the Costa Rican government sites still say it is required, so I was hoping you could include a link to the official government announcement. Thanks!

July 11, 2021

(Spanish only): https://sites.google.com/presidencia.go.cr/alertas/ingreso-de-turistas-al-pa%C3%ADs

July 16, 2021

We are three travelers from Colorado US who are fully vaccinated and arrive on 7/31 at 6:45pm. With the cutoff for insurance starting 8/1, is there a way to ask for an exception to not obtain the insurance?

July 17, 2021

They are going by the date of entry so as you are entering before August 1, you have to purchase insurance for the entirety of your trip, they aren’t making exceptions.

Tracy Weddle says

July 7, 2021

Hello, after digging further into Trawick, I discovered that they have recently added Safe Travel Explorer for Costa Rica and it was $65 less for our family of 3 than Safe Travels Voyager! It is not on their website though so you have to get the link through the online chat person.

Hi Tracy, The Explorer option actually is on the website when you click on the Costa Rica travel insurance options, the Explorer is their budget option so it is a bit cheaper than the Voyager which gives the highest available benefits.

July 1, 2021

We had a great trip to osa peninsula in late April 2021 – used Trawick for travel insurance & saved a lot of $ using proctored covid self-test from emed.com – (need wifi connection). Antigen test widely accepted by US airlines. Highly recommend.

Mavelly says

June 22, 2021

Been reading your blog for a few days in preparation for my trip to Costa Rica over a month. Great info btw!

I have question about my stay. I will not need a tourist visa as I’m from the Netherlands, so that’s settled. But I do have a return ticket for after 4 months. I was planning to go to Nicaragua in the middle of my trip, so I won’t be in Costa Rica for more than 90 days. Will I need proof of some sort at immigration? I assume that they will be raising some eyebrows at the fact that I have my return ticket for over 4 months instead of 3…

You need to have proof of departure from Costa Rica within the time of your insurance. So if you purchase 90 days of insurance, you need proof of departure on the 90th day as they are giving tourist visas the same as the number of days of insurance you purchased, it is not an automatic 90 anymore.

If you don’t have proof of departure from Costa Rica by the time your insurance runs out, this will cause a problem at immigration.

June 10, 2021

Extremely helpful blog and post – finding out about Tarwick Insurance from your blog has saved me a ton of money by not having to buy coverage from the government recommended insurance companies (legalized scam)

Anthony says

Super helpful website, and we appreciated your help in booking a car through Adobe. We will be flying back to the U.S. out of Liberia and our flight leaves at 10:00 am. The onsite Covid testing company is open at 7:00am, and they say we must be at the airport 4 hours prior to our flight. I am wondering if we will have any difficulty if we arrive at the testing site when they open at 7, only 3 hours prior to our flight?

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

June 11, 2021

Hi Anthony, Echandi says clients have to arrive 4 hours before, so I’d contact them to see what they say if you can only arrive 3 hours before as we don’t know their policies except for they say 4 hours before.

June 9, 2021

Thank you so much for the detailed information! Is the form on mipruebacovid.com just for Hospital Metropolitano or is it required to be filled out regardless of where you get your test? We’re getting our tests done by Echandi at the Liberia Airport. I read on another blog that everyone has to fill it out because all testing facilities require it. However, I just sent a message via WhatsApp to Echandi and was told there’s no required form.

It will depend on the lab you get your test from – some do require it, some don’t. Not sure why, but each lab has their own conditions.

June 6, 2021

Hi, We have planned a trip to Costa Rica in June and now Costa Rica is still on do not travel list. Is there any issue if we ravel despite the warning?

June 7, 2021

On Costa Rica’s end, the country is open and is receiving tourists, they just need to purchase the COVID insurance and fill out a health pass. So it is up to you whether you feel comfortable traveling since Costa Rica is on the Level 4 of the US’s travel list.

Murali says

June 3, 2021

I am looking into the Travel Insurance (50K health and 2K delay) and the prices seem to vary so much. The local insurance companies are asking around 600-700 USD for a family of 4. However I have seen another US company (Trawick International) that is quoting 140 USD for a recognised plan covering non US residents (we are from Switzerland).

That seems too good to be true?

Hi Murali, Trawick is one of the cheaper/cheapest options that a lot of people have used. I used it back in December.

Heather says

May 25, 2021

Thank you so much for all of this great information! It’s been so helpful for our upcoming trip to Guanacaste. I have found conflicting information on the web about whether we need a visa or not. We are coming from US. We are coming for 1 week and we do have passports.

Thank you, Heather

US passport holders don’t need to apply for a tourist visa, it is given upon arrival and there is no charge. Just make sure to fulfill the entry requirements (health insurance, health pass).

Casper says

May 22, 2021

I have tested positive for covid the day of my flight home, yesterday 21 May. My tourist visa and Sagicor health insurance was for 6 days which expired yesterday. I am self isolating and waiting for the ministry if health to send me a Sanitary Order but apparently they are overwhelmed and it will take a few days. I am asymptomatic. My question is: if after the 10-14 days of isolation and if my covid test thereafter is negative and then I have to rebook my flight home which may be only available a few days later, what about my tourist visa and thexrequired health insurance? Will I need to apply for a visa extension first before buying a new flight ticket? Do I need to buy more Sagicor insurance now?

May 24, 2021

Hi Casper, in this case I would contact a Costa Rican immigration lawyer. As a blog we don’t have any knowledge when it comes to legal things like immigration. Sorry to hear about that hope it works out.

Todd Gubler says

May 10, 2021

In your blog you said: “For proof of recovery, it must be documentation of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your doctor or a public health official declaring you are clear to travel.”

Who is requiring the negative test or positive viral test and letter from a doctor? I recovered from COVID 4 weeks ago and I had my doctor write a letter for me and my sone but how will I know if it is sufficient?

May 11, 2021

The US requires this proof, please check the US CDC website for the exact documentation you need to prove you recovered from COVID and will be allowed to board the plane back to the US. (This is NOT Costa Rica’s requirement, it is the USA to re-enter the US from an international flight).

May 8, 2021

Thank you so much for your post, my wife and I are considering a trip to Costa Rica in June. What we have in mind is renting a whole house or apartment from someone (AirBnB). I assume that AirBnB are still possible during covid, but would appreciate if you can confirm.

Thanks again, -Dan

May 9, 2021

Airbnb is still working in Costa Rica

April 30, 2021

Dear Mytanfeet Team! Thank you so much for your regular updates – it’s much appreciated! We are confused about the land border opening to Costa Rica. We’d like to travel by Bus from Panama to Puerto Viejo, but there are contradictory information to be found online. At some it says land borders for tourists are open, but on another it was mentioned only for residents and Costa Rican Passport holders…we are just normal tourists. Do you have any information (or Link) whether we are allowed over the land border, of course with the required health pass and insurance? Thank you so much! Kind regards Jana

Hi Jana, for Costa Rica, they have opened their land borders completely at the beginning of April as long as tourists fulfill each country’s entry requirements.

Chuck Bluemel says

April 23, 2021

Good Morning: Hi my name is Chuck Bluemel and We have planed a trip to Costa Rica in May, I have been trying to take out The insurance plan the the government is requiring, I have been trying to get covered through Blue cross,Blue shields website I put in all the required information and when we are to purchase it is asking for Document type. 1- National Natural person 2. legal Person. 3. Dimex Certificate. 4. DIDI ID. I do not know which of these I should enter. Please let me know which one is the correct to enter. AsaP. Thanks

Hi Chuck! I would also recommend to check with a company called Trawick INsurance. They have a travel insurance specifically for Costa Rica which I’ve personally found to be way cheaper (just in case for other options). The Costa Rican pre-approved ones are expensive.

April 16, 2021

Hi, thanks a lot for you blog! It’s really helpful and thorough!

We are a family of 2 from Switzerland, we will be travelling on April 29 for 3 weeks. We’ll need to have a PCR test on May 17th, do you think it makes sense to book an appointment for test now or there’s still time?

I really hope there won’t be more restrictions during our stay Thanks!

April 18, 2021

You can wait to make your appointment in case you’re not sure where you will be, but you should contact the clinics just in case to see what they recommend (some places will require you to fill out a form, some places allow appointments a few days in advance, etc.) as each clinic has their own policies.

Veronica Redmond says

April 9, 2021

I will be in transit between Manuel Antonio and Jaco the day I need to take a Covid test. Would you recommend taking it at the hospital in Manuel Antonio or at the lab in Jaco?

April 10, 2021

Get the test at whichever lab/hospital gets back to you and has appointment space which works with your schedule.

Akshay Sawant says

Hi Samantha, I would love to visit Costa Rica again but this covid situation is not allowing me to get there but next year I will try to visit Costa Rica once again. Thank You!

Corine says

April 7, 2021

This is so thorough. Great job!

March 24, 2021

HI Sammi, We are traveling to CR in july as a family of 4. Do we need to purchase travel insurance as a family or do we need a separate policy for each person? We were looking at Trawick since they also have policies that cover additional parts of our trip that we want to insure.

March 25, 2021

Hi, every foreign person is required to have a travel policy to enter Costa Rica

Dan Buettner says

March 23, 2021

Thank you for putting this information and site together. I will be buying your travel guides to support your efforts.

I will be in Costa Rica 3/25 – 3-29 traveling along the Pacific side of the country and points south of Jaco to scope out a good place to stay for a couple months over the summer with my family. Conservationism is going to be the main theme this summer so I’m looking for good places and ideas for volunteering for animal protection activities.

Thanks again!

Anne A Jameson says

March 12, 2021

Hi Samantha! Thanks for the incredible info! Do you know if the Covid testing sites that you listed also offer an antigen test? Do you know the cost of the antigen test? That’s the only requirement to return to my home country.

Thank you!!

Many of the places do now, I know specifically Hospital Metropolitano offers antigen. It is around $85 USD + tax (varies between clinics/labs and locations)

nancy montes says

March 8, 2021

i am traveling to Nicaragua first to visit my parents then driving to Costa Rica using a Private Shuttle service called Easy Ride CR. are the borders open by land? crossing from Nicaragua to Costa Rica? I’ve read somewhere land is open April 1st? i would appreciate your guidance.

thank you for documenting your experience on this website very helpful.

Currently the border from Nicaragua – Costa Rica is closed until at least APril 1. The government will give us an update on that day whether they decide to extend the closure or not.

Jeremiah says

March 7, 2021

Thank you sooo much for the detailed information. We are flying in on Alaska July 7th for 10 days, mostly staying in Coco. I really hope that between now and then some of the restrictions are lifted, especially the return test requirement. But if not, you have helped us prepare.

June 20, 2021

Do you need to actually have a your return flight ticket or would showing your flight itinerary via the airline app be efficient enough? I know most times you can’t print a boarding pass until 24 hours before your flight.

I always take a screenshot of my flight itinerary that is sent to my email, as long as it shows your name, date of flight, airline, flight number and departure, that is what they need to see.

Heather Levitt says

February 28, 2021

Thank you so much for this blog. I’ve read quite a few of your blogs to prepare for a Brief trip to Uvita on May 4th. I was wondering though if you have any tips for traveling to Uvita during the pandemic. I already have a packing list, tons of bug spray and sunblock, and rain gear. I also understand it’s a 4 hour drive from the airport 🙂

Specifically do you know of any COVID-19 testing sites we should contact prior to travel to ensure we are compliant upon returning to the States? Also any tips or recommendations for the Uvita area are greatly appreciated. We are staying in an Airbnb and are renting a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I would love any local recommendations for food and sight seeing too. We like the real experience and prefer to avoid high tourism areas. Thank you in advance for any recommendations you have a moment to provide.

March 2, 2021

Hello Heather, in this post I have a section for where to get a COVID test you can get information for.

Here is our Uvita, Costa Rica guide. Have a great time.

Costa Ricky Windhorst says

March 3, 2021

Just returned from Costa Rica. TWO IMPORTANT things to know. Get the insurance (two people 7 days $153). It makes it easy to get into the country. Next and most important, make an appointment with the Clinica online and they will schedule an appointment. We were told by Stay in Costa Rica to just show up at the clinic for 9:00am two days before we departed. WRONG! We almost didn’t get out of the country, luckily for $152. per person the doctors came to our condo and admistered the test. Unfortunately we lost a whole day of vacation waiting for them to show. They were scheduled to be there for noon and got there at 4:30 pm.

Veronica says

March 16, 2021

With the Clinica online, what town was that for? I’m looking for testing when we get to Jaco Beach and was hoping to find someone to come to us.

Danielle says

February 27, 2021

I was just tested at lab jaco. They do have rapid antigen tests available for $75 US. Results came by email in 24 hours. Process was easy, and quick. No issues returning to US.

Thank you for the feedback!

March 1, 2021

Did you do the anitgen because you knew you previously had it? There is a cost difference from the anitgen for $75 and the NAAT which ranges $125-$300. I don’t know how to decide which one to get.

Both Antigen and PCR are accepted by the US for entry (in case that is what you need it for).

March 11, 2021

How did you contact lab jaco to get your rapid antigen test? We will be testing in Jaco but the quote was for $130 per person. Thank you!

Yeraldi says

March 26, 2021

Hi Danielle what is the name of the clinic in jaco? I will be there in May im looking for places.

March 27, 2021

It’s Lab Jaco (on Facebook they are called Laboratorio Clinica Jaco). Antigen is around $75 USD, antigen tests are cheaper than PCR.

February 25, 2021

It looks like you can enter the country by Marina. Do you know of any tour companies offering border runs by boat?

Unfortunately I don’t, sorry

Robert says

February 22, 2021

First I want to say this was an excellent source of information ,even though some of it was not good news. I was just curious about the motive for driving restrictions. I was in Costa Rica 15 years ago. I drove every day regardless of the destination. However in some South American cities license plate restrictions are the norm. Are these restriction related to the pandemic?

San Jose has had driving restrictions for many years and it is due to the increase of cars and heavy traffic in the city. The other nationwide driving restrictions are for the pandemic.

Sue Hamby, PhD says

February 20, 2021

My husband (age 89) and I (age 82) are flying into San Jose March 1 doe 8 nights. A rental car is provided in our package deal. We will be arriving at 1:21pm, will pick up the rental car and drive to Arenal for 3 nights . How far is Arenal and how long should it take us? Then we drive to LKa Costa de Papiti for 3 nights (How far and how long drive). Then we end up (Central Valley Cloud Forest) for 2 nites. (How far and how long?). Then the next day we leave from San Jose so we will have to be at San Jose airport by 11am so I am thinking about giving up our hotel (package deal) the last nite and rent a room in San Jose so we can be close to the airport. Hope this trip is “do-able” for a couple in their 80’s. Any suggestions? I love your information and will mention it in my next book, “Globetrotting 101: How to Travel More for Less”. It has over 800 websites to save money so I will make sure your website is included as well as your blog.

February 24, 2021

Hello Sue, you can read in this post about driving San Jose to Arenal . We do usually recommend to stay the last night by the airport so you have plenty of time and don’t have to worry about returning the car or any mishaps the day you fly out, here is our post for hotels near San Jose Airport .

We hope you have a great time.

Nicole says

February 17, 2021

Hi I heard they now accept the rapid test to get back into the US is this true?

February 18, 2021

Hi Nicole, the US requires a viral test, you can find the details on the CDC website.

Hillary says

February 16, 2021

Thank you so much for all of this information! This is so helpful. I do have one question, you mentioned something about the Sim card place being closed in the Liberia airport, was that just that particular day or are all Sim card places closed? I was hoping to get a Sim card upon arrival at the Liberia airport. Also I’m sorry if you have already answered this question, but did you say that all rental cars are exempt from the driving restrictions at all times? Thank you for any info and I really appreciate you.

Hello Hilary! Unfortunately there isn’t a SIM card stand at all in Liberia Airport. You’ll have to get one in the supermarket or cell phone store in your next destination or if you rent a car, you can drive to Liberia and go to the cell phone store to get a card (need to check office hours, most cell phone stores close around 5 PM).

Rental cars are exempt from driving restrictions when going to/from hotels, airports and tourism activities (all with reservations).

Noriko says

February 14, 2021

Thank you for the most updated information. Your site is so helpful. I just wanted to ask you about the driving restriction for the rental car. Can you provide the most recent update? Thank you.

Monday – Friday is only for San Jose downtown and it has the license plate restrictions. Weekends has nationwide license plate restrictions. Driving is allowed 5 AM to 10 PM every day. You can find the details in this post under the driving restrictions section

Julie M Stewart says

February 12, 2021

My family is going to Costa Rica March 20, 2021 through March 30, 2021. I have a quote for those dates through Trawick with is quite reasonable – $113. Now I am wondering if I should get a quote for an additional 2 weeks just in case someone tests positive before our return. If you test positive, will Trawick still extend your insurance (required to extend your visa) at a good rate, or will it increase significantly?

February 13, 2021

You will need to contact Trawick directly to see what their policies are.

Alexandra says

When you arrive to Costa Rica, immigration will only give you visa for to the date of your insurance, I suggested by your insurance for extra time just in case you decide to extend your stay.

