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What can you not bring to Costa Rica?

Your luggage will be scanned and in some cases hand searched. Please be aware you may not bring plants, seeds, vegetables, or fruits into Costa Rica. 4. Exit the building and you will see your driver with a sign with your name and our Logo.



Costa Rica maintains some of the world's strictest environmental customs laws in 2026 to protect its unique biodiversity. You are strictly prohibited from bringing in fresh agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants, as they may carry pests that could devastate local crops. Meat products—including fresh, dried, or even some canned items—are also banned unless they have specific international certifications rarely held by tourists. Additionally, you cannot bring in illicit drugs, weapons, or ammunition without complex prior permits. In 2026, Costa Rica has also tightened its stance on vaping products; while personal use is generally tolerated, importing large quantities of e-liquids for sale is prohibited. Finally, the export of local flora, fauna, or "natural souvenirs" like certain seashells and coral is strictly forbidden when leaving, with heavy fines enforced at the airport.

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Your luggage will be scanned and in some cases hand searched. Please be aware you may not bring plants, seeds, vegetables, or fruits into Costa Rica. 4. Exit the building and you will see your driver with a sign with your name and our Logo.

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Carry cash—but only enough to get by Something else you'll need to remember when venturing to the farthest-flung corners of Costa Rica: while some places will accept credit cards, the likelihood of this diminishes the further you go out into the countryside.

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  • Violent crime, including carjackings and 'express kidnappings', is increasingly common in Costa Rica. Criminals often target tourist areas, resorts, transport hubs and public transport. ...
  • Petty crime is common. ...
  • Credit card fraud is a risk. ...
  • Nationwide strikes and roadblocks have occurred.


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What medicine should I bring to Costa Rica? You can get most medication in Costa Rica, but if you are planning to be active, it's a good idea to bring Ibuprofen and any other medicine you normally take. IMPORTANT!!! If you have a tendency to get car sick, be sure to bring Dramamine or other medication.

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Officials at customs and immigration are checking travelers for things like whether they have the right documents to be in the country, whether they're legally allowed to be there, and whether they're bringing anything illegal with them.

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Bulk agricultural products require phytosanitary certificates. Imports of cosmetics, pharmaceutical, vitamin supplements, medical devices, chemicals, toxic substances, insecticides, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals require an import permit from the Costa Rican Ministry of Health.

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CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

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Essential non-prescription liquid or gel-based medications include items such as contact-lens/eye solution, cough syrup/spray, gel capsules or liquid-filled capsules (e.g. ibuprofen). You are allowed to carry these items in volumes greater than 100 ml (3.4 oz.) in your carry-on baggage.

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Deforestation is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystems in Costa Rica.

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CDC recommends travelers to any area of Costa Rica use mosquito avoidance measures to protect from malaria and other diseases spread by mosquito bites.

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Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability. Mexico, unfortunately, still gets a lot of violence due to drug cartels. However with that being said, it is still a safe place, you just have to be a little bit more cautious.

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Tap water in Costa Rica is generally clean and safe to drink. In some areas of the country, though, mainly on the Caribbean side and in non-touristy pockets around the country, it's best to stick to bottled water.

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