Costa rica visa &passport?

Question

i have read numerous books on cr but have never seen it written that you need both a visa and a passport to go there ----except once in yahoo ans-----do you?

Answer 1

If you are from the US all you need is a passport. You used to be able to get in with just a birth certificate about 8 yrs ago.  

Answer 2

I've been. I just needed my passport.

Answer 3

I think the your confusion comes from the fact that if you are from the U.S., they will stamp a tourist visa in your passport as you enter the country.  If you entered the country without  without getting a visa stamped in your passport you would be violating CR law (this is quite possible if you entered from Panama where there are no fences and some border posts are only operated 8-12 hours a day and not always on weekends.)

So yes, you need a passport (in order to receive your visa when you enter the country).

Answer 4

You only need an up to date passport.  After 90 days, you are required to leave the country for 72 hours.  Most people head down to Panama for a shopping weekend.

If you need further information about Costa Rica, check out the TicosLand website.

Answer 5

Going to Costa Rica from the US you need a passport. And leaving the country there is an exit fee (you have to show your passport when paying) and that has to be paid before boarding on any plane. Make sure you get to the airport early and allow time to pay it. The lines can be very long. Nothing is worse missing your flight.

Whatever you do, DON/T lose your passport, otherwise your vacation/trip may be extended by customs officials, which can turn a great trip into a nightmare real fast! You will have to show the original several times before leaving.  You can stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days. However, once the 90 days are up, you are required to leave the country for at least 24 hours before coming back.

It is best to make a good, clean and colored copy of your passport when you go out and about. Keep your original locked in a hotel safe, or in a safe place if staying at friends, until such time you are ready to leave.