If you’ve never visited Costa Rica before, this post will tell you exactly what to expect when going through customs and immigration in San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport.
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What to Know About Going Through Customs and Immigration in San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport
Costa Rica has 2 international airports: San Jose International Airport in Alajuela (near San Jose) and Guanacaste Airport (formerly named Liberia International Airport) in Liberia, Guanacaste.
It doesn’t matter which one you’re flying into, the process for immigration and customs in San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport are exactly the same.
This post will tell you what it’s like to go through immigration and customs at both airports so you know what to expect.
Also remember that immigration is for people, customs is for luggage.
Flying Into Costa Rica
Things have gotten very easy when it comes to immigration and customs in Costa Rica. They no longer give out forms for customs and immigration.
After deplaning, you will first go through immigration and then customs.
Going Through Immigration in San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport in Costa Rica
Once you get off the plane, follow the markers to immigration which you will go through first (foreign passports).
Just a side note, there is a bathroom in the immigration area with 4 stalls and immigration has air conditioning. There are also bathrooms in baggage claim and in the main terminal of the airports on either end.
Families go through immigration together. Spouses go together and if you’re traveling with friends, normally they will ask each adult to go separately.
When your turn is called, go up to the desk to go through immigration.
What the Officer Will Ask You
First, hand your passport to the immigration officer. They will scan it and look at your picture.
Then they will ask you for the following:
Your passport. Must be valid, original and not expiring during your time in Costa Rica.
Your lodging information. Usually they want to know your first destination and your first hotel you’re staying at. If you’re staying at an Airbnb, tell them the location and that it’s an Airbnb.
Your return itinerary out of Costa Rica. You must present proof of exit within 180 days if you are in Group 1 (and if you want a 180 day tourist visa). Immigration is getting more strict so have this ready to show. This is your airplane ticket (best proof) out of Costa Rica. You can print it out or show it to them on your phone.
If you do not show a plane ticket out of Costa Rica in 180 days, the officer may give you 90 days or even for the number of days until your flight out. Even though the tourist visa for Group 1 countries is valid for up to 180 days, it is at the discretion of the officer for how many days they want to give you.
You can answer in English. All officers speak basic English and are very used to tourists.
Tourist Visas
***Some officers do not stamp passports anymore…but if you are renting a car, you will need the stamp to show as a tourist visa and for how many days you are valid to be in the country. If the officer doesn’t stamp your passport for some reason, ask them to and make sure they also write how many days your tourist stamp is valid for. Foreigners can only legally drive for however many days their tourist visa is valid for (how many days written in your passport).****
After they’ve asked you all the questions, the officer will stamp your passport. In the stamp, they will write how many days your tourist visa is valid for.
This is equal to how many days you can legally stay in Costa Rica. They’ll hand your passport back to you and you’re clear with immigration.
Tip: I like to check my immigration stamp when I’m waiting for my luggage. One time, my immigration officer forgot to write in how many days my visa was valid for because she was on the phone and I had to go back to immigration in order for her to fill it in. Luckily I checked it while I was in baggage claim.
Now you need to pick up your luggage if you have any checked luggage and clear customs.
Baggage Claim and Customs
After you finish immigration, you will go to baggage claim which are through the double doors. There aren’t that many carousels so you’ll easily be able to find yours.
Pick up all your luggage (they have free carts if you need them) and take them to the luggage scanners which is the customs.
Now you will go through customs. Go to any line and put ALL your luggage, backpacks, bags, purses and carry ons to be scanned.
Everything you are carrying needs to be put in the scanner except for duty free bags if you just purchased anything in the Costa Rican duty free store after immigration.
Go around the other side, pick up your luggage and then you’re free! If you happen to get stopped by the custom officer, pick up your luggage and bring it over to the side where they can examine it.
I have been stopped three times. Once when I brought down two computer towers, another time they confiscated some food (I had leftover dried fruit from the flight) and another time when I brought down some shower heads which they didn’t confiscate.
If you’re moving here or if you live here: I’ve brought down a ton of stuff to Costa Rica including Roombas, dog treats, dog toys, cameras, drones, faucets, shower heads, laptops, car side view mirrors, and all sorts of stuff. Make sure you pack them without tags and wrap them carefully with clothes.
Exit
You’ll exit through a pair of swinging doors (the ones that say, no going back beyond this point) and be out in the airport.
At San Jose International Airport, you will exit to the outside. You will see all the drivers, taxis, tour companies and guides waiting to your right. You may need to walk down the sidewalk a bit to find your person.
At Guanacaste Airport, you will exit into the actual airport terminal. Mostly everyone is waiting outside straight ahead.
How Long Does it Take to Go Through Customs and Immigration in San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport?
How long it takes for you to go through customs and immigration in San Jose Airport and Guanacaste Airport depends on when you are flying into Costa Rica and the time you land.
San Jose International Airport takes much longer than Guanacaste Airport, especially if you are landing during the day on Friday-Monday during high season (December through April. July is also very busy).
Pack your patience because it may take at least an hour or so to get through the lines, could be even more in February and March.
Noon to mid afternoon is the busiest time at the airports as multiple flights land at the same time.
For Guanacaste Airport, it’s always been faster because there aren’t as many flights. However, it can still take 30 minutes to an hour if you are landing during the high tourism months anytime from 11 AM to 2 PM as many flights arrive between those hours.
Pack your patience if you are landing at either airports during Christmas, New Years, Spring Break, Holy Week or North American summer vacation months.
To see what it’s like to go through customs and immigration in San Jose and Guanacaste Airport, you can watch the following Youtube videos. These videos are for our Costa Rica car rental discount so you’ll see where to meet the Adobe Car rental agent.
San Jose International Airport
Money Exchange, Duty Free, Car Rentals, Etc.
You can find money exchanges and duty free at both airports after immigration. Below is the money exchange and duty free at Guanacaste Airport. Still open at 730 PM.
Hint: we do not recommend exchanging money at the airport. They give an extremely poor rate. You can use your credit card and USD until you can go to a bank to exchange money which will give the best rates.
If you really want to get some local currency right away, just exchange a little amount like $20 USD or so first until you can go to the bank. You can also get local currency at supermarkets if you pay in USD – they will give change back in CRC.
Read more about handling money in Costa Rica here.
The money exchange, SIM card stand and duty free are in baggage claim at San Jose International Airport. SIM card stand by baggage claim 5 at SJO Airport.
You will also see car rental companies at baggage claim at both airports. This is where you check in, if you already have a reservation with them.
Learn about car rentals at Guanacaste Airport.
And that’s it! See, isn’t that easy? Nothing to worry about! That is all you need to know about going through customs and immigration in San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport for a stress free arrival.
Read more Costa Rica travel tips below!
What to know about grocery shopping in Costa Rica
15 things to know about Costa Rica before you visit
10 mistakes to avoid in Costa Rica
Common scams and how to avoid them in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
George says
Waht about leaving CR for the US?
Sammi says
You don’t go through customs or immigration in Costa Rica when you are leaving. You will when you land in the USA.
SJ says
Thanks for this information! Very useful. I’m traveling there tomorrow and would like to know if there is a link to their customs and immigration form.
Sammi says
The form is no longer required, you’ll answer the questions at the window when you pass through immigration
Mary says
Can I take meat into the country?
yeison says
Hello Mary,
As far as I know, you can’t simply bring raw meat into the country in your checked luggage. However, if you are planning to import meats into the country, I would recommend getting in touch with a cargo company. They will be able to provide you with a list of all the necessary permits and certifications you need.
We even had a bag of rice confiscated at customs once when we bought it from a supermarket in Thailand.
If the meat has been processed like dried, like beef jerky, it is OK to bring in your checked luggage but as far as we know, not raw meat. I’ve heard of some people “sneaking” raw meat in their luggage by freezing it and putting it in a cooler, but customs can perfectly confiscate it, one of our friends saw someone getting a whole raw chicken confiscated at customs.
Jc says
We are visiting over Thanksgiving. Can we bring. Precooked/frozen Ham with us?
Sammi says
There are many restaurants that do Thanksgiving here in the touristic destinations and you can buy ham here.
Daniela Braun says
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! We now use it a lot to get infos about our upcoming Costa Rica trip ! – My question: What time should I write in the form for the Adobe car rental (airport pick up)? Maybe about one hour after arrival time, or the exact arrival time? Thank you and warm regards
Sammi says
Hi Daniela, we’re happy the blog is helpful. We ask to put in the time of your flight arrival time and also include your flight information. Your contact won’t start until you pick up the car and sign the paperwork but Adobe needs to know your flight information including arrival time.
Jenn says
Thank you for all of this wonderful information!
My in-laws are arriving 20 minutes before us. Is there space for them to wait for us before or right after immigration?
Gracias!
Sammi says
Yes, they can wait for you in baggage claim which is right after immigration.
Jen says
I would like to be able to bring some snacks from home for the flights and long car ride travel days between destinations. Am I able to bring packaged jerky, pepperoni sticks, dried fruit and/or nuts from the US into Costa Rica through customs?
Sammi says
No fruit and usually no nuts but the nuts can depend on the officer because I’ve brought in granola bars with nuts but they’ve taken away my mixed nuts like trail mix before… I’ve never brought jerky or pepperoni sticks since I don’t eat those but I’ve brought lots of dog treats along that line and that passed fine.
Allison says
I will be traveling into CR for the first time this August. Because of the country I am traveling in from, I have to book a with a different airline from SJO to LIR (will probably use Sansa). Have you had the experience of transferring from one airline to another in SJO? If so, what does that look like? After customs and baggage claim, do I exit and re-enter after checking in or is there a different process?
Thanks
Sammi says
There is a separate terminal for domestic flights (Sansa, Green, etc.) so you need to go through immigration and customs at SJO Airport, then go to the domestic terminal to check into your local flight. You can read our guide here: Domestic flights
Kimberly Kelly says
What about at the Liberia airport? Is Sansa airlines terminal near arrivals? Or do you have to go out and back in somewhere else? Thanks!
Sammi says
The local airlines like Sansa go into the same terminal at the Guanacaste Airport, they don’t have a separate terminal like they do in San Jose so international and domestic are at Guanacaste Airport
Lora Premo says
How much money do we need to present at immigration? Embassy says $100 a week (we are staying 8 days) but a CR law website claims $2000 apiece!!! Can you tell us? No one wants to carry thousands in cash. We have plenty of money in the bank I can show on an app. What is your advice?
Sammi says
On the Visit Costa Rica tourism board website, they say Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
However…I have never been asked for proof of funds, not even during COVID and I don’t know anyone who has either. I guess the agents are technically allowed to ask the foreigners for proof of it but I have honestly never heard of anyone being asked.
Emily says
Greetings, So excited to be traveling to CR very soon for first time. I am curious about time returning to SJO. Our hotel said we needed to arrive two hours early for an international flight- but you seem to suggest more. Will two hours suffice or should I shift our shuttle time to give us more time? We are not returning a car or checking any bags.
Sammi says
It depends on what time of year you are traveling, but generally now the rule of thumb is 3 hours before an international flight during high season.
LMR says
I am bringing two new shower systems down for my daughter who is building a new house. (Shower heads, valves, handles etc. ) What I have read, is that if they are out of the boxes then they don’t have to be declared? The value is around $2K US.
Can someone please verify?
Sammi says
I brought down 2 shower systems and 4 sinks in my luggage however I did get called aside even though they were all out of the boxes, no tags, wrapped in clothes and plastic bags as customs noticed them right away on the scanner. Luckily I had packed a very very old shower system in there with the new ones and the agent pulled out only the super 30+ year old one, looked at it and sent me on my way right away since they saw how old it is. It is always up to the customs agents if they decide to pull you over to check your luggage. Probably cause I was bringing 6 different sink/shower systems but for two, try to pack them in separate luggages wrapped well, tags off, none of the original packaging or anything.
Jamie Waplington says
Hi guys, thank you so much for the great site. I havent yet decided on my lenght of stay or return itinerary yet (considering exploring work (EFL teacher) and some countries to the north), and was wondering if explaining that to customs would suffice? If not could you suggest any good bus companies that travel to Nicaragua/ Pamama? Greatful for any advice… Thank you!
Sammi says
For immigration at the airports, they’ll want to see a planet ticket out. I haven’t really heard of anyone being able to use a bus ticket lately, maybe before COVID but lately they’ve been getting more strict so it’ll all be up to the immigration officers mercy if they will accept a bus ticket or not
Kathy says
You mention a four stall restroom in immigration. Is that in Guanacaste airport? Thank you.
Sammi says
Yes there are bathrooms (I believe 3 stalls) in immigration in the Guanacaste Airport, they are to the left hand side right when you go down the stairs. In baggage claim, there is only one bathroom per gender so usually it’s a longer long and there is no AC in baggage claim so I prefer to go to the immigration bathrooms.
Donna says
Hi,
This is our first trip to Costa Rica and we are wondering if we can take gluten free bread and crackers, homemade muffins, and packaged cheese. I’ve been reading conflicting information on various sites.
Sammi says
If you mean take in on the plane, I believe you can but best in check in. I’ve brought in cakes, bread, jerky, pastries before (not cheese since I don’t eat cheese but I have heard people bring cheese before)
Jane says
Hola. Senior citizen (75) first time visit 5 days from USA. So excited. Carryon/personal item with packaged snacks. Doing 2 long all day tours & rest is local sights. Can I Uber from SJO to downtown Balmoral hotel? What time to leave for flight home at noon on a Saturday (11/4)? Gracias for the great information you provide.
Sammi says
Yes there are lots of Ubers in San Jose and around the airport. You need to be at the airport at least 3 hours for international flights.
Kc says
Thank you for your article, im going solo to CR and its nice to have an idea of what to expect. Helps settle the nerves…
Viviana says
Hi! we are traveling to costa rica in a few days, our flight arrives at 8:33 am SJO airport and I booked my car rental (with Adobe thanks to you guys) at 9:00 am pickup, will they wait for me if I take longer at Customs and Immigration, I didn’t consider the time that it would take since I wasn’t aware of their procedure after arrival.
Sammi says
Hi Viviana, yes no problem, the Adobe agent will wait for you outside the airport terminal exit until you complete immigration and customs. We’ve already sent you the welcome email with more information about this
Tonya Norman says
You have been a lifesaver for us. We are visiting CR for 11 days on March 1st. We have booked a few VRBOs and Hotels along with renting our own car for the adventure. My worry is that our return flight has been booked very early in the morning leaving at 7:30. Will customs be open that early? I believe we would need to arrive around 430 am, correct?
Sammi says
Yes the airport is open at that time, there are several flights departing early. Also be aware customs is for luggage, immigration is for people.
Arlene Cunningham says
Hi,I am traveling with my cat to Costa Rica. I have all the proper paperwork- but do you know the process? Also, I have global entry. Can I bring dry cat food with me in my suitcase?
Sammi says
You need to have all your paperwork and present it when asked, and make sure you check the requirements for when your cat is on the plane, etc.
I think you can bring cat food in your suitcase with you, I have heard some people bring a little bit (dry).
Shuting says
Hi Sammy! Thank you for your post!
I’m a solo traveler entertaining the idea of going to CR for lafortuna and monteverde for a total of 5 days to escape the mid-december weather in Toronto.
This would be my first time going there and I couldn’t seem to decide how much time should I leave for the shuttle commute from Liberia airport to la fortuna. I’m looking at a flight that lands in Liberia at 12:30 PM (Dec 15, Thu) and there’s a Tropical Tours Shuttle leaving Liberia to any hotel in la fortuna at 9:30 AM and 3 PM daily. I’d only have a carry on. Do you think this leaves enough time? There seems to be not many shuttle options (twice per day) based o my research, so I’m also wondering if there’s a plan B if I couldn’t catch the 3 PM shuttle. Idealy, I’d like to not drive.
Again, thank you for your information!
Sammi says
the 3 PM will probably work as long as you don’t have any flight delays and you can get up to the front of the immigration line since noon is when like 4 or 5 flights arrive at the same time so immigration and customs takes longer. Unfortunately there aren’t many options – if you miss that shuttle, you will need to stay a night there and then get the AM one the next day. Your next best option is a private shuttle as they will wait for you whenever you finish immigration and they will wait for you directly at the airport.
Christi says
Do you think it better to fly into Liberia vs San Jose in June to reduce Immigration wait time?
Sammi says
Liberia is less busy than San Jose, but around noon, several flights land at the same time
Shannon says
Hi guys,
Really enjoy your website. I’m heading to Liberia airport and plan on bringing my almost new inflatable kayak since we will be there for 2 1/2 months. It will be in an oversized bag and weighs around 75 lbs. Cost over $1,000 and I have a receipt. I’m going to use it, not sell it. Should I expect to pay import taxes or other fees? Should I anticipate any problems getting it through customs?
Thanks,
Shannon
Sammi says
Hi Shannon, to be very honest, I do not know…this is something you’ll need to check with customs here but since people bring their own surfboards and customs don’t stop them, I’d assume a kayak is similar to a surfboard.
