Costa Rica - Clearance

Stopping along the coast before clearing into the country is not (officially) allowed, but in the north, at least, checks are not often made. However, you may be told to proceed immediately to a Port of Entry.

PRE-ARRIVAL

Ensure you have sufficient copies (up to 5 each) of all the required documents (boat papers, passports, insurance, zarpe from previous port, list of the 5 ports previously visited with dates and crew list).

Note: US cruisers have reported being asked for original documentation (in Golfito) and have had to place their boat in bond at a marina until the originals could be couriered to them. Banana Bay and Fish Hook marinas are the only 2 facilities in Golfito that can bond vessels.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Ports of Entry:

Quepos and Puntarenas have higher clearance charges than other POEs. Golfito is reported to be more reasonable [$300 reported in 2022].

Advance Notification:

Customs should, if possible, be notified 72 hrs in advance of arrival to report a firm arrival location and ETA. This can only be done via an agent but will help speed up the clearance process.

Formalities can be lengthy and some visiting boats in the past have had difficulties with the officials. This may be due to the lack of Spanish as all forms are completed in Spanish, therefore if you don't speak the language, you might find it advantageous to employ an agent [although this does incur a cost as noted above].

It will certainly be necessary to employ an agent if you wish to get a permit to visit Isla del Coco. See Restrictions for details on visiting Isla del Coco and Cana.

General Process:

Because of problems that may be encountered with officials in other ports, it is essential to make sure at the first Port of Entry that all requirements are complied with, such as the temporary importation permit.

Port officials will usually visit the yacht on entering Costa Rica. In general working hours are 08:00-16:00 Monday to Friday, seven days a week. Overtime may be charged for clearance outside these hours.

1. Immigration (Oficina de Migracion y Extrangeria): Clearance papers from the last port or country must be shown and passports must have an exit stamp from Immigration in the last country.
2. Customs Office (Puesto Aduanero): Customs on arrival will issue a Temporary Import Certificate (Certificado de Entrada) for the yacht (see Customs for more details).
3. Port Captain (Capitania): For registration of arrival and Zarpe for departure to next port (both domestic and international Zarpes). Note that if staying in the port of entry for more than 24 hours, a second visit to the Port Captain will be required to secure a Zarpe. There is an entry clearance charge by the Capitania and in some ports there are charges for exit zarpes. Between 0800 and 1500 the service of the Capitania is free. Outside these times overtime will be charged (see Fees for more details).
4. Quarantine: This office requires payment during check-in for a visit from SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal). The payment needs to be deposited at a bank and once you have a receipt a visit can be scheduled by phone. One solution is to have a Marina do the money transfer and scheduling (Banana Bay in Golfito offer this service). The quarantine officer will then come to the marina and will have to be brought to the boat to inspect your fridge/freezers/stores and ask for possible pets. Payment is mandatory, even if an inspection doesn't happen. See Biosecurity and Fees for more details.

Domestic Cruising:

You need a national Zarpe to go from one port to another (even if just going across the bay from an anchorage to a marina). In subsequent ports of entry, the captain may go ashore to clear with the port captain and show the clearance certificate (Zarpe).

CLEARING OUT

The port captain at the port of departure will issue an international departure certificate (Zarpe) specifying the country of destination. Those intending to stop before leaving Costa Rican waters should make this clear when clearing out.

Immigration must also be visited before departure.

Last updated: July 2023