Do You Need a Passport to Go to Costa Rica? [2026 Guide]
Passport, visa, and entry requirements for US citizens visiting Costa Rica in 2026
Where
Yes, you need a passport to go to Costa Rica. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to enter Costa Rica by air in 2026. A passport card, REAL ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate is not accepted for international flights.
Costa Rica does not require a visa for US citizens visiting as tourists for up to 90 days. Officially, your passport only needs to be valid for at least one day beyond your date of entry, but many airlines prefer six months of remaining validity, so renewing early is smart if your passport expires soon.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | Yes | Required for air travel to Costa Rica |
| US Passport Card | No | Not accepted for international flights |
| REAL ID | No | Not valid for international travel |
| Driver's License | No | Not a travel document for Costa Rica |
| Birth Certificate | No | Not accepted for entry to Costa Rica |
| Visa | No | US citizens exempt for tourist stays up to 90 days |
| Return Ticket | Yes | Must show proof of return or onward travel |
Document Requirements at a Glance
For US citizens flying to Costa Rica:
- US Passport Book: Required for all air travel to Costa Rica. - US Passport Card: Not accepted for international flights. - REAL ID or Driver’s License: Only valid for domestic US flights, not for Costa Rica. - Birth Certificate: Not accepted for entry. - Visa: Not required for tourist visits up to 90 days. - Return or Onward Ticket: Required; you must show proof you’ll leave Costa Rica. Keep your passport and return ticket handy for both airline check‑in and Costa Rican immigration.
Passport Validity Rules for Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s official rule is that your passport must be valid for at least one day beyond your date of entry. However, many airlines apply stricter standards and may prefer six months of remaining validity.
To avoid problems at the airport, renew your passport before traveling if it will expire soon. Even if Costa Rica would technically admit you, your airline can still deny boarding if your passport is close to expiring.
Visa and Entry Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens visiting Costa Rica as tourists for up to 90 days do not need a visa. On arrival, immigration officers may ask for:
- A valid US passport book - Proof of return or onward travel within 90 days - Proof of sufficient funds (credit card or roughly $100 per day in cash) - Proof of accommodation for at least the first few nights
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, many travelers do a short trip out of the country and re‑enter, but this is never guaranteed. Immigration officers can deny re‑entry if they believe you’re living in Costa Rica without proper residency status.
Traveling with Children to Costa Rica
Every child, including infants, must have their own US passport book to fly to Costa Rica. A birth certificate alone is not enough for international air travel.
Costa Rica’s strict exit rules mainly apply to children who are residents of Costa Rica. For US tourists, standard passport documentation is usually sufficient, but it’s wise to carry a notarized consent letter from any non‑traveling parent or legal guardian whenever a child travels internationally.
How to Get a US Passport in Time for Your Trip
If you don’t have a passport yet—or it’s about to expire—apply or renew before booking non‑refundable travel:
- Standard processing: About 6–8 weeks; around $130 for a new adult passport book. - Expedited processing: About 2–3 weeks; adds a $60 expedite fee. - Emergency appointments: Same‑day or very fast service at a regional passport agency if you have proof of travel within 14 days. - Renewal by mail: Available if your previous passport was issued within the last 15 years and you meet eligibility requirements.
Always check the latest processing times and fees directly with the US Department of State before applying.
Essential Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its national parks, volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you’ll often get change in Costa Rican colones (CRC). ATMs are common and dispense colones, and major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.
Rental cars offer the most flexibility, but road conditions can be rough away from main highways. A 4x4 is recommended for remote areas and during the rainy season (May–November). Uber operates around San José, while taxis are more common elsewhere—always confirm the fare or make sure the meter is running.
From the US, typical nonstop flight times are about 5.5 hours from New York and 3 hours from Miami, with round‑trip fares often ranging from about $300 to $550 depending on season and airline.
Book Your Trip to Costa Rica with Flexible Payments
You can fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), depending on whether you’re targeting central highlands and Caribbean access or the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste.
On Travorio, you can compare fares across major airlines like United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, and Avianca. For hotels, you can use pay‑later options, split your stay into four interest‑free payments with Sezzle, or pay with cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly to Costa Rica. A passport card, REAL ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate is not accepted for international air travel to Costa Rica.
No. US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Costa Rica of up to 90 days. You must still show a valid passport book and proof of return or onward travel.
Costa Rica officially requires your passport to be valid at least one day beyond your date of entry. However, many airlines prefer six months of remaining validity, so renewing early is strongly recommended if your passport expires soon.
No. The US passport card is only valid for certain land and sea crossings. To fly to Costa Rica, you must use a full US passport book.
Children, including infants, need their own US passport book to fly to Costa Rica. A birth certificate alone is not enough. It’s also wise to carry a notarized consent letter from any non‑traveling parent or legal guardian.
Yes. Costa Rica requires proof of onward or return travel within 90 days. Airlines typically check this before boarding, and immigration officers may ask to see it on arrival.