Aaron Jones says
Hi guys – nice of y’all to give out so many tips; we were asked to to wait for all of our group at Liberia AP so that our driver could just make the one hour drive in one trip; that leaves most of us waiting two hours with our bags after clearing immigration and customs for some others to arrive (hopefully on time); is there a bar or restaurant to hang out at to meet up with them and the driver or will we be on the wrong side of security? Any advice?
Sammi says
There is a cafe/restaurant that is on the outside of the airport (attached to airport but entrance is from the outside) and a mini market inside with chairs, you can meet the driver first and then walk to the cafe/restaurant because it’s in the same general area and all the drivers will be waiting outside the airport, they aren’t allowed inside. This airport is tiny so there isn’t really much else
Garrett says
Can you bring food to eat on the plane back to the US?
Sammi says
You can bring food but you must eat any type of fresh food before you deplane and go through security in the US (or you’ll have to throw it away)
James says
I think I left my comment/question on a different blog of yours so I will ask again here to keep it in the same thread. We will be traveling to Costa Rica in early Jan on 2021. Some of our party will arrive 2 hours before the rest of us. I know you mentioned that there was a “cafe” after you exit baggage claim and customs as well as a couple of chairs. But can you please elaborate on what they have at the “cafe” and if there is more than a couple of chairs for people to sit down? Is it inside the airport area where it is air conditioned? Does the cafe have meal type food or just snacks? Thanks in advance.
Sammi says
There are some chairs and sitting areas inside in the airport terminal (not air conditioned) and the cafe and small convenience store.
Katy says
Hi, you replied to another person back in Feb 2020 that the sim card/telecommunications stand is closed at SJO. Is that still true now, as of October 2021? I am trying to plan how much time I will need from landing, immigration, customs and setting up a sim card. Thank you!
Sammi says
There is now a Claro SIM card stand in SJO Airport by baggage claim #5
Maria says
Hi, can you explain what you mean by the QR code? Is it on your plane ticket?
Thanks!
Sammi says
They email you a QR code when you complete the health pass (they will email you a PDF document with the qr code), you need to screenshot it or print it
Li says
I’m holding a Chinese passport and also a US permanent resident. Is it true that I don’t need to apply for visa in advance to enter CR?
Other than the passport and green card, what are the other documentation needed to enter the country?
What is the health pass QR code? I booked my plane tickets, nobody sent me any email about the QR code.
Sammi says
I think that if you are a US permanent resident you won’t need a visa for Costa Rica but the best way to get the right information is to contact your embassy
No health pass required or QR code, that was during the peak pandemic times
Sammi says
The currency exchange should be able to exchange 100 but I am not 100% positive. Itll be better to bring 20s and you can also check your local bank at home to see if they have Colones too and exchange before you arrive since the airport currency exchanges don’t give the best rates.
Becky says
Hi Sammi and Yeison,
Love your blog, it was incredibly helpful 2 years ago for our first trip to CR and now we are headed back finally! We are flying into Liberia next month and will need to exchange some USD for colones at the airport. Do you know if the currency exchange office will accept large bills like $100? Or is it better to withdraw colones at an ATM at the airport (is there one?) Thank you so much!
Eileen says
Hi! Quick question for your guys. We’re coming for our honeymoon in July… when we leave, we are getting a flight out of SJO back to the US scheduled for 2:07 PM. We were hoping to take a domestic flight with Sansa from Tambor to SJO. The Sansa flight is scheduled to arrive at SJO at 11:50am. Is that early enough before our 2:07pm flight, or should we try to get an earlier flight with Sansa?
Thanks!
Sammi says
I would get an earlier flight with Sansa
Mike says
Sammi,
We love your blog!! just a question on SJO airport. Our flight leaves SJO to US at 2:20pm and our van is scheduled to leave Tulemar Resort at 8:30…Is that enough time to get thru security and all the other steps?? Departure date Feb 26
Sammi says
You need to get to the airport about 2-3 hours before and then it takes roughly 3.5 hours to the airport from Tulemar, so I’d schedule your departure time accordingly to give you plenty of time to allow for any traffic and delays and no rush
Jason says
Hey love the website and channel. Visiting CR for first time in Sept. Lots of helpful things on your site and videos. I have a similar question to another above… after going through passport and immigration is there a place to chill at the airport while I wait for the rest of my party on another flight to arrive 4 hours later?
Sammi says
If you are at San Jose AIrport, there is a small cafe right along the outside of the airport but I recommend to take an Uber or taxi instead to go to the Denny’s Restaurant down the street. There is also a casino in the same plaza. If you’re going to Liberia Airport, there are some chairs in the middle of the airport and a very small cafe but other than that, there is nothing else at the airport. Liberia city is about a 10 minute taxi ride away.
Tania says
Hi I have a question I filled out the health pass for Costa Rica we leaving tomorrow and I noticed after I put the wrong arrival date I put the date on arrival the date I’m leaving but I arrive a day later or a view hours later at like 5 am do you think that’s going to be a issue ? would u know how I can change that I’m getting little stressed since we leave tomorrow night
Sammi says
Hi Tania, you can edit a health pass (you should be able to via the link they sent you in the health pass email)
Debbie Mckinnon says
I am planning on visiting and bringing my little dog. Do you know the process for arriving at the airport with a dog?
Sammi says
You will meet the SENASA agent at the baggage area, you’ll need to give him a copy of your paperwork to approve your dog to pass through.
Andy says
Looking at flying into Liberia on United with a connecting flight to Nosara on Sansa. There is an hour and ten minutes between the two flights. Is there any chance that is enough time or just too tight?
Sammi says
I would say too tight, you have to check into domestic flights at least 1 hour before then depending on what day and time you land at LIR airport, it been taking around 30-45 minutes to get through immigration and customs.
