Customs — Visitors to Costa Rica are permitted to bring in all manner of items for personal use, including cameras, video cameras, tape recorders, personal computers, and music players. Customs officials in Costa Rica seldom check tourists’ luggage.

Embassies & Consulates — The following are located in San José: United States Embassy, Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas (2519-2000; Canadian Embassy, Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, Edificio 5 (2242-4400); and British Embassy, Edificio Colón, 11th Floor, Paseo Colón between calles 38 and 40 (2258-2025). San José does not have an Australian, Irish, or New Zealand embassy.

Passports — Citizens of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and most European nations may visit Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days. No visa is necessary, but you must have a valid passport. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand can enter the country without a visa and stay for 30 days, although once in the country, visitors can apply for an extension.

It is advised to always have at least one or two consecutive blank pages in your passport to allow space for visas and stamps that need to appear together. It is also important to note when your passport expires. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before its expiration in order to allow you in.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.