Costa Rica is the ideal tropical paradise offering the visitor a smorgasbord of holiday options. From Caribbean and Pacific
Costa Rica has an incredibly varied topography offering the visitor a broad range of scenery to explore and experience. With its staggering beauty and a seductive relaxed
Where is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located in Central America with the north of the country bordering Nicaragua and the southeast bordering Panama. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the east.
History of Costa Rica
With the notable exception of a civil war in 1948, Costa Rica has enjoyed peace and a steady growth in prosperity throughout the 20th century. It is the only country in the region to have abolished the national army. One of the most prominent political figures has been current President Oscar Arias Sanchez, who has successfully brought warring parties in Central America to the negotiating table.
Costa Rica Visa Requirements
Citizens from most countries do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and Ireland and Canada. Visitors from visa exempt countries are required to have a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of arrival into the country. Travellers who require a visa must have passports valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival. At all times visitors must carry their passports on them during their stay in Costa Rica.
If travelling to Costa Rica via the United States of America or other US points of entry you will be required to follow US entry/exit requirements. It is advised to check with the nearest Consulate or US Embassy before you travel to check border entry procedures.
There is a departure tax of US$26 (or equivalent in local currency) which is payable when leaving the country. This is usually included in the price of the airline ticket but its wise to confirm this with your airline.
As entry requirements may change from time to time it is strongly advised that you check with the department of foreign affairs or your local consulate or embassy for the current requirements.
Here is a list of phone numbers for some of Costa Rica’s foreign embassies:
Australia – Sydney: +61 2 9261 1177
UK – London: +44 207 168-7548
US – Washington: +1 202 234-2945
Canada – Ottawa: +1 613-562-2855
There is currently no English version of the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs website so you will need to translate it (via google etc) or call your local embassy or consulate.
Costa Rica Travel Health
Recommended immmunisations for travel to Costa Rica are Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid
What is Costa Rica Local Currency?
The local currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. Notes are in denominations of ₡10,000
What is Costa Rica’s Weather?
Costa Rica has subtropical climate as other cribbean country.
Culture of Costa Rica
What Languages Are Spoken In Costa Rica?
The main language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish however English is widely used in all
Costa Rica Transport Options
The main international airports in Costa Rica are Juan Santamaria (SJO)
Costa Rica Travel Tips
Drug use is illegal in Costa Rica and can carry heavy penalties including long prison
Costa Rica Local Food
The food in Costa Rica is simple and wholesome with restaurants in towns and cities
Costa Rica Local Timezones
Costa Rica Standard Time is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (UTC-6)
Costa Rica Dutyfree Limits
The following goods may be imported into Costa Rica without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g Tobacco 5L of Alcoholic beverage.
