Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transportation
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Flights, cars and tours can be booked online at lonelyplanet.com/bookings.
Entering the Country
Entering Costa Rica is mostly free of hassle, with the exception of some long queues at
the airport.
The vast majority of travelers enter the country by plane, and most international flights ar-
rive at Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, outside San José.
Liberia is a growing destination for international flights; it is in the Guanacaste province
and serves travelers heading to the Península de Nicoya.
Overland border crossings are straightforward and travelers can move freely between
Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north.
Some foreign nationals will require a visa. Be aware that you cannot get a visa at the bor-
Passport
Citizens of all nations are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months
beyond the dates of your trip.
The law requires that you carry your passport at all times; if you're driving, you must have
your passport handy, but otherwise the law is seldom enforced.
Onward Ticket
Officially, travelers are required to have a ticket out of Costa Rica before they are allowed
to enter. This is rarely and erratically enforced.
Those arriving overland with no onward ticket can purchase one from international bus
companies in Managua (Nicaragua) and Panama City (Panama).
