Immigration & arrival

Have proof of a return or onward ticket accessible before check-in and immigration. Keep your first-night address and accommodation confirmation with it, not buried in an email you can only open with Wi-Fi. Requirements vary with your passport and circumstances; confirm the current rules with the airline and Costa Rican immigration before travel.

Eligible visitors may receive up to 180 days, but that is not a promise. The officer determines your authorized stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter; ask if the handwriting or date is unclear. Record the actual departure deadline rather than calculating from the maximum you hoped to receive.

• Choose an onward date that fits the stay you are requesting and your actual plans; a later ticket does not guarantee more days.
• Jules has suggested onwardticket.com as a cost-effective option to investigate. Check the reservation’s validity window and whether your airline and immigration will accept it; do not assume a temporary reservation satisfies every requirement.
• Save offline copies of tickets, passport identification page, insurance and first-night details. Keep originals secure and separate from backup copies.

Check current official entry rules before travelling. Tourist entry is not residency or permission to work.