Costa Rica Visa Requirements
For 🇨🇦 Canada passport holders
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
At least 1 page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies for rural areas, COVID-19. Yellow fever for Panamanian border areas.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Safety Tips
Costa Rica is one of Latin America's safest countries but petty crime exists. Vehicle break-ins are common - never leave valuables visible. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Beach theft can occur - don't leave belongings unattended. Overall, violent crime against tourists is rare.
Money & Costs
Currency
₡ Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $60 · Mid: $120 · Luxury: $300+
Cards & ATMs
Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Visa is most common. Many smaller establishments, markets, and local sodas (restaurants) are cash-only. Always have colones on hand.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is added to restaurant bills, so additional tipping is appreciated but not required - maybe round up for great service. Tour guides typically receive $10-20 per day. Hotel staff appreciate $1-2. Taxis don't expect tips.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 120V, 60Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
Emergency: 911
Police: 911
Tourist Police: 1192
Mobile/SIM
Buy a SIM card from Kolbi (ICE), Claro, or Movistar. Tourist SIMs available at airports and stores for $10-20 with data. Coverage is good in populated areas, variable in remote jungle and mountains. WhatsApp is widely used.
Getting There
Main Airports
Liberia (LIR) · San José (SJO)
Airport Transfers
Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO): 20km from San José. Official airport taxis (orange) to San José $25-35 (30-45 minutes). Uber available. Many travelers go directly to destinations like Arenal or Manuel Antonio via shuttle ($50-60). Liberia Airport (LIR): Better for Guanacaste beaches - taxis/shuttles to nearby resorts.
Local Transport
Rent a 4x4 for flexibility - many roads are unpaved. Public buses connect most areas but are slow. Domestic flights with Sansa or Green Airways save time between coasts. Uber works in San José area. Shared shuttles connect tourist destinations.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-April) is peak but crowded and expensive. Green season (May-November) has afternoon rains but fewer tourists, lower prices, and lusher landscapes. Caribbean coast has different weather patterns.
Cultural Notes
Costa Ricans (Ticos) are friendly and proud of their peaceful, environmentally conscious country. "Pura vida" (pure life) expresses the relaxed, grateful attitude. No military since 1948 - education and nature are priorities. Family is important. Greetings involve handshakes or kisses on the cheek.
Insider Tips
Rent a 4x4 - many roads are unpaved and river crossings are common. Rainy season (May-November) means afternoon showers but fewer tourists and greener landscapes. Book popular lodges and activities in advance during dry season. Learn basic Spanish - fewer English speakers outside tourist zones. "Pura vida" is the national philosophy and greeting.
Dress Code
Casual dress is the norm - Costa Rica is relaxed. Bring quick-dry, breathable clothes for humidity. Layers for cloud forest visits. Sturdy shoes for hiking. Modest swimwear at pools/beaches.