Visa / Entry

Costa Rica entry basics

The main entry route usually starts on Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. Routine tourist trips do not usually involve a separate arrival card. Declaration checks usually sit with Ministry of Finance / customs. Temporary health notices usually sit on Ministry of Health.

Costa Rica · americas

Costa Rica

Start with Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. Customs checks sit with Ministry of Finance / customs. Separate arrival cards are not usually part of routine tourist entry. Temporary health notices usually sit on Ministry of Health.

Costa Rican migration and customs checksLast reviewed 2026-03-19

Common entry paths

The main entry route usually starts on Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. Routine tourist trips do not usually involve a separate arrival card. Declaration checks usually sit with Ministry of Finance / customs. Temporary health notices usually sit on Ministry of Health.

Check Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería first for the main visa or entry route.
Routine tourist trips do not usually involve a separate arrival card, but re-check before departure.
Keep Ministry of Finance / customs open for cash, tobacco, alcohol, and restricted-goods declarations.

Arrival card

Routine tourist trips do not usually require a separate arrival card, but re-check before departure.

Customs declaration

Ministry of Finance / customs is the main reference for cash, tobacco, alcohol, electronics, and restricted-goods declarations.

Health declaration

Temporary health notices or extra health requirements usually sit on Ministry of Health.

Official links

Before departure, use the official sources below to confirm the current entry route and any temporary notices.