Costa Rica - Rejseforsikringer og information

Oversigt

Capital: San Jose (pop. 1.462 million)
Population: 5,152,950 (2025 est.)
Religions: Roman Catholic, Evangelical and Pentecostal, other Protestant, Jehovah's Witness
Languages: Spanish, English
Time Zone: UTC-6
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +506
Electrical plug(s): Type A and Type B

Penge

The local currency in Costa Rica is Costa Rican colones (CRC). As of 6 October 2026 100 CRC is equal to 0.22 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at airports, banks, exchange offices and hotels.

Travellers should be prepared to use either cash or credit or debit card to make payments. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in most places.

US dollars are generally accepted for large transactions and in some restaurants. However, the local currency is regarded as the most convenient for smaller purchases.

Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to the bill. If the service was good, you may leave a little extra for the server. It is standard to leave 500 CR (or $1 USD) per drink at bars. Tip tour guides between $10-15 (USD) per person depending on the size of the tour. Give $1-5 (USD) for taxi drivers depending on the distance. Round up for shorter distances. It is considerate to tip bellhops $1 (USD) per bag and leave $2 (USD) per day for housekeeping.

Elektricitet

The power supply in Costa Rica is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 120V at 60Hz using plug type(s) A and B. Hydroelectricity provides for all of Costa Rica’s electricity demand. The country has suffered from nationwide blackouts as a result of dry weather conditions and inadequate government investment in the national electricity infrastructure.

Pas

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Costa Rica. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay and have one blank page.

Visaer

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-Free Travel to Costa Rica (30 days): Foreign nationals from countries classified as Group 2 will be permitted visa-free entry to Costa Rica for up to 30 days. Travellers may apply for an extension of up to 90 days total from the time of entry.

Nationals of Honduras will be required to present a police record certificate, without an apostille, proving that they have no criminal record in their country of origin to be allowed visa-free entry into Costa Rica.

Nationals of Russia and Nicaragua are allowed to stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

Visa-Free Travel to Costa Rica (180 days): Foreign nationals from countries classified as Group 1 will be permitted visa-free entry to Costa Rica for up to 180 days.

Visas

Entry Visa (Group 3): Foreign nationals from countries classified as Group 3 must obtain an entry visa to be permitted to enter Costa Rica for tourism or business purposes for up to 30 days. Travellers may apply for an extension of up to 90 days total from the time of entry.

Entry Visa (Group 4): Foreign nationals from countries classified as Group 4 must obtain an entry visa to be permitted to enter Costa Rica for tourism or business purposes for up to 30 days. Travellers may apply for an extension of up to 90 days total from the time of entry.

Lokal rejse

Overview

The main entry point for international travellers is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO/MROC); air travel is considered an overall safe travel option. Major roads are generally well-maintained and marked, although driving standards are considered lower than in Europe or the US and accidents are common. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season, especially on mountain roads. Travellers are advised to practise defensive driving and obey all traffic regulations. Both buses and official taxis are safe, with luxury buses providing a more comfortable mode of transport; theft from crowded public transport is common.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO/MROC) is located 23km (14 miles) northwest of Downtown San José and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR/MRLB) in Liberia is the country's other major international airport. Both are efficient and generally hassle-free for visitors. Only official airport taxis should be used by visitors when pre-arranged transport is unavailable. Licensed taxis are red with yellow triangles on the doors. There is an airport taxi service that is licensed and employs orange taxis as their rates are significantly higher than that of the non-airport taxis. Ride-share companies, such as Uber, are also widely available. Robberies in the vicinity of Juan Santamaría International Airport has been reported, especially targeting vehicles.

Travellers should expect long lines at security checkpoints, particularly during peak hours. Travellers should keep a close eye on their luggage during periods of high travel, especially during holidays and Christmas. Upon departure, travellers are required to pay an exit tax in cash. Entry to Costa Rica may be refused without evidence of return or onward travel.

Domestic airlines offer once-daily services to provincial towns and smaller, more remote tourist destinations. They are considered safe, though air travel can be hazardous in Costa Rica due to the mountainous terrain and weather conditions.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Costa Rica. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" may be denied entry. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate to confirm if entry is allowed with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral". The country's overall social acceptance of LGBTQ people is good.

