ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket.  Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizens to stay up to ninety days; to stay beyond the period granted, travelers must submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration.  Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, and extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  There is a departure tax for short-term visitors.  Tourists who stay over ninety days may experience a delay at the airport when departing.  Persons who overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.

Costa Rican immigration authorities permit tourists to carry photocopies of the passport data page and Costa Rican entry stamp on their persons, leaving the original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place.  Due to the high incidence of theft of passports, travelers who carry their passports are urged to place them securely in an inside pocket, and to keep a copy of the passport data page in a separate place.

The most authoritative and up-to-date information on Costa Rican entry and exit requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2112 “S” Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-6628, fax (202) 234-6950, website http://www.costarica-embassy.org, or from the Costa Rican consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Francisco, and Tampa. The Costa Rican immigration agency maintains a website at: http://www.migracion.go.cr.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington or one of Costa Rica's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements before shipping any items.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in San Jose is adequate, but may be more limited in areas outside of San Jose.  Travelers may also find most prescription and over-the-counter medications available in San Jose.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  A list of local doctors and medical facilities can be found at the website of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, at http://usembassy.or.cr.  An ambulance may be summoned by calling 911.  The best-equipped ambulances are called “unidad avanzada.”

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Costa Rica are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Costa Rica.   Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located in Pavas, San Jose, and may be reached at (506) 519-2000; the extension for the Consular Section is 2453.  The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays.  Those seeking information are strongly encouraged to utilize the embassy website: http://sanjose.usembassy.gov, and can email consularsanjose@state.gov with any questions/concerns.  For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer.