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Getting To Costa Rica


By Air

Located in the middle of Central America, Costa Rica is easy to reach. Most major international carriers conveniently serve San Jose, the capital city. You can also fly directly to the Guanacaste Region.

From the US
The largest gateways for flights to Costa Rica are Miami and Houston, with other flights originating from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, L.A., New York, Newark, and Washington, D.C. Basic round-trip fares to San José, Costa Rica range from US$500-1200. Standard commercial carriers like American, Continental, and United offer the most convenient flights, but might not be the cheapest, unless you grab a special promotion or airfare war ticket. Charter flights sometimes run from Canada, but scheduled flights are routed through the US. You might find cheaper fares by flying on a Latin American airline like Lacsa, Taca, Copa, or MartinAir. Otherwise, check online or consult a travel agent about discount airfares.

From Canada
Air Canada has a direct flight once per week from Toronto.

From Europe
British Airways flies from London to San José. Iberia flies from Spain with direct connections to San José. Alitalia flies from Italy to Miami, Caracas, and Santo Domingo, and Taca provides passengers with a connecting flight. LTU provides services from Germany.

Domestic Airlines

SANSA at www.flysansa.com (506)221-9414
Nature Air at www.natureair.net (506) 220-3054

Ocean Travel

Numerous cruise lines call at Costa Rican ports, including Holland America, Costa, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Carnival, Radisson and more.

Entry Requirements

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany dependencies, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Czech Republic and Uruguay.

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:
Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, The Vatican, Venezuela, Estonia and Monaco.

Citizens of all countries not listed above are required a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.

Custom regulations

No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes a series of items for personal, professional, non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs declarations declaring the value of any item in their possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by- products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration for all members residing in the same household and traveling together to Costa Rica.

Check Airline Schedules and Rates


Costa Rica At A Glance

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Costa Rica Flag


Language: Spanish (official), English

Government: Democratic republic

Capital: San Jose

Size: total: 51,100 sq km, coastline: 1,290 km

Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Electricity: Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs.

Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)

Driving: You are allowed to drive with your normal drivers license for three months.

Rentals: Many international and local companies are found throughout the country.

 

Rates & Services Listed are Subject to Change
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