Regina says

February 11, 2021

Regarding COVID tests- do you happen to know if I can bring my own at home test on the trip and test myself instead of going to a clinic before departing?

Thanks for all of your info too! Such a big help 🙂

I am not sure because the US is specific on what kind of tests it will accept so I recommend to check the US CDC website for more information as it is the US who requires this test.

June 9, 2022

Hello! I will travel to Costa Rica after 2 days from USA( Philadelphia) with Frontier airlines. I trying to fund the ” real” information about Do I need to have a negative corona test?

June 13, 2022

Please see this post for entry requirements

Costa Rica doesn’t require a negative test to enter the country or to exit the country

February 10, 2021

Hi Tila, rental cars are exempt from driving restrictions when going to/from airports, hotels and tourism activities with reservations.

Thank you so much for posting this! We are from Seattle as well and will be traveling early March to CR. We are super excited and want to rent a car for our entire trip. I noticed you said there were some restrictions while driving. Are we allowed to drive to tourist attractions such as the beach, parks, etc in CR?

Alicia says

February 9, 2021

Thanks for posting this and being so up to date. It’s exactly what I need to know and have been anxious about since i am booked to visit Costa Rica (first time) end of Feb.

Alison Curcio says

February 7, 2021

It looks like we need $50k for medical expenses. The trawick insurance you recommended only covers $25k. Am I reading they wrong?

I got the safe voyagers plan, the one for Costa Rica.

Melinda says

February 5, 2021

Group of four- flying into San Jose and staying in La Fortuna for four nights. We are then staying in Tamarindo for three nights and flying out of Liberia.

Should we do a rental car from the airport or do private transport to La Fortuna/rent a car there and then keep it and return it in San Jose?

You could do either but keep in mind if you rent in La Fortuna and return the car in San Jose, car rental companies will have to charge an extra fee for the different offices. Usually around $35 USD ish.

February 4, 2021

Nevermind my previous question – I see I had to scroll farther down the page for the specific Costa Rica information you mentioned!

Hi, I have a question about the travel insurance you recommend. When I go to the Trawick site there is an option of Travel Medical Plans and Trip Protection Plans – which one is the one required for travel to Costa Rica. And also, thank you SO MUCH for this informative blog!

January 19, 2021

About pubic bus riding:

I take the collectivos in southern Puntarenas province. The amount of people on buses varies by the coverage and the cost (buses from touristy areas like Jaco attract more irresponsible travellers, but local buses tend to feel safest, especially in more poor & rural areas). Some drivers block off the front rows to prevent passengers from getting too close. Occasionally there will be an inconsiderate person not wearing a mask, or not wearing it properly. However, I think that most ticas & ticos share a mutual respect for each other’s health, and the people not wearing a mask or not wearing it completely are the rare exception, especially coming from a place like NYC).

The saving grace is that on most buses almost all the windows are open, and on the local buses some drivers even keep the front door open, so airflow is exceptional. Try to get a seat near the front of a bus, and open the windows all the way. Most buses I have ridden have hand sanitizer at the front, and a couple of buses had temperature taking machines installed.

Keep an eye on the rate of infection in a given area to inform your travel plans as the dates approach. Good luck.

January 15, 2021

That is true what your resort said since the closest testing facility to the Dreams would be in Liberia and you’d have to get your test taken within 3 days of your departure.

It is up to you if you’d like to postpone or keep your trip, since it will take some extra planning and money to fulfill this new US requirement but there are testing facilities available in Liberia.

January 14, 2021

I am traveling to Costa Rica at the end of February into early March and am staying in Montezuma for the last 4 days. I see that there isn’t testing in Montezuma- where would the closest testing be?? It looks like Samara to be, which is still quite a drive. Thanks for all the great info!!

I know there isn’t one in Santa Teresa either, it does seem like Samara and there is a clinic there that does tests.

Am I doing something wrong? I went to the Trawick International site and the quote was almost 300.00 for nine days.

The quote will depend on your age, length of trip, total trip cost, etc. I don’t know how they calculate it but that was my quote.

You can contact them for a breakdown or more details.

barbara says

This was very helpful. My husband and I are slated to go to Dreams Las Mareas in 2 weeks but are hesitant now as Costa Rica is in the red zone with COVID. We called the resort to ask about COVID testing and they said you can travel an hour by private car or rent a car to a clinic or have an ambulance come for $400 to do the test at the hotel. Then pay the $115 per person for the test. Thinking we should postpone. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Barry D McGinnis says

January 12, 2021

CDC just released a statement saying that international flyers will have to show a negative COVID test within 3 days of flying into the US. The statement is pretty broad with no specifics. Are there resources in CR that can spool up to handle this for the foreseeable future?

HI Barry, that is correct all international travelers must present a negative COVID test taken within 3 days to enter the US or the airlines won’t let you board. You can read this post about where to get a COVID test in Costa Rica.

January 11, 2021

Wow, big thanks on the insurance recommendation with Trawick!

We booked insurance through the INS website initially for $439.33, paying immediately. Then, I read your helpful update a day later and looked into Trawick. We had experienced some glitches while using the INS site, and there was no immediate email confirmation or detailed receipt… as 24-48 hours went by, I became slightly concerned that the transaction had been executed incorrectly.

Anyway, I was able to get the INS payment refunded by web chatting with them through the link on their webpage. We re-booked through Trawick for $118.95.

I hope this comment helps others. Pura Vida!

January 8, 2021

I am in Costa Rica — at my house –arrived Christmas Eve from Boston. To check in to the flight, I needed travel insurance of minimum requirements of Covid care coverage. I had researched the cost of purchasing from an American provider — about $50 for 24 days. I never purchased the policy (slipped my mind) and had to buy on the spot at Logan . I went with the CR Ministrie de Salud Health Insurance — afraid I’d miss my flight otherwise. Cost me just under $150 — 3x the other quote I travelled with my partner, a CR citizen with US green card.

All fine until this week. My partner’s fever led to a Covid test. Within 24 hours, he got a call : positivo! He is under quarantine and I am too. This will impact my return date. Any attempt to board a plane or if caught out of the house will lead to arrest I believe or something,

However, my request to get a test has been denied since I’m already under quarantine — despite the health insurance I purchased, they will not allow for a walk in test. In order to get a test at this moment, I need to be experiencing extreme symptoms. . And I must call 911 and be transported via ambulance. Not clear to me if my insurance will cover this, the person at the Quepos Emergency Clinic did not know either. I’m not sure if it is to keep the country’s positive test numbers low or just to save healthcare resources, but given a heavy cough and body ache, I’ve decided I need to know, waiting now for the ambulance.

Hi Neil, I’m sorry to hear about your situation and we hope you and your partner have a speedy recovery. Try to call the 1322 number, that is the country’s COVID hotline and see if they can get you a test because you are experiencing symptoms but maybe because you are living with someone who is positive (so they will classify you as Por Nexo), that is why they are not giving you a test but I’m not sure. I hope it works out and you both get well soon.

Ian Mitchell says

January 4, 2021

Do you know if there is a place to get a COVID-19 test done around Gofito- you now need one to get back home to Canada private one is ok – thanks Ian

January 5, 2021

I don’t know to be honest, you can try to ask the private clinics and hospital there, or it would have to be in San Jose

January 2, 2021

Thanks for update! My daughter may be visiting our place in Guanacaste in March. Since she is a health professional, she will have both vaccine shots by then. Do you know if the insurance requirement would be waived thenin her case?

Hi Dodie, Costa Rica hasn’t made any new announcements regarding vaccines and entry requirements. If they do, I’ll update this post.

Cathy Parker says

Just a note: when I passed through customs, they confiscated my ordinary cutlery knife.

michelle a laccetti says

December 16, 2020

I am traveling to costa rica at the end of the month and need a covid test to go back to new york. Do you know of any places near tamarindo or liberia where i can get tested? Thank you!

I have heard the Beach Side Clinic in Huacas offers testing (pay out of pocket), it’s about 20 minutes from Tamarindo.

michelle says

Thank you! Would I have to call in advance or can I walk in?

December 17, 2020

I would call first, a lot of things are by appointment only now in CR.

December 12, 2020

Regarding Travel Insurance: I highly recommend TRAWICK International for CR travel insurance. Compared to the 2 CR insurance companies, the Trawick website and chat support was much easier to navigate. Th cost was only 25% of the quotes I received from the 2 CR sites. Additionally, the coverage was significantly higher. And I was provided a certificate for travel that showed coverage meeting CR requirements Cost for 16 days for 2 people was $106 total….

Thank you for your feedback Scott, very helpful!

