Costa Rica Entry Requirements for 2026: Everything International Travelers Need to Know

The straightforward guide to Costa Rica visas and entry rules

Key Takeaways

Costa Rica has no Covid-19 entry requirements in 2026.
All travelers need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket dated within 90 days of arrival.
Most nationalities do not need a visa including citizens of the US, UK, Canada, EU and Australia.
Travel insurance is no longer mandatory but is strongly recommended, especially for remote destinations like Drake Bay.
Drake Bay is accessible via a 50-minute domestic flight from San José or via Palmar Sur and a boat transfer along the Sierpe River.

If you’ve been putting off planning your Costa Rica trip because of confusing entry rules, this blog breaks down one’s for you. Last verified June 2026.

All Covid-19 restrictions were permanently removed on April 1, 2022.

What Are the Entry Requirements for Costa Rica in 2026?

To enter Costa Rica in 2026, international tourists need:

A valid passport (valid for the full duration of your stay.)
An onward or return ticket (dated within 90 days of your arrival date.)
Proof of funds (required – minimum USD $100 per month of stay)
A tourist visa (certain nationalities only).
Yellow Fever Certificate (required only if arriving from an endemic risk)

Do US, UK, Canadian, Or EU Citizens Need A Visa For Costa Rica?

No. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica.

While these nationalities are visa-exempt, Costa Rica officially expanded the maximum automatic tourist stay to up to 180 days.

When you arrive, the immigration officer will issue an entry stamp in your passport. This stamp is the final authority on your legal duration of stay. The exact number of days granted typically aligns with the date on your return or onward ticket, up to that 180-day limit.

Some nationalities do require a visa arranged in advance. Countries that require a restricted visa include:

Azerbaijan	Cuba	Haiti	North Korea
Bangladesh	Eritrea	Iran	Somalia
Cameroon	Ethiopia	Iraq	Sri Lanka
China	Ghana	Jamaica	Syria

Note: Travelers from these countries are usually granted an initial stay of up to 30 days. Visas must be arranged through the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate before booking travel.

What Is The Onward Ticket Requirement In Costa Rica?

Costa Rica requires all non-resident visitors to carry proof of onward travel. This is a return flight or an outbound ticket dated within 90 days of arrival.

This rule applies at all entry points, including airports and land borders.

Are There Covid-19 Requirements To Enter Costa Rica in 2026?

No. Costa Rica has no Covid-19 entry requirements as of 2026. The following have all been permanently removed:

Covid-19 PCR or antigen test
Proof of vaccination
Health declaration form
QR code or health pass
Mandatory quarantine
Mandatory travel insurance

Costa Rica’s national health emergency ended on April 1, 2022. No pandemic-era restrictions have been reinstated.

Is Travel Insurance Required For Costa Rica?

Travel insurance is no longer a legal entry requirement for Costa Rica. It was made mandatory during the Covid-19 period but was removed when restrictions lifted in April 2022.

That said, travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for visitors travelling to Costa Rica.

The US State Department and the Government of Canada both recommend comprehensive travel insurance when traveling to Costa Rica.

How Much Cash Can You Bring Into Costa Rica?

Travelers entering or leaving Costa Rica with the equivalent of USD $10,000 or more in cash, securities, or other currencies are legally required to declare it at customs.

Declaration forms are available at immigration. Undeclared amounts above this threshold may be confiscated.

Quick Reference: Costa Rica Entry Requirements 2026

Requirement	Status
Valid passport	Required
Onward / return ticket (within 90 days)	Required
Tourist visa	Tourist visa
Required for select nationalities	Tourist visa
Tourist visa	Tourist visa

Before You Fly: Costa Rica Travel Checklist

International Flight: Confirmed flight into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR).
Domestic Flight to Drake Bay (DRK): Booked via Sansa Airlines (the primary scheduled commercial carrier to the Osa Peninsula).
Boat Transfer Alternative: If traveling by land, ensure your flight to Palmar Sur and your boat captain out of the Sierpe River dock are coordinated to match the standard morning or afternoon river departure times.
Remote Security Tip: Keep a physical photocopy or an offline digital screenshot of your passport photo page and your fresh Costa Rican entry stamp. Local authorities and park rangers in remote areas like Corcovado National Park frequently check these for compliance.