Airport Customs

Arrival to Costa Rica: Customs Service & What to Declare

On arrival to Costa Rica, you will go through immigration, collect your bags, and then must pass through customs before you exit the terminal.

The airlines will hand out customs forms on the airplane. The form asks you to declare everything you are bringing into the country that is not part of your personal effects. If you receive a copy of this form, you may list one line, “gifts” with a value of max $300. This would cover anything in your luggage that may not be considered personal effects! If you have anything special or awkward, like scuba gear or a kayak or bike, list these separately. Declare fresh food or get rid of it before you arrive.

If you have more than two suitcases/bags per person, you may be stopped at customs. If you have any food (including fruits, vegetables, sausages, etc.) or substances that can be sniffed by dogs, it is likely that you will be stopped.

When you get off the plane, you will first be shuffled through the immigration area, where they will check your passport. They may also ask for the address of your hotel, so have the first place you are staying saved on your phone or written down. Additionally, have a copy or screenshot of your return flight to show how long you are staying in Costa Rica (a tourist can visit for a maximum of 90 days at a time). Once through passport control, continue to pick up your luggage. If you have more than two bags per person, you will go through customs inspection; if two or fewer, AND HAVE A U.S., CANADIAN, or EUROPEAN PASSPORT, they generally wave you past.

Even if you speak fluent Spanish, or speak only English or another language, make it clear you are not a resident. Customs are really only interested in inspecting returning Costa Ricans who may be bringing back things from their travels. If you have items we’ve asked you to bring down, don’t volunteer these during inspection; they are “personal goods” because the guides will be using them during your trip.

Once you’ve cleared customs, you exit the terminal and meet your Serendipity guide!