Paul says
Do you know if they allow you to bring in food. We wanted to stock up on some of our kid’s favorite snacks. I know in Mexico they confiscate food items. Is this the case with Costa Rica?
Thanks,
Sammi says
They don’t allow fresh foods but I’ve brought like instant noodles, chips, cookies and even cake in.
Shana says
Is there a list of foods that can and cannot be brought in? I tried searching the customs list but couldnt find it. Thanks
Sammi says
its pretty much the same as flying into the US like no fresh food, no raw seeds (they took away my bag of rice), etc.
Savannah says
Hi! Thanks for all the info, it really helps 🙂
I’m traveling to Costa Rica for the first time this year, and will be picked up by a friend at SJO. At what part of the airport will I meet them after I leave customs?
I’m sorry if it’s a silly question; I’ve never flown before, let alone internationally, so I’m nervous about everything, including not being able to find them after I land.
Sammi says
Hello Savannah, no worries. Basically once you exit the airport after finishing customs, there will be a waiting area outside, you’ll see lots of people there. Even though this is for car rentals, this video will show you exactly the same process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQR8yC3MtqY
Savannah says
Awesome thank you so much!!!!
jemmac says
Hi,
Thanks for the info!
One question – if we would like to bring personal effects in our luggage – and by that, I mean USED small appliances (juicer, record player, portable sewing machine, laptop, etc), should we list those items on the customs form? If so, with what value? As we don’t have receipts for most of our things…they are very used! LOL. OR – are used items free from customs taxes, and therefore no need to list on customs form? A little confused…
Sammi says
If they’re all used items and your own personal items, you don’t need to declare it. The customs cares about new items and more concerned about those for people selling them.
Teresa says
We recently bought a house in Costa Rica and will be flying there to set it up in a few weeks. We plan to bring various household items in suitcases and plastic crates. 12 checked pieces total for 3 people. Do you foresee that being an issue getting thru customs? Nothing is for resale, its all for our home. Kitchen stuff, linens, a few pieces of art etc.
Thank you
Sammi says
I would recommend that when you pack, take the tags off all new items and wrap it so it doesn’t look like all brand new things because with that much luggage and if they see a lot of new items and expensive stuff, customs may check you. It’s random and usually they are used to seeing foreigners bringing down tons of luggage since that’s common but 12 luggages for 3 people is quite a bit. We also recommend to put as much in suitcases, don’t pack things in boxes.
Paul Shafer says
Isn’t there a telecommunications company booth in the baggage area for getting a SIM card? (I’m bringing an unlocked phone)
Just haven’t found it on the airport map yet . . .
Thanks!
Sammi says
Unfortunately no, it has closed.
Carolyn W says
Thank you for your excellent information. This is a great blog! Since the SIM card booth at the SJO airport has closed, where do you recommend travellers go to purchase SIM cards? Thank you.
Sammi says
You can go to any of the cell phone stores to purchase a card, some supermarkets have them (not all supermarkets have every cell phone providers’ SIM cards or a variety of options but most markets have at least one type of SIM card) or the telecommunications company’s offices to buy a SIM card. You can read more about it here: Costa Rica pre-paid sim cards
Cody says
Great Advice on this page, it’s been very helpful. I’m traveling to Costa Rica for the first time in March. I will be Landing in Liberia and staying in Liberia city for one night. Would shuttle or taxi be better for airport transfer to the city? or is uber active in liberia? On my last day i will be in monteverde. Would you recommend taking a shuttle back the day of? or coming back to liberia a day early and taking a taxi just to be safe? I just want to make sure I can get back to the airport in time without the worry.
Thank you!
Sammi says
You can taxi, there is an official taxi stand at Liberia airport, Uber is not super common but you can check the app first to see if there are any.
Alan LaGow says
Hi Sammi,
1st time International traveler – thanks for tips. Just a couple of quick q’s. I will not be checking any luggage – just carry on. So I go through Immigration, get my passport stamped, then just go ahead to customs, put my luggage on scanners, go around and pick up luggage and give Custom Agent my Custom form? That’s it?
Question about time. I have a fight arriving on a Sunday @ 2:58pm. I also have a shared shuttle scheduled to pick me up at Cafe Britt at 3:30pm. Even if the plane is on time does that enough time to get through customs and meet the shuttle?
One last – how often are international flights inbound on time? Any idea?
Thanks,
Alan
Sammi says
Hi Alan, pretty much yes. You’ll exit the airport after customs.
Depending on when you are traveling and what airport, weekends are very busy now (high season is until end of April, and then it picks up again July and August). 30 minutes is going to be super crazy tight and to be honest if you’re traveling in the next couple months, I would say it’s highly possible to not make it because it’s really busy on weekends and at that time, there are usually multiple flights landing, especially in SJO Airport.
Katie Gerber says
Hi there,
Love your website! Recently, I have been travelling to and from Costa Rica for work every few weeks. Your website has given me a lot of good tips and info to prepare.
I have a sort of random question – a friend of mine in Costa Rica ordered car parts online from US and had them shipped to me in the US for me to bring down next time I go to Costa Rica. They are small little car parts that can easily fit in my luggage. Does this seem ok, or do I need to check somehow if it is permitted to bring in small car parts to Costa Rica? Any help is appreciated! Thanks, Katie
Sammi says
Hi Katie, honestly I am not really sure, I’d check the US TSA website to see if they have any information about car parts and I haven’t really heard anything about car parts entering Costa Rica, maybe as long as they aren’t like dangerous like knives/machetes level.
Karen says
Came through customs on January 2 (just after midnight) – we didn’t have to fill out any form (we’re US citizens). No lines, nice agents, got through in a couple of minutes. Took us a little longer leaving the country on January 9 (middle of the day) – lines were long, but they kept us moving so it wasn’t too bad (it took us longer to get through US customs in Miami)!
