Costa Rica Entry Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Entry requirements for Canadian citizens

Visa Free applies to Canadian passport holders visiting Costa Rica. Your passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from costa rica. The maximum permitted stay is 90 days.

Safety overview

Costa Rica has a safety score of 76 out of 100 in the DheeVoy safety database. This is a moderate safety rating — standard travel precautions apply.

Safest areas in Costa Rica

• Escazu San Jose
• Manuel Antonio National Park area
• La Fortuna Arenal
• Tamarindo Beach
• Monteverde town

Tourist scams to avoid in Costa Rica

• Smash and grab theft from rental cars at scenic viewpoints — never leave anything visible inside
• Fake tour operators at airport and bus terminals offering cheap packages
• Unlicensed taxi drivers at Juan Santamaria Airport — use authorised airport taxis or Uber
• ATM skimming at standalone ATMs — use machines inside supermarkets or banks

Best months to visit Costa Rica

The best months to visit are December, January, February, March, April.

Before you travel

Always verify entry requirements with the official Canadian government travel advisory and the Costa Rica embassy or consulate before booking. Visa rules and electronic travel authorisation requirements (such as ETIAS, ESTA, K-ETA and UK ETA) change frequently. No. Canadian passport holders can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date. A return or onward ticket is required and checked at airline check-in. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Canadian citizens should be aware that proof of travel insurance is recommended as Costa Rican public hospitals can decline treatment to foreigners without coverage.