December 9, 2020

I just spoke with the clinic is called Life Guard in Santa Teresa. They DO NOT give coronavirus tests and that are no places/clinics near Santa Teresa area that do. They said the closest place to get tested is at one of the hospitals in San Jose.

THanks for the info!

December 6, 2020

As far as I know for tourists, the only option you have to get the test are at the private clinics in San Jose since you aren’t sick and just need it for travel. The last time I checked, the test was around 65,000 CRC. The tests from the public clinics are for those who are sick or have been directly exposed.

Hillary Thing says

I am heading to St. Theresa in early February, just for 1 week. In order to return to NY, I will have to get a negative covid test before re-entering the US. Do you know where I can do this in the St. Theresa area?

December 2, 2020

Do you believe pubic transportation is to risky. I always loved the busses for the culture meeting locals practicing my Spanish. I’m coming in from Florida on the 9th I figured a shuttle would be my best bet for 55$ to travel to libera then the shuttle company contacted me and said they need to cancel because they don’t have 3 passengers. I guess it’s really slow what a shame when will this end. God please help us humans. A Private ride was 190$ Definitely to much for me. Any ideas is it true that there’s no other shuttles operating. Just wondering so many things your articles are fantastic. thank you

December 4, 2020

Right now volume of tourists is very low and shuttles and tours need a minimum amount of people to run. For solo travelers it is a difficult time to visit Costa Rica for this reason. You can take the public bus, lots of locals take the bus, it is more risky since you’ll be more exposed so you’ll need to just take a bit more caution. You need to wear a face mask at all times but the public buses are running normally pretty much (no standing passengers, and highly recommended to buy tickets beforehand for routes that allow you too).

I take the collectivos in southern Puntarenas province. The amount of people on buses carries. Some drivers block off the front rows. Occasionally there will be an inconsiderate person not wearing a mask, or not wearing it appropriately. However, I think that most ticas& ticos share a mutual respect for each other’s health, and the people not wearing a mask or not wearing it completely are the rare exception. The saving grace is that on most buses almost all the windows are open, and on the local buses some drivers even keep the front door open, so airflow is exceptional. Try to get a seat near the front of a bus.

November 30, 2020

Hello Jess, the COVID test is no longer a requirement for Costa Rica but depending on which country you fly to, it may be required for that country. All tourists need to purchase the travel insurance.

Bobbie Spencer says

January 3, 2021

All very good information. One added bit, some airlines are requiring CoVid tests in order to fly and some Costa Rican businesses (medical and dental especially) require a CoVid test, as well. Now that the latest variant of the virus makes contagion more likely, following all the protocols is even more important.

P.S. Some airports are now offering CoVid testing with immediate results. It’s not cheap but if it’s necessary, it is convenient. Check with your airline to find out where the tests are available .

Jessica says

Hi Thanks for your useful tipps, i am goinf to stay in cabuya from mid january til august included. I read in your article that visa runs are only possible via air and that i have to show accomodation proof-would an overnight stay be enough to reenter costa rica?and where do i get a prescription for a covid test, since this is one of the requirements as well. Many thanks in advanc- Jess

Dana Sue Talkington says

November 29, 2020

Thank you for the update … praying that by May 2021 business will be back to normal and COVID-19 will be something we just talk about,not worry about! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to both of you … ¡Pura Vida!

Thank you Dana, happy holidays to you too! 🙂

Kathie says

Hola, I have a house in Parrita, that I have yet to see. Must I still get insurance for a place to stay? I am aware that I need COVID & health.

From what I’ve heard, if you own property in Costa Rica (are the property title holder), you can contact a lawyer in Costa Rica like Outlier Legal and they *may* be able to help you get it waived but I’m not sure it’s 100% guaranteed. It’s best to contact a lawyer.

Cynthia Roelens says

October 30, 2020

Hi, do you know how long it will take for your insurance to take out. I am leaving for costa rica in January. I hope that insurance will be abolished.

November 3, 2020

We have no idea, the government makes these decisions and we find out whenever they announce it.

October 25, 2020

I’ve heard that as of October 26, visitors arriving to Costa Rica will no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Is that true?

October 26, 2020

October 24, 2020

How does one contact the insurance co’s for a quote? Health Ins.

You can check their websites (links in the article) for INS and Sagicor for a quote.

Amanda says

October 19, 2020

Hi there, Can you please clarify if you need to have the PCR test occur and result confirmed negative with 72 hours of arriving, or if it’s just the results themselves that need to be received within 72 hours. I own a property in coco and would like to go down to check on it, but I’m from Canada and our test results are taking a long time to be returned. If it’s the case of getting the test done and receiving results within 4 days of travel, this is pretty tough. Currently we don’t have easy access to rapid tests, and so this puts a real wrench in achieving this travel requirement Any clarification would help.

October 20, 2020

You need to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to enter Costa Rica, the test has to be taken within 72 hours of the departure flight. The airline will ask to see your negative test result when you check in and board and the CR immigration will also require to see your negative result to enter the country.

Thanks for all the information regarding entry to country. Is there any testing required prior to return flight to the US?

I don’t believe the US requires any testing, you will need to check the state you are going to to be sure.

Abraham Gonzalez says

October 16, 2020

Do kids (<12 years) need a Covid test?

October 22, 2020

As of Oct 26, COVID tests will not be required to enter Costa Rica.

SUSAN S NEWTON says

October 5, 2020

Hi. About how much does the required insurance cost? Just trying to get a budget in mind. Also, do you have to have insurance if your are retiring to C.R. ?

Thanks, Susan

October 6, 2020

You will need to contact the insurance companies for a quote since it depends on length of stay, age, country of residence, etc.

Every tourist needs to have insurance.

Dominic Di Lello says

Know where i can get an epidemiology form not sure if a spelled it right?

https://salud.go.cr/

Kelly S Sheick says

Hi, We are visiting the house we own in Ocotal. Any advice for us? We want to visit Diamonte and see seat= turtle hatchings. any and all advice would be appreciated.

September 30, 2020

Does a person have to buy international health insurance from one of the two companies you listed, or any insurance as long as the amounts stated are covered?

October 1, 2020

Either one, you can purchase your own international or from the CR companies as long as it fulfills all the requirements.

John Penhall says

September 12, 2020

Are the Caribbean south beaches really only open from 5am to 10am or is it 5am to 10pm?

September 14, 2020

It is 5 AM to 10 AM (Cahuita and Manzanillo 8 AM to 10 AM), Limon had a surge of cases and the municipality decided to restrict beach hours. Before, beaches all throughout Costa Rica were only open 5 AM to 8 AM back in May/Juneish.

October 10, 2020

Above it says 10 PM.

Correct, those hours were only until Sept 29th and were decided individually by the municipality. The government now announced new beach hours starting Oct 15th which will be at 10 PM.

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“So What Do You People Do There?” A Few Thoughts On Working In Costa Rica

• by James Dyde
• May 26, 2022
• Business , Costa Rica , Daily Life , Opinion

The Costa Rica expat Facebook groups are full of people asking about working in Costa Rica. But what do expats do here?

Here in Costa Rica , especially if you’re on vacation, the thought of work might well be the furthest thing from your mind. After all, why waste your time working when there are more productive things to do out there like enjoy pristine tropical beaches, rainforests, and the pura vida ?

But here’s the thing. Some of us still gotta work, y’know. Even in Costa Rica. Especially in Costa Rica. This place ain’t cheap.

I guess that’s why so many people on the expat pages on Facebook – my usual hunting ground for article ideas – ask about jobs and working in Costa Rica all the time.

And it always goes the same way. They ask something like, what do you people do for a living down there or can I get a job or gimme a job or whatever. Many ways of asking the same thing and the usual answer from grouchy old long-termers like me is hell no you can’t.

Us grouchy old long-termers get slammed for being negative when we point out unpleasant facts like the high unemployment rate and the need for residency to work legally in Costa Rica. It must suck following the rules, right?

What’s better? Costa Rica residency or the visa run shuffle? (updated for a post-pandemic world) https://t.co/sOSHCcoigE — Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) March 24, 2021

But this article isn’t about that. It’s obvious you need to be legal to work legally (not that that stops many). This article is about the things we gringo expats actually do here.

I’ll start with me because why not? My main job is editing this website. I have another couple of small freelance writing gigs, but really www.centralamerica.com is my bread and butter.

I work from home primarily, so you could probably call me one of those digital nomad types… in that I can work from anywhere and often do.

I’m not alone. When those erstwhile questioners on social media ask what we’re all doing down here, most of us are doing something online. Writing, editing, IT, teaching online, etc. Selling vacations . It’s great because it’s not illegal to work like that if you’re working for yourself as a freelancer or working remotely for a foreign company.

