Forcing a visitor to pay US$15 and demonstrate a minimum solvency of US$500, in cash or bank account to enter Costa Rica, is being proposed by two separate legislative bills.
The proposed bill to charge visitors a $15 entry fee if by air or maritime is being promoted by the government legislator Paola Vega. The entry fee that would apply both to those entering by air and maritime, aims to raise some ¢6.3 billion colones annually, which would be used to finance expropriations in national parks and the protection of conservation areas.
Nationals, transporters, cruise passengers, diplomats, and people in transit or those who have entered in the last 30 days, would be exempt.
The charge would not apply at land border entry points.
Another entrance requirement for tourists would be to demonstrate a minimum solvency of US$500 to cover their expenses while they are in the country, as it is applied in other countries; for example, Panama.
Currently, visitors are required to show their travel continuity or return to the country of origin (if asked the immigration official), carry a passport in good condition (ie no torn cover, or pages) and valid from one day to six months (depending on nationality), an entry visa (for some nationalities) and solvency of US$100 for each month of stay in the country, according to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), Costa Rica’s immigration service.
Nationals, transporters, cruise passengers, diplomats, and people in transit or those who have entered in the last 30 days, would be exempt.
The charge would not apply at land border entry points.
Another entrance requirement for tourists would be to demonstrate a minimum solvency of US$500 to cover their expenses while they are in the country, as it is applied in other countries; for example, Panama.
Currently, visitors are required to show their travel continuity or return to the country of origin (if asked the immigration official), carry a passport in good condition (ie no torn cover, or pages) and valid from one day to six months (depending on nationality), an entry visa (for some nationalities) and solvency of US$100 for each month of stay in the country, according to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), Costa Rica’s immigration service.
