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Costa Rica

Costa Rica culture overview1,2

  • Capital: San Jose
  • Population: approx. 5 million
  • Official Language: Spanish
  • Currency: Costa Rican colón
  • Costa Rica means Rich Coast.
  • Football (soccer) is the Costa Rican national pastime.
  • Costa Rica is considered the hummingbird capital.
  • Its largest freshwater lake is Lake Arenal
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Tips On Moving to Costa Rica 

What Do You Need to Enter Costa Rica?3
  • Valid Passport
  • Visa (required for stays of 180 days or more)
  • Proof of return ticket
  • Proof of financial stability – demonstrate financial capability during stay
Customs and Declarations3,4,5

All passengers entering Costa Rica are required to present a ticket for a return flight, bus ticket out of the country or proof of passage on a cruise ship. This will prove that you will be leaving the country before the visa expires. It is highly recommended to always carry a copy of your passport with you.

Passengers carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding $10,000 are required to declare to Customs.

Major restricted items:

  • Weapons and explosives and automatic firearms. 
  • Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and any other controlled. 
  • Medication and cosmetics in large volumes; small supply for personal use ok. Medications for personal use must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. 
  • Certain agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds.
  • Large quantities of alcohol or tobacco.
Helpful numbers in case of emergencies in Costa Rica6

There are several important emergency numbers to know in case you ever experience an emergency or need emergency help:

  • Police, Ambulance and Fire (911) 
Passing Away in Costa Rica7

If the death occurs in a medical facility, they will handle the necessary paperwork and arrangements. If the death occurs outside of a medical facility, you should contact the nearest medical facility or police to report the death as soon as possible. The death certificate is typically issued by the local civil registry office.

The death should also be reported to the relevant embassy or consulate.

The following information is required when reporting/registering a death:

  • The deceased's full name, date and place of birth, address
  • Required documentation- the deceased’s passport, residence card, death certificate
  • The date and place of death
Repatriating Mortal Remains

The repatriation of a body to the home country requires the help of the relevant local embassy or consulate. Consular officials can assist in organizing repatriation and obtaining appropriate documentation.

When repatriation of the body is requested, funeral homes or crematoriums in Costa Rica will temporarily hold the remains while arrangements are made.

Repatriation covers transportation and essential documentation, which may include:

  • A certified Copy of the Death Certificate
  • An embalming certificate (if required by the destination country)
  • A certificate confirming the coffin complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
  • Export/Import permit
  • Permit of non-contagious disease (if required by the destination country)
  • Any other essential legal documents