Point is though, when people ask what jobs they can do in Costa Rica, the smart answer is to fix something up so you can work remotely for a company in your home country, or set yourself up as a freelancer, or run some kind of online business yourself.

But not everyone is down for working in Costa Rica as a digital nomad.

Back in the day, before anyone knew the term “digital nomad”, you know, when “digital” was a type of watch and a “nomad” was a guy in Kazakhstan or Mongolia you read about in National Geographic, people had real jobs.

Now granted, few of those people with real jobs moved down here to Costa Rica, but some did, and most of them ended up in the sports books or teaching English, as much as you can call either a “real job”. Pretty much every gringo I know who’s been in Costa Rica since before, say, 2010, has either worked in a sports book, taught English or both. I taught English for a while myself.

I worked for a company that sent gringos armed with online TEFL certificates and not much else to companies all over San Jose to practice conversational English with employees. The hours were long and the pay was brutal. They kept promising us work visas which never materialized.

It was a bad job, but it was a start, and so many of us started like that.

But there’s no way I could recommend that in 2022. Costa Rica is way more expensive now and I’m sure the pay hasn’t gone up. Costa Rica is also more difficult and stressful to work illegally in. In fact, I’d say the number of these places that used to hire illegals just because they were native English speakers and nothing else has decreased. In fact, the whole model of this type of work has diminished, as most teachers work online nowadays, rather than shlepping all over San Jose.

This is a good thing. Nowadays most teaching jobs are legit, meaning you need to actually (a novel idea, I know) be a teacher with a proper teaching degree. There are still legit language institutes that will accept real teachers and arrange their legal papers, but they’re thinner on the ground from back when any old cowboy could set up shop.

And there are the private schools, too, offering full curriculums. They often hire teachers too and will also set you up good.

But as I said, the main way to teach nowadays, way different from when I was doing it, is to teach online. Most companies that used to send teachers shlepping all over the place now have their teachers working from home. Which is far better.

How much can you earn teaching English in South and Central America and what are the requirements? (A thread) #TEFL pic.twitter.com/hCGqR1KaPg — The TEFL Org (@TEFLOrg) August 18, 2020

Sports books were the other major employee of gringo “talent” back in the day.

Lots of people came down here back in the 90s and early 2000s to set up call centers for people in the US to contact to bet on sports. For a while it seemed like everyone worked in a book.

Online poker sites, too. They were all down here for a while back then and they paid their people pretty well.

Little by little these outfits ended up leaving. Some are still around but they’re a shadow of what they were. And they won’t just hire anyone nowadays either.

But if you’re legal here and don’t mind working in a call center, the pay per head and gambling industry is an option. Other call center jobs are also available at multinationals like Amazon or HP.

Then you have the yoga teachers.

Often seems here you can throw a rock in the air and hit a yoga teacher. Make sure you throw the rock hard (only kidding, I love you guys!)! Maybe you can bounce the rock off a real estate guy – another favorite occupation down here for the hapless gringo.

You need more certification down here to be a yoga teacher than you do to sell real estate, so this occupation attracts a lot of cowboys and scam artists. There are good ones around though. I just wouldn’t recommend even more. How many real estate agents and yoga teachers can one small country take?

So there you have it. If you’re interested in working in Costa Rica your choices are somewhat limited. Online/remote work (doing whatever), call center work, real estate, yoga. I guess people come and work in bars and stuff, but the pay is abysmal and the hours long. Oh and if you don’t have residency, the chances of being busted are high.

In recent years, Central America has become a major yoga destination. The natural beauty of the region provides a perfect home to some of the best yoga centers in the world. Here are some of our favorite yoga retreats in Central America. https://t.co/0NzRaMLQmU — Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) March 15, 2022

One thing not mentioned so far is coming down and setting up your own business. That’s another article but it’s worth touching on.

The first thing to know is that without residency in Costa Rica, you cannot actually WORK at your business. So if you own a bar or a restaurant and you’re working in there – busing tables or whatever – you can be deported if caught. You need to hire Costa Ricans to work in your business while you can only “administer” it.

I guess that’s why we didn’t mention it until now. But running your own gig is doable. I know people who run rafting and adventure tours, own hotels, bars, and restaurants. Friend of mine has a building company and another one an outsourcing company. Providing communication solutions like SMS services work well for some entrepreneurs. People set up craft beer operations and run travel agencies or home rental companies.

Bottom line is when running your business, make sure you find a good niche. If your clients are here in Costa Rica, try to cater to Costa Ricans rather than expats. Expats make up a tiny percentage of the population so why limit yourself? Speaking Spanish will help.

But that’s another article altogether.

The best thing, of course, is to be loaded with money. That way you don’t have to even consider working in Costa Rica. I mean why didn’t I consider that myself in the first place? Duh.

James Dyde is the editor of CentralAmerica.com. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.

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In this article, we take a look at one of the main questions that visitors to Central America ask. Is the water safe to drink in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama?

Is Homeschooling Legal in Central America? A Country-by-Country Guide

• by CA Staff
• May 7, 2024
• Daily Life , Legal , Living

Is homeschooling legal in Central America? A guide for expat families exploring homeschooling options around the region.

Discover Your Dream Career: Latest Jobs in Central America

• May 6, 2024
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Looking for a job in Central America? Check out our weekly guide to who’s hiring around the region.

James Dyde is a British immigrant to Costa Rica and the editor of this website. He has lived in Central America since 2000 and retains a deep love for the region. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Costa rica - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to  crime .

Country Summary:  While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

If you decide to travel to Costa Rica:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook,   Twitter, and Instagram .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Costa Rica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

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Quick Facts

Length of stay.

1 page per entry stamp.

Not required for stays less than 180 days, but return ticket required.

Yellow fever, if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa .

10,000 USD.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy san josé.

Calle 98, Via 104 Pavas San José, Costa Rica Telephone: + (506) 2519-2000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (506) 2220-3127 Fax: + (506) 2220-2455 Email:   [email protected] Routine American Citizens Services appointments available online .

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

See the Embassy of Costa Rica’s  website  for the most current visa information.

Requirements for Entry:

• Passport  valid for duration of stay. Immigration may deny entry if passport is damaged.
• Return ticket  or proof of onward travel to another country.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination  if you are arriving from  certain countries  in South America or Africa.
• Proof of funds  for at least $100 USD per month of proposed stay.

Tourist stays up to 180 Days:  Authorities may permit stays up to 180 days without a visa but are not required to do so. Be sure to leave by your required date of departure. Immigration authorities may levy a fine on foreigners who overstay their visas. Even a short overstay may result in significant delays, deportation, and/or denial of entry to Costa Rica in the future.

Exit tax:   Check with your airline to see if the $29 USD exit tax was included in the cost of your ticket. For more information, visit the  Costa Rican Immigration Agency website.

Entry and Exit for Minor Children:  All children born in Costa Rica acquire Costa Rican citizenship at birth and must have an exit permit issued by  immigration authorities  in order to depart the country. Non-Costa Rican minor children who are ordinarily resident in Costa Rica may also be subject to this requirement. This is strictly enforced.

Though not required, parents traveling with minor children may consider carrying notarized consent for travel from the non-present parent. Parents of minors with Costa Rican citizenship should consult with  Costa Rican immigration authorities  prior to travel to Costa Rica.

Indebtedness:  If you owe money in Costa Rica, authorities may prevent you from leaving. This includes unsettled injury claims from vehicular accidents and unpaid medical bills. U.S. citizens owing child support in Costa Rica may be required to pay 13 months of support in advance before being allowed to leave Costa Rica.

Documentation Requirements:  Carry copies of identification and immigration status at all times. During routine checks for illegal immigrants, authorities may ask to see the original passport and papers.

Local authorities have the right to detain United States citizens until their identity and immigration status have been verified.

HIV/AIDS restrictions:  The United States Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Costa Rica.

Find information on  dual nationality,   prevention of international child abduction , and  customs information  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime: In areas frequented by tourists, including national parks, theft and pickpocketing are the most common crimes targeting United States citizen travelers. More violent crimes, including sexual assault and murders, have occurred. Armed assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.

Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach, in an unattended vehicle, or in an unlocked room. Even a locked vehicle in an area with parking attendants may be broken into. Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark. Maintain situational awareness and secure your valuables out of sight.

The Embassy is aware of reports of robbery of isolated rental properties. Research any rental homes to ensure they have adequate security and remember to properly secure all doors and windows.