The required passport validity may differ depending on the traveller's nationality. Information on these requirements can be found here.

Exit

Costa Rican citizens and residents departing to Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguay, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela and African countries must present a Yellow fever (YF) vaccination certificate to be allowed to exit the country. Travellers must receive the yellow fever vaccination 10 days before their trip.

Road Travel

Traffic in Costa Rica moves on the right. Road conditions are fair on main routes, although potholes caused by heavy rains in the rainy season are common. In some areas, potholes, sharp curves, lack of traffic signs, landslides and narrow or unpaved roads create dangerous road conditions. During the rainy season, landslides may block the road between San José and Guapiles on the way to Limón and the San José-Caldera Highway. However, they are swiftly cleared and longer alternative routes are also available. When approaching bridges, drivers should be cautious as these are often only one-way, even if the road is two-way.

Mountain roads can be windy and treacherous, and it is not uncommon for entire lanes to be washed out during heavy rains, particularly between May and November. If visiting jungle areas, experienced local guides should be present or consulted about conditions beforehand. When visiting volcanoes, pay close attention to notices prohibiting entry to dangerous areas, which are usually closed to visitors when there is a danger of eruption.

The speed limit is 80 kph (50 mph) on highways and 40kph (25 mph) in most urban areas; however, enforcement is irregular. Accidents in Costa Rica often involve speeding or irresponsible passing on blind curves. Exercise great caution when driving or walking, as drivers do not respect traffic laws. Incidents of road rage are not uncommon. Drivers should be careful after dark, especially on rural roads, as motorists often drive without lights at night and many roads lack adequate lighting and signage. Seatbelts are mandatory. In San José, a law restricts cars from operating on certain days. Criminals sometimes cause deliberate collisions to stop vehicles in order to commit robberies or other crimes; consider driving on until you reach a safe place like a police station or garage. The last number on a vehicle’s licence plate determines which days it can operate.

Public Transport

Buses: There is an extensive network of bus routes within the country with reasonable fares. Costa Rica operates two basic bus services: direct and indirect. Indirect buses are very slow and often take small side trips to drop off passengers in small villages located miles from main roads. When travelling beyond the metropolitan area of San José visitors should buy tickets ahead of time since buses are often full, particularly during weekends and holidays. Bus services are often reduced during Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Christmas week. For longer trips, foreign nationals should consider private bus services that provide air conditioning and more comfortable seating than the public system. Multiple companies, such as Caribe Shuttle, offer daily trips between major cities and tourist destinations.

Buses are kept in good repair and the public bus system in Costa Rica is reliable, with departure/arrival times respected. Although buses are generally considered safe, crowded buses are targeted by pickpockets. Bus terminals, however, can be very dangerous places. Travellers should be very alert and keep an eye on their baggage at all times, particularly at the Coca Cola terminal in San José.

Taxis: Taxis are available in most large cities but can be expensive, as they tend to overcharge tourists. Make sure the metre is on, and that your taxi driver has their licence (displaying name and identification number) with a picture in plain sight. Only take official taxis, which are red with a triangular sticker and plastic box on the roof with the name and number of the taxi company written on it. Avoid using unofficial taxis (piratas), as several violent incidents involving tourists have been reported. Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis. Private ride-hail services are also available in Liberia, La Fortuna and San José, and these are often more economical than other services.

Vehicle Hire: Vehicle rentals in Costa Rica are reliable, offer good service and provide a variety of cars and price ranges. Insurance is mandatory and accounts for the majority of the rental cost. Most major car rental agencies are present in Costa Rica along with several local companies, and foreign driver's licences are valid up to 180 days from the date of entry into the country, depending on the length of stay granted as a Tourist. Vehicle rental can be arranged in advance online at Juan Santamaría International Airport upon arrival, or through a major hotel. Only confident drivers should consider driving themselves around the country owing to general low regard for traffic laws, erratic driving styles, poor road conditions, complicated road system and high costs of vehicle damages.