Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Status
WATCH
Travel to Costa Rica continues normally, with international flights, airports, immigration and land borders operating. Travellers should be aware of crime warnings, possible temporary airport disruption from unauthorized drones and seasonal flooding or landslides that can affect roads during the rainy season.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Visa requirements
Costa Rica’s visa requirements depend on nationality. Many travellers can visit without obtaining a visa in advance, while others require a visa before travelling.
Length of stay
Immigration authorities determine how long visitors are permitted to remain in Costa Rica. Eligible tourists may be granted stays of up to 180 days, but the maximum stay is not automatically guaranteed to every traveller.
Passport and onward travel
Travellers need a valid passport and may be required to show proof of onward or return travel. Visitors should check the specific passport and visa requirements applying to their nationality before departure.
Yellow fever certificate
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for travellers arriving from certain countries in Africa and South America. Travellers arriving from affected countries should check the current health requirements before departure.
Crime
Petty theft is common and violent crime can also affect tourists. Travellers should take additional care with phones, wallets, passports and other valuables, particularly at beaches, transport terminals, on buses and around ATMs.
Juan Santamaría Airport drone incidents
Authorities at Juan Santamaría International Airport have reported an increase in unauthorized drones near the airport. When a drone presents a risk to aircraft, takeoffs and landings can be temporarily restricted, potentially causing delays or diversions.
Rainy season
Costa Rica’s rainy season generally runs from May or June through November. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding and landslides, particularly on mountain roads and in more remote areas.
Volcanoes and earthquakes
Costa Rica is in an active volcanic and earthquake zone. Travellers visiting areas around active volcanoes should check local conditions and follow instructions from authorities.
Latest Travel Changes
Drone incidents near San José airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport warned on 23 September 2026 that reports of unauthorized drones near the airport have increased significantly. Drone sightings can force authorities to temporarily restrict takeoffs and landings while the area is checked.
Rainy-season travel disruption
Costa Rica remains in its rainy season. Heavy rainfall can trigger flooding and landslides and temporarily close or damage roads, particularly outside the main urban areas.
Level 2 travel advisory
The current U.S. travel advisory places Costa Rica at Level 2 because of crime. Petty crime is common and violent crimes including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault can affect tourists.
Normal international travel continues
There is currently no major nationwide shutdown affecting international flights, immigration or Costa Rica’s land borders.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and visa requirements, proof of onward travel and any vaccination requirements before departure.
If flying through Juan Santamaría International Airport, check your flight status before travelling to the airport because unauthorized drone incidents can occasionally cause short-notice operational disruption.
If travelling around Costa Rica by road during the rainy season, check local weather and road conditions before long journeys. Flooding and landslides can close routes with little warning.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.