Customs
Americas
Costa Rica Customs Regulations
Import & export rules, duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and traveler health advisory
400 cigs
Tobacco allowance
← ALL COUNTRIES
Import Regulations
Dogs and cats are permitted entry providing they have obtained both general health and rabies vaccination certificates.
- 400 cigarettes
- 50 cigars
- 500 grams of tobacco
- 5 litres of liquor
- Illegal Drugs
- Pornographic materials
- All weapons and ammunition – will require a permit from the Firearm and Explosive Department.
- Motor vehicles being imported into the country will be likely subject to high taxes and duties. Price will vary depending on make and age.
- Dogs and cats are permitted entry providing they have obtained both general health and rabies vaccination certificates.
Export Regulations
- No information available
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons, Explosives and ammunition
- Knives and dangerous weapons
- Pornographic materials
- No information available
Health & Security
Basic health information for travelers to Costa Rica
Basic security information for travelers to Costa Rica
🩺 Basic Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica
- Travellers still require a Yellow Fever vaccination prior to admittance.
- All unpasteurized milk and dairy products should be avoided. Fish, Meat and Vegetables are likely to be safe but should still be checked and served hot to avoid the risk of infection.
- Hepatitis A, B and C have all been reported in this country. Travellers should ensure that all required vaccinations have been taken prior to travel and to take care when dealing with needles whilst in the country or engaging in sexual intercourse.
- Insect based diseases including Malaria and Dengue Fever are endemic in this country. Travellers should take care to buy plenty of insect repellent and wear protective clothing that exposes little in the way of raw skin. Travellers suffering symptoms should seek out medical aid immediately if symptoms develop.
- Rabies also exists in this country and travellers and their children should avoid contact with any animals that may contain the disease. If bitten, travellers should clean the wound and seek out the nearest medical attention immediately.
🛡 Basic Security Information for Travelers to Costa Rica
- The standards of the countries roads may vary from place to place and travellers should take care if visiting remote parts of the country during or after bad weather. Landslides are quite common in the region and may make roads impossible or dangerous to traverse and rescue may be difficult for local services.
- Earthquakes and Volcanic eruptions have been reported in this country. The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November and should be avoided if possible. Flooding and mudslides occur frequently in the lowlands and in mountainous areas, including along the Caribbean and travellers should check the environmental conditions prior to beginning their journey.
- It is illegal to sell or hold illegal drugs or photograph official buildings in this country. Photos taken of important military or government installations maybe removed or destroyed without warning by the security services.
- The country is largely welcoming to visitors and possesses a strong Catholic background and traditions. Visitors heading to the country during the Christmas period or during other national holidays are advised to stock up on supplies from stores which mat close for extended periods of time.
Contact Information
For further assistance please contact the Costa Rican Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.