AIRPORT INFORMATION

International flights arrive at San José's Juan Santamaria International airport, and Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, 217km (135mi) northwest of San José, and near the beaches in Guanacaste, now operates as a second-string international airport. There are good connections to US, Canadian cities and several European and South American countries. There is a departure tax of around US$17 on international flights.


AIR CONNECTIONS

The most convenient way to reach Costa Rica is by air.

Commercial international flights to Costa Rica currently land either at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, located ten miles from downtown San José, or at the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Costa Rica is serviced by numerous major carriers, with service originating from various points in Europe, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America. Airlines with direct flights to Costa Rica include Continental, American, Delta, United, Iberia, KLM, British Airways, Grupo Taca, Copa, Cubana, Avianca, and Mexicana.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK and most Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Eire, France, Sweden and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America, can stay 30 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany dependencies, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Czech Republic and Uruguay.

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:

Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, The Vatican, Venezuela, Estonia and Monaco.
Citizens of all countries not listed above are required a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.


CUSTOM REGULATIONS

No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes a series of items for personal, professional, non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs declarations declaring the value of any item in their possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by- products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration for all members residing in the same household and traveling together to Costa Rica.


SAFETY TIPS

Here and everywhere, enjoy a safer holiday by following these simple tips:

»	Decide your destination in advance and make a planned route of travel.
»	Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
»	If your car is bumped from behind, do not stop on the roadway or along the roadside. Drive to the nearest public area and call to 911 in search of police assistance. If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while you stop at a traffic light or sign, sound the car horn.
»	Do not pull over for flashing headlights. A police vehicle and an authorized emergency vehicle are the only ones authorized the display of flashing, rotating red or blue lights.
»	If you become lost, try to find a public place, like a service station, in order to read your map or ask for directions.
»	If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or to another well lighted public area.
»	Keep doors locked and windows shut up when driving, and mainly when the vehicle is parked.
»	Goods and valuables should be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment, or out of sight, whenever traveling or before leaving the vehicle parked.
»	Always park in well-lit areas.
»	Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before getting into your vehicle.
»	Do not pick up hitchhikers.
»	If using an automatic cashier, be sure the area is well lit. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows shut down.
»	Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or your car engine running when using an automatic cashier or public telephone.
»	If you suspect that you are being followed, head immediately to the nearest well lit public area and call the police.
»	If you must carry a purse or bag, hold it in front of you close to your body. Be sure it is securely closed.
»	When encountering a threatening, hostile individual, do not put up any resistance. If all that person wants is your belongings, give them up, they are not worth your life or any serious injury. In case of emergency call 911 from any telephone.
»	Pay airport taxes only at authorized places.
»	Taxes are $ 26 per person.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.

They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.


THE TICOS

The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard.