Length of Stay in Costa Rica:
Customs on arrival will issue a Temporary Import Certificate (Certificado de Entrada) for the yacht, valid for three months (90 days).
Costa Rica is now offering a Tourist TIP for a period of 6 months - or one year - and is renewable for a maximum of two years. However, there are stipulations:
- The vessel must first have the standard 90 day TIP on arrival.
- Before the expiration of the 90 day tip an agent can apply for a 6 month tourist TIP (renewable for up to a maximum of 2 years) - (see fees for costs involved).
- The vessel must be in a marina while this process is underway because it requires an inspection by Aduana.
One of the benefits of getting the Tourist TIP is the ability to bring in spares duty-free - but there is a process for this.
There is no requirement to remain in a specific marina, but a Zarpe is required to move from port to port, just as with the regular 90-day TIP.
Remember, the Tourist TIP is for the vessel only. Regular immigration regulations still apply to the vessel owners and crew.
Ultimately this is an easier process than the two-year MOPT duty exoneration and has the benefit of the duty free spares.
Other Options for Staying Longer:
- Permisode Permanencia - MOPT Permit (Ministero de Obras Publicas Transportes)
There is an alternative which will allow you to stay in Costa Rica for 2 years (renewable for equal periods) called a Permisode Permanencia. However, this permission is only given to vessels that sign a slip agreement at marinas recognized by the Government of Costa Rica, such as Papagayo, Pez Vela, and Los Suenos. Marina Papagayo, for example, has one slip available for boats staying in Costa Rica with a Permisode Permanencia. An agent or lawyer is required to process the permit and secure this permission. Costs vary widely depending on who is handling it for you and how the ownership of the vessel is held. If the vessel is in the name of the owner, it is pretty easy and less expensive. If the ownership is held in a corporation or family trust then the process is more completed and requires more documents. The cost is usually between $ 900 and $ 1,500.
The advantages of the MOPT permit is it allows yachts to move from port to port within Costa Rica without the need for a National Zarpe. The marina that holds the permit can issue a Float plan for the movement of the boat. So this saves the hassle of getting a Zarpe from the Port Captain every time you move. It also allows boats to depart Costa Rica and return without waiting the 90 days required with the TIP.
- Bonding
You can no longer put your boat in bond for the sake of extending your Temporary Import Permit. There is, however, limited bonding available in Golfito but only if the vessel is waiting to be loaded onto a ship. So for example, if you have only a week left on your temporary import and the boat is waiting for the ship, they offer a bonding if the ship is late. The bonding agent will charge a fee.
Other Customs Requirements:
- Firearms must be declared.
- Customs may also want to see proof of the serial number of the boat engine and dinghy engine which will be listed in the TIP (valid for 3 months). Pictures of the nameplates satisfied the need.
Last updated: June 2023
