- Entry formalities
Passport French nationals must present a passport in good condition, valid for at least one day after the planned date of departure from Costa Rica. However, it is recommended that the passport be valid for at least six months after the return date, especially if you are transiting through countries requiring this validity, such as the USA.
Visa : For a tourist stay of less than 90 days, no visa is required for French citizens.
Additional documents When entering Costa Rican territory, you must present:
- A return ticket or a ticket to another destination.
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay.
- Sufficient financial resources to cover expenses during the stay.
- Transit through the U.S.: If you are from Europe and have a stopover in the U.S., you must obtain an ESTA transit visa before departure. You should also check U.S. entry requirements, which may be stricter than those in Costa Rica.
- Air transport
Direct flights Several airlines offer direct flights from France to Costa Rica, notably from Paris to San José. It is advisable to check availability and flight frequencies with airlines or travel agencies, as offers can vary from season to season and from year to year.
- Vehicle rental
Driver's license Your French driver's license is valid in Costa Rica for 90 days from the date of entry.
Age requirement Most rental agencies require a minimum age of 23 and at least two years' driving experience.
Cards accepted Rental agencies generally require a credit card in the name of the main driver for the security deposit. Debit or prepaid cards are often refused for this transaction.
Deposit When you pick up your vehicle, an imprint of your credit card will be made to block the deposit, the amount of which varies according to the agency and the type of vehicle.
- Means of payment
Local currency Currency: The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the official currency. US dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
Credit cards Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. However, some stores may refuse American Express cards.
Precautions It's a good idea to inform your bank of your trip to avoid having your card blocked on suspicion of fraud. In addition, prefer to pay by credit card rather than debit card, for better protection in the event of a problem.
- Health
Vaccinations No compulsory vaccination is required for travelers arriving from Europe. However, if you have visited a country at risk of yellow fever before your arrival, a vaccination certificate may be required.
Health insurance : We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and repatriation, as the cost of treatment in private establishments can be high.
- Customs and regulations
Forbidden items Meat, cold meats, dairy products and fruit and vegetables are not allowed in your luggage when entering the country. On leaving the country, special care is taken with plants, seeds, animal products and shellfish.
Cash in transit Any entry or exit of the country with more than 10,000 USD in cash (or equivalent in another currency) must be declared to Costa Rican customs.
- Minor children
Required documents Minors must have their own passport. If they are traveling without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country is required, accompanied by a copy of the signatory's identity document.
By making sure you comply with these formalities and preparing your trip thoroughly, you'll be able to take full advantage of the wonders Costa Rica has to offer.
- Luggage: what to pack
Clothing :
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for tropical climates.
- Long-sleeved clothing and pants to protect you from mosquitoes, especially in the evening.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho for frequent showers.
- Sweater or light jacket for mountainous regions where temperatures can be cooler.
Shoes :
- Sturdy hiking boots for excursions into nature.
- Sandals or flip-flops for beaches and relaxation.
Accessories :
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Bathing suit for beaches and hot springs.
- Lightweight backpack for daily excursions.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while reducing plastic use.
- Adapters: Costa Rican electrical outlets are type A and B, with a voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz, different from those used in France (230V, 50Hz). So you'll need an American-style adapter (A/B) and, depending on your appliances, a voltage converter if they can't handle 120V.