See the Costa Rica Country Security Report (osac.gov) for an overview of crime in Costa Rica. For information about international financial scams, see the Department of State and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  United States citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the United States Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the United States Embassy at +506 2519-2000 or [email protected]. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Authorities will only investigate and prosecute a crime if the victim files a police report (denuncia). The Costa Rican Investigative Police (OIJ) is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes that occur in Costa Rica.

To file a police report : Visit the local office of the OIJ. You can find the closest location by calling 800-800-3000. The Tourist Police can also take reports at the following tourist destinations:

• Puerto Viejo
• El Coco See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

U.S. Embassy San Jose can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S .
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

A police report with a case number is necessary for case follow up, insurance claims, and waiving of rebooking fees on certain airlines. Check with airlines regarding their rebooking policies.

Beach Safety : Swimming areas at some popular beaches around Costa Rica can have dangerous rip currents. Some beaches lack lifeguards or warnings of unsafe conditions. United States citizens have died in Costa Rica due to these dangers. Check the Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) website, or with your hotel or relevant tour operator to request current information on local swimming and surf conditions. You can read more about staying safe on Costa Rican beaches in this ICT pamphlet, which is in English and Spanish . Please be aware that the Costa Rica Tourism Institute confirms that there are trained lifeguards at the following beaches:

Pacific Coast:

• Manuel Antonio Beach Caldera Beach
• Esterillos Oeste Beach
• Bahia Ballena Beach
• Ventanas Beach
• Tamarindo Beach

Caribbean Coast:

• Cocles Beach
• Manzanillo Beach
• Negra Beach (Limon)

The Oceanographic Information Module at the Center for Research in Marine Sciences of the University of Costa Rica provides public information regarding wind and wave forecasts, including warnings of hazardous conditions. You can learn more about the dangers of rip currents and how to avoid them from the NOAA National Weather Service's Rip Current webpage.

Do not dive into water of unknown depth. Do not swim alone, especially at isolated beaches. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while swimming.

Tourism : The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) website maintains a list of Certified Tour Guides . You can also find valuable tourism safety and security information for Costa Rica in these English and Spanish language pamphlets provided by ICT .

Adventure Sports:   Some tour operators take risks, and government regulation and oversight of firms that organize sporting activities may not always adhere to international standards and best practices. United States citizens have died in Costa Rica while participating in adventure sports. Use caution and common sense when engaging in ALL adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking, rappelling, climbing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, etc. Make sure your medical insurance covers your sport. See our section on Medical Insurance under “Health” below. The Ministry of Health maintains a list of authorized Adventure Sports operators.

Never participate in adventure sports alone. Always carry identification and let others know where you are at all times. Before kayaking and rafting, check river conditions and wear a life jacket and helmet. Even popular rafting locations such as the Rio Naranjo near Quepos can become extremely dangerous in flash flood conditions. When hiking, rappelling, or climbing, carry a first aid kit and know the location of the nearest rescue center. Observe all local or park regulations and exercise caution in unfamiliar surroundings.

Domestic Violence:  United States citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Students and Volunteers:  Violent assaults, rapes, and deaths have occurred involving students and volunteers. Ensure that your organization provides safety and security information on the area where you will stay. See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . To register complaints: Contact Costa Rica’s Tourism Commission  or by phone at 800-TURISMO from Costa Rica or 011-506-2299-5800 from the United States. Email:   [email protected]

Potential for Natural Disasters:  Costa Rica is in an active earthquake and volcanic zone.  

• Three volcanoes , two near San Jose and one in the northwest, have become more active in recent years. Ashfall due to volcanic eruptions from Turrialba can disrupt air traffic and cause or aggravate respiratory issues. Visitors should monitor and follow park service guidance and alerts regarding volcanic activity. Never attempt to climb or gain unauthorized access to an active volcano.
• Tsunamis  may occur following significant earthquakes.
• Flooding  occurs during the rainy season, typically from April until October, in the Caribbean Province of Limon and the Pacific Provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste.
• Flash floods and severe landslides  occur in many parts of Costa Rica, depending on the time of year and rainfall. Do not drive into water of unknown depths.

For information concerning disasters, see:

• U.S. Embassy Costa Rica website . The Embassy also sends out emergency information via e-mail, text, and/or Radio Dos (FM 99.5) or Radio Columbia (FM 98.7.)
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  provides general information about natural disaster preparedness 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information regarding disease.
• U.S. Geological Survey  provides updates on recent seismic and volcanic activity.

Additional information regarding volcanic activity and other natural disasters in Costa Rica may be obtained from the following Spanish-language Costa Rican websites:

• Costa Rican National Emergency Commission
• Costa Rican Volcanic and Seismic Observatory

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Strikes may affect transportation, fuel supplies, and other public services. Local law prohibits foreigners from participating in public demonstrations, and violators may be subject to detention or deportation.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Hiking : When visiting national parks, abide by signage and stick to marked trails. First responders have limited ability to locate missing persons in remote areas.

To hike in national parks, you must:

• Register with the park
• Obtain an entry permit
• Consider using a certified tour operator. The Costa Rican Tourist Institute (ICT) has contact information for Certified Tour Guides .

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules are regularly enforced. Inspections take place on a regular basis; however, some lapses may occur in businesses that are not properly registered. Hazardous areas or activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. Professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is available but may be delayed due to road and traffic conditions as well as physical distances. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. United States citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

The Embassy is aware of isolated reports of uniformed officers or impostors demanding a bribe. Should you be confronted for a bribe, do not argue. Note the name of the officer and any identifying numbers on the uniform or vehicle and report the incident by calling “ 911 .”

Ayahuasca/Kambo/Hallucinogens:  Traditional hallucinogens, often referred to as ayahuasca or kambo, are often marketed to travelers as part of a “ceremony” or “spiritual cleansing.” Such substances typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the United States and many other countries.

• Intoxicated travelers, including United States citizens, have been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances.
• Health risks associated with ayahuasca are not well understood, and, on occasion, United States citizens have suffered serious illness or death after taking these drugs.
• These incidents often occur in remote areas far away from modern medical facilities, increasing the risks.

Alcohol/Drugs:  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, including long jail sentences and heavy fines. The possession, purchase, and sale of marijuana and marijuana related products are illegal in Costa Rica

Prostitution/Sex Tourism:  Local law forbids promoting or facilitating the prostitution of another person. Local laws regarding human trafficking and child exploitation carry extremely harsh penalties, including large fines and significant jail time, including for first-time offenders.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the United States Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

The law permits pre-trial detention of persons accused of serious crimes. Due to overcrowding in local prisons, courts may instead use an “exit impediment.” Individuals subject to these measures cannot depart Costa Rica, must be able to support themselves, and must check in with judicial authorities on a regular basis. Defendants have the right to a public defender and an official translator for important hearings. 

Judicial Process:  Due to differences in legal systems and case backlogs, local criminal and civil judicial processes can move slower in comparison to their United States equivalents. Civil suits on average take over five years to resolve. Some United States firms and citizens have satisfactorily resolved their cases through the courts, while others have seen proceedings drawn out over a decade without a final ruling.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Costa Rica. See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Accessibility and accommodation are limited. Many buildings remain inaccessible and the Costa Rican Ombudsman’s Office has received several noncompliance reports regarding accessibility or malfunctioning of hydraulic wheelchair lifts for public transportation. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Residency:   United States citizens seeking to live or reside long-term in Costa Rica should consider seeking local legal counsel for guidance on the requirements to obtain  legal residency . Local authorities have imposed limited entry permits or deported United States citizens suspected of improperly using their tourist status to live in Costa Rica.

Real Estate:  Be extremely cautious when making real estate purchases or investments, consult with reputable legal counsel, and thoroughly review the contract. There is little the United States Embassy can do to assist United States citizens who enter into land or business disputes; you must be prepared to take your case to the local courts.

Civil archives recording land titles are at times incomplete or contradictory. Coastal land within 50 meters of the high tide line is open to the public and therefore closed to development. The next 150 meters inland (“Maritime Zone”) cannot be owned by foreign nationals. Land in this zone is administered by the local municipality. Expropriation of private land by the Costa Rican government without compensation considered adequate or prompt has affected some United States investors.

Property owners are encouraged to maintain security and access controls on any private property.   Organized squatter groups have invaded properties, taking advantage of legal provisions that allow people without land to gain title to unused property. Victims of squatters have reported threats, harassment, and violence.

Check the  Embassy’s website  for a list of local lawyers. 

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Costa Rica, dial  911 . 

• Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below United States standards. 
• Medical care in San Jose is generally adequate, but services can be limited in areas outside of San Jose. In remote areas, basic medical equipment may not be available. Ambulances may lack emergency equipment. 
• Most prescription and over-the-counter medications are available; however, some United States citizens travel regularly to the United States to fill prescriptions that are unavailable locally. Bring a supply of your medications and carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that United States Medicare/Medicaid does  not  apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do  not  accept United States health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on types of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• Costa Rican immigration authorities reserve the right to prevent departure of those international travelers with unpaid or disputed medical bills.
• The United States Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on our  Embassy website . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Costa Rican Ministry of Health  to ensure the medication is legal in Costa Rica. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Proof of yellow fever vaccination must be presented upon arrival for all passengers coming from  certain countries in South America or Africa .

Medical Tourism:  Confirm that: 

• Facilities and professionals will be able to provide an acceptable level of care 
• Your insurance will cover any associated or emergency costs 
• You understand the terms of payment and costs for treatment 

For clinics offering alternative medical treatments, thoroughly research these clinics and their providers. The Embassy has received reports of hospitalizations as a result of clients at so-called wellness centers undergoing medically unverified “alternative treatments.” 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. An air ambulance flight can cost $25,000 to $50,000 USD and will often take place only after payment has been received in full. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) 

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

  Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout Costa Rica but health care in rural areas may be below United States standards. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:  United States   citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling.
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Costa Rica. 
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Costa Rica. 
• Although Costa Rica has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Costa Rica, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified. 

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, be the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

• United States Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.
• Costa Rica does not allow the importation of most medications through the mail, even with a prescription. Travelers entering Costa Rica may carry personal medications with them and in suitcases, but also should carry a copy of the prescriptions. Medications should be in original packaging, and quantities should correspond to the prescription. Please review Costa Rica’s rules on importing medication at the  Ministry of Health website .

Alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill. There have been reports of individuals falling ill or dying after consuming alcohol tainted with methanol. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has advised any persons presenting health issues after consuming alcohol, such as severe vomiting, agitation, disorientation, blindness, or any other adverse reactions, to immediately call 911. Ministry of Health authorities are asking people to report any instances of the sale of unregulated alcohol or alcohol adulterated with methanol to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) confidential line at 800-8000-645, or by email to [email protected], or by calling the National Center for Intoxicants at 2223-1028 or 800-INTOXICA (4686-9422). Additionally, if you feel you have been the victim of unregulated alcohol or another serious health violation, you should notify the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in San Jose at +506-2519-2000. You may also contact the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  If you are considering traveling to Costa Rica to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Water Quality:  In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Adventure Travel:  Visit the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel . 

General Health Language:  The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• HIV/AIDS: Follow all standard procedures for protection against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
• Visit the UUnited States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Costa Rica

Air Quality:  The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

Travel and Transportation

The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) provides an English and Spanish language pamphlet with tips for safe driving in Costa Rica .

Road Conditions and Safety:  Take extra care when driving. Roads are often in poor condition, lack clearly marked lanes, and have narrow shoulders and large potholes. Signage can be inadequate. Visibility at intersections is often limited by hedges or other obstacles. 

• In the event of car trouble or a flat tire, look for a well-lit, populated area such as a gas station to pull over. Be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers, particularly in less populated areas.
• Main highways and principal roads in the major cities are paved, but some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not. Many destinations are accessible only with four-wheel drive vehicles with high ground clearance.
• Exercise extreme caution when driving across moving water, especially through riverbeds and over hanging bridges. Even a few inches of water could destabilize your vehicle.
• Landslides are common. Some roads, even those leading to major population centers, may be temporarily impassable during the rainy season. When staying outside of urban areas, call ahead to hotels regarding the current status of access roads.
• Avoid driving at night outside urban areas.  
• Expect traffic jams in and around San Jose.
• Motorcyclists often drive without respect to rules of the road, passing on the right, or weaving in and out without warning. Buses and cars frequently stop in travel lanes, even on expressways.

Bridges:  Bridges, even on heavily traveled roads, may be only a single lane. Rural roads sometimes lack bridges, compelling motorists to ford waterways. Do not drive through water.

Traffic Laws:   Drivers will need a valid passport and valid United States driver’s license or an international driving permit.

• Fines for routine traffic violations can be upwards of $500 USD.
• Laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way.
• In the event of a traffic accident, do not move the vehicle. Both the traffic police and an insurance investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles can be moved. Drivers using rental cars should clarify their company’s policy in the event of accidents. Rental companies may levy additional charges on drivers for failing to file a report.
• There is a high fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles or motorcycles. In the event of a traffic fatality, a judge must arrive at the scene to pronounce a person dead, which could take several hours. If there is an ongoing investigation of a vehicular accident resulting in death or injuries, you may not be allowed to leave the country for several months.

Public Transportation:  United States citizens have reported having items stolen while using public transportation across Costa Rica. United States citizens should take care to maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and should always keep bags and other personal items under their personal control. United States citizens are strongly discouraged from using public buses, where pickpocketing is common. United States citizens should take only licensed taxis or familiar ride share services and should never accept rides from unlicensed or “pirate” vehicles.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Costa Rica’s  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Unpaid traffic tickets:   United States   citizens have occasionally reported to the Embassy that charges for unpaid traffic tickets have appeared on the credit card that was on file with their rental car company. The Embassy cannot intervene in such cases.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Costa Rica’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Costa Rica should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Costa Rica was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Costa Rica . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Center for International Business Studies Blog

First Few Days in Costa Rica – Daniella Gonzales

2022 , Costa Rica , Costa Rica Business , Faculty-Led , Faculty-led and Field Trip Programs , Winter / January 7, 2022 by Mays Abroad

This is my first time out of the country and I couldn?t be happier to be learning and exploring Costa Rica. Stepping off the plane a few days ago has opened up my eyes to so many new experiences and taught me a lot about Costa Rican culture. This study abroad experience is unique because our class is staying with a family in Heredia and we are able to see what their life is like from day to day. One of my favorite parts about staying with a host family is being able to be fully immersed in the culture and forced to step out of my comfort zone by being in a non-English speaking home. Being with a family has allowed me to try many different foods and understand the type of diet Costa Ricans have. I quickly learned that almost every meal includes rice and beans including breakfast. For breakfast the rice and beans are mixed together whereas during dinner time, the two foods are separate on the plate. ?

After a few days here, I?ve settled into my home stay and have greatly enjoyed exploring Costa Rica. We spent one of the first days here learning Latin dances such as the merengue, salsa, and cumbia. The last few days we went zip lining, saw a beautiful waterfall, tried some of the most commonly eaten fruits, and even got to see a volcano. ? Aside from the incredible excursions, we had the chance to listen to a professor from Universidad Latina de Costa Rica who taught us about the power of understanding the human brain in order to market and attract specific types people. One thing that has stood out to me the most so far is that many Costa Ricans have masters degrees or doctorate degrees, but are working at tourist attractions. We were told not be surprised if a taxi or bus driver was also a doctor or lawyer. ?

The greatest difference I see within Costa Rica in comparison to the United States is how much they value their happiness. Costa Ricans live by the saying ?pura vida? which means pure life. Costa Ricans use this term as a greeting, a farewell, to express satisfaction or to say everything is ok. I?ve made many memories and gained so much knowledge the first few days and I?m looking forward to the rest of this experience. ?

Pros & Cons Of Living As An Expat In Costa Rica

C osta Rica is a country where adventure and affordability collide, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a new chapter in their lives.

With breathtaking natural scenery, stunning coastlines, and a culture that beckons you to go slow and relax, it’s unsurprising that more and more people are looking at living as an expat in Costa Rica, but it’s not a country for everyone.

While there are some big draws to moving to Costa Rica, there are also some drawbacks, which is why we’ve prepared this guide on the pros and cons of moving to Costa Rica as an expat, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

1. Easy to get residency

2. english is widely spoken, 3. affordable cost of living, 4. amazing nature and wildlife, 5. pura vida lifestyle, 6. commitment to sustainability, 7. excellent healthcare, 8. easy to make connections, 9. year round excellent weather, 1. too touristy, 2. too many expats, 3. not easy for kids, 5. not easy to get a work permit, final thoughts, the easy way to work and travel the world, pros of living as an expat in costa rica.

You might be wandering why people are considering Costa Rica as a destination to move to.

We aren’t strangers to taking risks and moving abroad , so we know the appeal of trying out a new city, or country, to spend your life in.

But for Costa Rica in Central America, there are many reasons why someone might consider it as a destination to settle. Here are some of the positive reasons to living in Costa Rica.

If you’re looking for a country where you could get permanent residency and buy real estate, then Costa Rica is a good option.

While you might want to test the waters before you settle down permanently, those who want the option of being able to own property can relax knowing that when the time comes, it’s easy.

To obtain permanent residency, you can look into getting pensionado (for retirees), rentista, or inversionista visas.

Each category has specific financial requirements and conditions, often involving a proof of stable income, investment in the country, or property ownership.

For instance, the inversionista visa allows individuals to qualify by investing at least $200,000 in a Costa Rican property or business.

It’s also easy to open a Costa Rican bank if you have the appropriate visa.

In Costa Rica, they speak Spanish, but English is widely spoken. If you have children, they can easily grow up being bilingual in both Spanish and English.

Families with kids to support can breathe a sigh of relief as Costa Rica has very low cost of living when compared to North America and Europe.

While cost of living varies depending on things like location and lifestyle choices, generally you can expect prices to be much lower for all things, including rent, bills, WiFi, food and groceries etc.

As a ball park, a single person’s monthly expenses typically range between $1,000 and $2,000, covering accommodation, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.

Meanwhile, a family of four may require $3,000 to $3,500 for comfortable living.

It’s a well known fact that Costa Rica has amazing stunning beaches, natural beauty, and wildlife. Although it’s a popular travel destination, Costa Rica’s nature is still wild, untamed and rugged, and we found some of the best beaches in the Southern zone of Costa Rica.

It’s also a place where the wildlife is really rampant. I hope it stays that way.

When we were in New Zealand we dreamed of seeing toucans, and in Costa Rica, we had them in our garden every day.

Toucans weren’t the only creature we shared our lives with. We had everything from monkeys and pizote (coati) in our trees to hummingbirds or scorpions in the house and even bats in our toilet. It was quite an experience for the whole family.

Costa Rica’s rich culture is an irresistible perk that attracts people to living here. They follow a “pura vida” philosophy, which essentially means “pure life” in Spanish.

Costa Ricans love to embrace everything that’s good for the mind, body and soul. There’s this relaxing vibe everywhere you go, and the people are so welcoming and happy, it feeds off on you.

Following on from the pura visa mindset is sustainability. Because Costa Ricans value everything that’s pure, this also transpires into the environment.

Many of the country’s businesses and homes operate in a sustainable fashion. You’ll find solar energy is commonly used here as a form of electricity, and everyone recycles and reuses items to reduce waste.

From resorts to cafes to schools, sustainability and environmental conservation has been embedded in the culture of Costa Rica for quite some time. We could all take a leaf out of a Costa Rican’s book!

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and even ranks as number 36 by the World Health Organization (WHO), and number 20 by the United Nations.

This puts it above the United States in terms of quality and service.

While we were once glad to be the only expats in town, we realized that wasn’t fair on our kids.

We were happy to send them to a local school and immerse them in the local culture and language, but we also thought they needed other English speaking kids to hang out with.

So, in the end, having expat communities nearby in Costa Rica helped us make our Central American experience a success for the whole family. If our kids were happy, we were too.

There were no shortage of expats in Costa Rica, which made it really easy to find likeminded people with similar cultures and mindsets to us, and we made friends with other families easily.

Costa Rica has a wonderful climate year round. It’s a warm, tropical climate with two seasons, the dry season and rainy season.

With temperatures typically ranging from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, you’ll find there is no day of the year where you’ll need warm clothing.

The dry season, from December to March, is filled with sunny days, while April – November is considered the rainy season.

Cons Of Living As An Expat in Costa Rica

As with all great things, there are some downsides. Here are some of the cons of living as an expat in Costa Rica…

Costa Rica has grown in popularity as a tourist destination, which has sparked debates about its “touristy” nature.

The influx of visitors, particularly to well-known attractions like Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park, has led to overcrowding and commercialization.

This surge in tourism has also contributed to rising prices, impacting the affordability of the travel experiences and tours for both locals and foreigners, too.

The influx of expats in Costa Rica can be a good thing and a bad thing. The downside is that the presence of expats tends to increase the price of accommodation, and in some cases gentrification, impacting local access to affordable housing.

It also takes away from the authenticity of the place, when you bump into other expats while out shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables at the local market.

As an expat, you’ll always feel somewhat of an outsider and will never be considered ticos (a term used by the locals to talk about themselves), which may also take away from the experience.

Living in Costa Rica as an expat child can have many benefits, such as immersion into the country’s traditions, languages, and experiences, but it also presents some challenges.

Unless kids attend an international school, there may be the possibility that they feel like an outcast because they come from a different culture and background from the other kids.

The bonus is that schools are free in Costa Rica, even international schools, so as long as you find a good school with other expat kids, this is something to consider.

Central America doesn’t have a great reputation for safety, and Costa Rica also doesn’t have a great reputation for safety – though generally tourists are safe as long as they stay on the tourist path.

While violent crime against is rare, petty theft such as pickpocketing and mugging is still an issue. The murder rate in Costa Rica was 11.5 per 100,000 people as of 2021, which is higher than that of the United States.

Do remember that the size of Costa Rica is much smaller, and therefore those numbers are going to seem far more scary because of this, but the fact is crime is usually isolated and not usually targeted at tourists.

The majority of the violence is linked to territorial disputes between local drug gangs, and because of this isolation, the overall crime rate is categorized as moderate.

It’s generally safe for expats in Costa Rica but you should always remain vigilant, especially regarding belongings.

If you want to get a job in Costa Rica, it’s not easy to get a work permit unless you can demonstrate you have the skills to do a job that a local cannot.

The good news is that there are now digital nomad visas, so if you work remotely, you can work under this visa.

To make it easier, you can also join a work or study abroad program through Global Work & Travel in Costa Rica. Click here to learn more and use the discount below when you’re ready to start.

 Global Work & Travel is the youth travel platform that connects travelers with opportunities to work & fund their travels abroad through cultural exchange experiences like working holiday, volunteering, au pair, study abroad, teaching and internships.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Just for our readers: $100 off your trip (whatever your currency) You must use the code: YTRAVEL

Eventually we packed our bags and waved adios to the tree frogs and toucans of Costa Rica and moved to Queensland, Australia , which was always plan B.

It wasn’t because there was anything wrong with our life in Costa Rica, we loved it, and would say we had a high quality of life, but as our kids got older we knew they had different needs and missed some of the comforts from back home.

While part of me still yearns for the adventure and excitement of Costa Rica, the other half rejoices that my kids go to a good school and are settled.

I’d love to go back to Costa Rica one day. In fact, I’d do it all over again! Who knows, maybe when the kids have left school, we will.

Don’t forget to check off these best things to do in Costa Rica when you arrive!

Bio: Annabel Candy was born in England but escaped as soon as she could to live in France, the USA, Laos, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Costa Rica. She now calls Australia home and spends many long hours bashing the keyboard, sharing travel stories at Get In the Hot Spot and blogging tips at Successful Blogging.

Have you ever moved somewhere you’ve never been before? Does living in Costa Rica sound like a good spot for you? Let us know in the comments.

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Need suggestions for 7 days between June 9th and June 17th - Costa Rica Forum

• Central America    
• Costa Rica    

Need suggestions for 7 days between June 9th and June 17th

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We are a couple in our 50s travelling to CR in June, not fluent in Spanish. We will spend the first 3 days in San José on work related duties, and then take a week to travel. We are flying in on the 5th and out on the 17th from SJ airport. We are not big on bars, adventures like ziplining and areas with big crowds. We like hiking (we are not extremely fit but no potato couch types either).

Would it be best to rent a car , or can we easily find transport services we can hire in between locations once we have settled on hotels? Finally, is it worth to try and include MA in that timeframe? Or another place? Can we do all this is from June 9th to June 16th (we are flying out of San José early on the 17th.) If we head to MA in our last few days before, were would be the best place to sleep for the last night? Or would it be best to do the circle the other way around, from SJ to MA, and then from MA up North.

Thanks a lot for your help!

7 replies to this topic

We like driving, but you can arrange transfers between locations. Where you stay your last night depends upon flight time. If you depart before 1 PM I’d stay in Alajuela the night before flying home.

You do not necessarily need to rent a car . There are other transfer options.

Thanks! Which beach on the Pacific coast would you suggest?

Thank you. Which other transfer options would you suggest? Hiring a driver? bus? taxi?

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• I hear Easter time - Holy Week is a busy time in Costa Rica. What should we expect?
• I want to bring home coffee. What should I buy? Where should I buy it?
• Dental Tourism - recommendations and advice
• How do I spend my time seeing what I want to to see instead of wasting it?
• Is there a Farmers Market near where I am staying?
• What are some memorable moments for travellers to Costa Rica?
• What 5 items are indispensable to you when traveling in Costa Rica?
• I have questions about staying at the Riu--is this the right place to ask them?