Thanks, again, for your great web site!
J says
Hey guys! Love your website! It has been super helful in planning our trip to CR and Nic. In your experience have you been asked to show an onward ticket when you arrive in CR? We arrive at SJO and are planning to take a local bus to Nicaragua about 2 weeks later. We do have a flight booked back home to Canada from Managua, would they accept that if they asked? Any tips would be helpful, thanks so much!
Sammi says
When I fly into Costa Rica and go through immigration at the airport, they will ask you how long you’re staying but I have never had to show a flight out and in all my years I’ve never been asked. But when I enter Costa Rica via land crossings, they always ask me for a flight out of CR.
Larry Hoover says
I am coming to Costa Rica next week Dec 30th from my home in Peru. I got my yellow fever shot and certificate December 21st, nine days before entry. C.R. requires ten days — I will be a few hours short of the ten days, arriving at 3 PM. Do you think that I will be turned back because of this minor discrepancy? If all else fails, is there a place to wait for a few hours in the airport before going through immigration? Perhaps I can wait till midnight. Thanks.
Sammi says
Hi Larry, I would consult the embassy of your passport country to be 100% sure since I can’t say for certain and I don’t want to say something and then it was wrong. If you have a US Passport, there is an US embassy in CR you can talk to, if you have Canadian there is only a Canadian consulate in Costa Rica.
Larry Hoover says
But is there a place to wait for a few hours in the airport before going through immigration? Thanks.
Sammi says
No, you have to go straight to immigration and customs after you deplane
Aaron says
Your website is awesome!! Such a helpful tool. I booked 1-Day Nicaragua tour, and I got an Adobe car reservation through your site. I have a flight home departing at Liberia Airport on a Monday at 11am. I’m staying in Playa del Coco, can you suggest what time I should leave Coco for airport?
Thanks so much,
-aaron
Sammi says
Hi Aaron, I’m glad the site has been helpful! It’s about a 25 minute drive to Coco with some few minutes to return the car and you should be there 2 hours early, so I would leave at 830 AM.
Larry Sy says
Update – there is no need for the customs form
I just arrived in San jose. I was still given the forms on the plane but nobody asks for it on the ground.
Sammi says
It’s actually always been like that, they always give the form but the officers hardly ask for it :X
Josh Elgeti says
Hi there, thank-you for all the very helpful information.I have a question about getting through customs at SJO. My flight is scheduled to land at 11:55am and I am wondering about the possibility of catching the final Sansa Air flight at 3:15pm to Tortuquero. Is there enough time for this to work?
Sammi says
Most likely yes, usually immigration and customs doesn’t take super crazy long (especially in low season like now until November). I think Sansa also has their own counter in the Juan Santa Maria terminal so check in should be super quick. But check to see if your flight flies out of Juan Santamaria or Tobias Bolanas, because the Tobias Bolanas airport is around 30 minutes drive away from SJO Airport with no traffic.
john says
Is the Liberia airport full of timeshare people (scammers), like in, say the Cancun airport?
Sammi says
There aren’t any timeshare people at the airport. Lots of taxis, car rentals, shuttles, etc.
Sammi says
Hi Ralph, if you plan to go out of the airport to sightsee or go somewhere, you will need to pick up your luggage and then check in again 2 hours before your flight. If you’re just connecting and your layover is very short, they should pass your luggage all the way through to the final destination but I would double check with the Southwest agent when you check in initially because it will depend on the airline. The SJO Airport is not very big and most likely you will need to re-check in at the counter again but since the airport is very small and connections are not super common, definitely ask the agent and ask again when you land at SJO. You will most likely have to do immigration but I don’t know if they have a specific “connections only” section (some airports will let you bypass checking in again and just go right into the terminal for connections).
Ralph Tognetti says
We are flying southwest to San Jose, companion pass you know, so I will land at Sjo and then connect to copa later that day to head to PTY. I assume I do everything you say and just go to the copa counter and check in again-correct? Thanks for the great article
Dana M Robbins says
HI! Will it be a problem if I fly into SJO, stay overnight, then depart SJO for Panama? I know it seems odd, but it beats flying an overnight trip of paying twice as much…..
Sammi says
Hi Dana! That is not a problem but I would recommend to book a hotel near the airport. You can’t really stay overnight or sleep in the airport and there’s not much around. You can find many cheap hotels near the airport like Terida or you can check this post: hotels near San Jose Airport for recommendations.
Laura says
Hi! We are flying into SJO and are meeting family who are flying in 3 hours after us. Where do you recommend waiting for them? Should we wait to go through customs or meet them after customs? Love your post. Thanks!
Sammi says
San Jose Airport doesn’t have a waiting area after customs as it leads directly outside the airport. There is a small cafe called Malinche at the airport but for 3 hours, I would actually recommend to take a 2 minute taxi to the Denny’s Restaurant across the street. There is also a Rostipollos restaurant and Fiesta casino so you can at least eat and rest for a little bit because 3 hours is a long time at San Jose airport since there’s nothing really at the airport.
Christina says
When flying out of San Jose back to the US, about how much time would you recommend to allow for customs and security-how early before our flight should we get to the airport?
Sammi says
You should always arrive at least 2 hours before an international flight and that is the same for San Jose AIrport. You won’t go through customs flying out of San Jose (you will when you arrive in USA). Customs is only for international arrivals. You will go through security at San Jose Airport.
Sammi says
Hi Mare! You can write USA, if you’ve never lived in Japan and don’t live there currently. Usually country of origin is nationality.
Mare says
So thankful to have found your website! I leave in four days and I’ve learned so much!
On these forms, I am an American but born in Japan while my father was stationed there. Is my country of origin the place of birth?
Thanks!
Lori says
Thank you for this really helpful info. I am meeting a friend at LIR, she’ll be on a different flight. Would you recommend I wait for her prior to customs or should I go through and meet her on the other side? Is there a good meeting point and/or wifi or should we get international coverage and prepare to text for meetups?
Sammi says
Depending on the time difference between flights, I’d meet her at the cafe outside the airport. It’s much more comfortable than waiting for her inside the airport. Once you exit the airport, walk to the left and you’ll see a small cafe outside where you can sit, get food, drinks, etc.
Frances says
Hi. Thanks for all this great info. I read somewhere that there is a duty free shop at LIR where you can buy liquor for a good price and that each person is allowed 5 litres to bring into Costa Rica. Is this accurate? And is this duty free shop before you go through customs?
Sammi says
Hi Frances, yes there is a duty free in Liberia airport, it’s right next to currency exchange after you pass immigration. I am not positive about the amount but that sounds about right. Last time I bought 3 liters with no problem. I gota
Mary Ann says
Hi, do you think prices are better in the duty free shop or in the grocery in Tamarindo for liquor? Thanks
Sammi says
Definitely duty free – stock up!
Sami says
I arrive a few hours before my friends and will be getting a rental car from Alamo while I wait for them. Should I wait at the office or can I park at the pick up exit near where taxis are waiting?
Sammi says
Hi Sami, if you’re picking up your friends from the airport, you can just pick them up at the arrivals area of the airport.
Gaby says
I’m travelling to Costa Rica in december but it’s like a 9 hour layover, how do the customs work? I’ll be travelling with the same airline so do they keep my big luggage in the meantime and should I just say San Jose when they ask me for the address? I’d like to go out and explore the city while I wait for my flight to the final destination, what do you recommend? 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Gaby, because your layover is 9 hours, you have to pick up your luggage. The airline won’t keep it for you because the layover is longer than 4 hours so you need to pick up all your luggage, go through immigration and customs. For your time in Costa Rica, I even recommend booking a cheap hotel so you can shower and everything.
So it’ll be exactly as if you were staying in Costa Rica for a week when you land. You’ll pick up all your luggage, write your hotel (if you book one) as your destination in San Jose and then go and have fun for a few hours. Then when its time for your flight, you have to re-check in so you need to go to the counter, check in your luggage and go through security.
Becky James says
The immigration form asks about pharmaceuticals. Does that mean you have to declare your prescribed medications?
Sammi says
If you have medications like opioids, you should declare them and also bring your prescription. We also recommend if you have prescription medicine like that, to have a written list of your prescriptions and the active ingredients in your medications just in case of emergency.
Donna Ashizawa says
How I wish I saw your blog BEFORE arriving here! Thank you for all your hard work putting this large website of information together. I will certainly try to support you via your company links.
But I had to laugh when I saw your photo of the immigration room because a security person told a woman she could not take photos there. 🙂
Also, I was wondering if you could simply remove that rude commenter (and other replies to him) since your site is so positive and it sort of puts a taint on it.
Sammi says
Hi Donna! I’m glad that you like the blog and is helpful. Haha yes, I sneakily took that photo in immigration. I think they saw me because I was near the front of the line but I got away with it.
Thank you for the suggestion, I removed his comment. My only intention for this blog and posts I write is to help people, not stir up something and I know a lot of people had questions about going through immigration and customs. It is too bad that he didn’t see it that way :/
Peter says
Gee Robert, your article says a lot about you (are you a monkey). You are obviously not well schooled and don’t travel very much which is probably not your fault, let’s blame your parents. Strange how the United States is such a great nation and one of the best places to live when we are all so stupid!! Oh, and are you referring to Americans from north, central or south America???
Jeremy says
Hello! What’s the scoop on bringing in a Vitamix or an Omega juicer in your checked luggage? Would customs catch that on the X-ray? Also, what would the fees be? Thnx!
Sammi says
Hi Jeremy, I think you can probably bring it but make sure you take it out of the box and don’t bring the manuals. Pretty much don’t make it look like new or else customs will tax you on it because it’s a new item or they may think you’re trying to sell it. If they happen to ask you, if you say it’s your personal blender (not for sale) and that it’s old, it’ll be fine.
nat t says
how does it work with deprature tax? how do i know if included in ticket or not?
Sammi says
Most airlines include the departure tax now but there will be a board in the airport at arrivals that will say which tickets don’t include the departure tax.
Vivian says
Do you know what is meant by fresh food. Can you bring cheese for instance, or bacon.
Sammi says
You can’t take fresh fruit, vegetables or meat through customs. You can bring cheese I believe if it’s in your checked in luggage but I am not positive. I did have a friend who brought packaged cheese in her check in and if you bring food, it needs to have the US FDA (or any country’s food administration seal of approval in English). I tried to bring rice from Thailand and even though it was sealed, packaged and bought from a grocery store, they took it away from me because the labeling was in Thai and the Costa Rican officers couldn’t read it so they couldn’t verify if it was legit or not. They told me that if it had an English label, I could keep it but it didn’t.
Lori apfel says
What about the sloths? Any on the pacific side?
Sammi says
Hi Lori, yes you can see sloths on the Pacific side, mostly in the South Pacific. You can read more about where to see sloths here: sloths in Costa Rica
Sammi says
They are asking about chemical weapons when they ask about chemical agents.
Darcy says
You mentioned the custom form asking about chemicals… so if I’m bringing lots of bug spray do I have to mention that?
Kay says
Hi Sammi,
Great site! Thanks for the useful tips, especially on the Custom’s question regarding have you been out of CR for more than 3 days. I can see how that can be confusing. 🙂
May I ask…
1) Is it best to buy the SIM card at the airport or wait until you get to the city?
2) How much is the cost of a SIM card and the cost of a data plan?
Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Kay, I wrote a post about getting pre-paid sim cards in Costa Rica here: Costa Rica pre-paid sim cards but I recommend getting it at the airport because then you’ll have to spend some time to find a computer store in the area you’re going to. The card costs about 2000 colones and then you can put however much credit you want on it. The post has all the information about how to get a sim card, cost of data/minutes, different phone providers and how to recharge it.
Joe says
If this is the attitude that the local Costa Ricans have toward Americans, I think I will take my money to Belize instead
Sammi says
That guy is definitely not Costa Rican! Ticos are very laid back people and they welcome everybody. If you talk to the locals, they are super happy people visit their country and want more people to experience and enjoy Costa Rica.
Sammi says
On the customs form, they ask if you have been out of CR for at least 3 days is because of this kind of thing and if you do border crossings, you can cross over and back in a minimum of 3 hours if you don’t purchase any duty free or anything that needs to be taxed since taxes here are so high. I kind of do the same thing except I stock up with stuff from the US whenever I go home, I haven’t made a trip just for one thing but I haven’t needed to. It’s definitely a lot more prevalent because there are many immigrants here but they use that as a way to get around the high cost of certain items (electronics, clothes, house and kitchenware, etc.)
If you go to the public clinics (Ebais), your medications are for free but if you go to the private doctor you will need to pay for them but if it’s an emergency, a private clinic is a lot faster.
Debora Sztain says
We only have carry on luggage. Will they be checking them as well or is it only checked luggage?
Thanks,
Debbie
Sammi says
Yes, you need to put everything through customs: purses, backpacks, carry on, check in, everything.
Steve B. says
Re: Money Changers..
We got very good rates at Wal-Mart, of all places. Just pay with a $100 US bill and you get Colones back as the change, and at very close to the bank rate, plus without any fees! (Well, at least it worked well in San Jose!)
Sammi says
Yes, you can use dollars at the supermarkets in CR and they give you your change back in colones and they will post near the cash register what the rate they use for the day is. This is normal in touristic areas.
Dennis Hamsher says
I would suggest not bringing $100 and $50 dollar bills – they could be rejected as possibly counterfeit – I had $100 bills that I took to the bank to exchange and needed my passport and all serial #,s were recorded with passport info – concern is for drug money laundering?
Sammi says
Yeah, for $100 bills you will need to go to the bank or casino to break them, most supermarkets or other places won’t accept them plus it’s hard to break. If you travel to any foreign country in the world, if you exchange money at the bank you have to have your passport, it’s normal. They just need to keep track of the foreign currency that is going in and out of their country, it’s not just Costa Rica.
Steve B. says
I wonder if the CR officials are looking for people making quick “out of country” runs for stuff that is difficult, (or expensive,) to get in CR.
During our last trip to CR, my wife needed what turned out to be a very expensive oral antibiotic – in Costa Rica. However, back in the US, it was literally 1/10th the CR price. One of the residents we met while in CR said that on several occasions, he had had a similar issue. His solution was to run down to SJO and book a round trip to Ft. Lauderdale on the cheapest flight he could find. Several have a three hour turn around, which gives you enough time to hop a taxi to one of the local 24 hr national chain pharms, pick up the script, (called in from a US doctor,) and catch the flight back to SJO.
Fortunately, our CR doctors were able to get a hold of a local drug company rep that managed to get us a MUCH better deal, so I didn’t have to make the trip.
I kind of wonder how prevalent that is..
Sammi says
Yes 🙂 I accidentally mixed it originally but I corrected it!
Sammi says
Hi Steve, sorry so originally I accidentally mixed up yes and no so it should be yes, you have been out of the country for at least 3 days because since you’ve never been to Costa Rica, obviously you have been out of the country for 3 days.
Dennis Hamsher says
Good article and advice – I would suggest anyone needing the rest room use the one in immigration at Liberia as the one at luggage pickup usually has a line for the ladies and this is typically the last stop before heading to your shuttle ! Heading to CR Saturday for 5 weeks
Sammi says
Yes, I always use the one in immigration since there usually aren’t that many people (everyone wants to get through immigration asap).
Jim Zuber says
OK, that 3 day question still does not make sense. Since it is a Costa Rican form (not used in any other Latin American country), it should read: “Are you returning to Costa Rica having been gone for more than 3 days?”
Since I am not a Costa Rican citizen/ex-pat and merely a visitor, I would answer no, because I’m just arriving on vacation. Does my phrasing of the question make more sense?
Sammi says
Hi Jim! It is YES if this is your first time to Costa Rica since you’ve obviously never been to the country. They are asking if you have been OUTSIDE of Costa Rica for at least 3 days. It doesn’t matter about returning, they just need to know if you have been out of Costa Rica for at least 3 days so if you’re a visitor, then yes unless you were just in Costa Rica less than 72 hours ago for some reason.
Alan says
Great article! I would point out that there at ATMs located in the baggage claim area (at least at SJO) where you can get cash and it’s USUALLY much cheaper to do that instead of using the official “Money Changers” (their rates are often horrible for exchanging your money!)
Sammi says
Nice point! Thanks!
Jerry says
Could you explain the rules in Costa Rica for flying drones. And how do you travel with a drone on the airlines.
Thanks
Sammi says
By law, you need to have a license to fly a drone in Costa Rica but it is not really reinforced. You can’t fly drones in national parks, private reserves, refuges, etc. and if they do catch you flying in those areas or without a drone, it is a huge fine but they don’t really care too much if it’s not for commercial purposes. If you’re flying for commercial purposes, then you need to get a commercial license and get the correct permits.
We brought our drone on a check in before and I made sure to pack it so it didn’t look brand new (or else they will stop and ask if you are selling it).
Klaus says
Keep in mind the batteries for the drone are forbidden in the check in luggage for safety reasons – like all lithium-ion batteries. You must have them reachable in your handluggage. The drone itself can be checked in.