Costa Rica
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Costa Rica
Pet Entry Requirements for Costa Rica
Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. Firstly, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Although not required, it is recommended to have your pet identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digitthat meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If microchipped, all documents should reflect the microchip number. If you want to be sure that veterinary inspectors can read your pet’s microchip, you can provide athat will read the microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database. If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pet is wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner.
Vaccinations
All cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated for rabies prior to entering Costa Rica. It is recommended to administer the vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel to allow rabies antibodies to build up in your pet’s blood. The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp: a rabies certificate orgovernment-issued vaccination booklet orEU Pet Passport Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It should be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. This test is not required to enter Costa Rica from any country; however, all pets originating incountries classified as having a high risk of rabiesshould always travel with a rabies titer test. Additionally, as Costa Rica is classified by the World Organization of Animal Health as a country with a high risk of rabies, this test may be required for your pet to return to your country.
Parasite Treatments
Before your dog or cat can enter Costa Rica, it must have an internal and external parasite treatment administered by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of travel. Actually, it is highly recommended that your pet be on a flea and tick prevention program prior to entering Costa Rica.
Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information: Shortly prior to travel, a licensed veterinarian must complete the. Either a bi-lingual certificate (Spanish being one of the languages) or an alternate copy translated into Spanish is also required. Most countries, including Costa Rica, require that this certificate be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals in the country of origin.
Import Permit
Up to five personal pets can be imported to Costa Rica without an import permit. An import permit is required if your pet is entering Costa Rica unaccompanied or for commercial reasons (breeding, competition, or resale). A permit will also be required if you are not entering Costa Rica on the same flight as your pet. Your pet may be held for 24 hours for additional inspection and paperwork. A customs broker in Costa Rica must obtain an import permit if your pet is entering Costa Rica as manifest (air) cargo or other classes of service where an airway bill is involved, regardless of whether or not you are traveling with your pet.
Complete all 6 steps to enter Costa Rica with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Costa Rica?
Please note that all requirements must be met, or your pet will be returned to the original destination or euthanized. The importer will be responsible for all costs regarding the disposition of their pet when it does not meet import regulations. Your pet will not be subject to quarantine when entering Costa Rica if the regulations listed here are met.
What Additional Information Do I Need for Costa Rica?
- Other Information:
Not specified
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Costa Rica pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering this country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Costa Rica will include proof of current rabies vaccination and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
- Entering Costa Rica by Air:
Pets should enter Costa Rica via Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, located within the Central Valley region north of San Jose or Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Pets can arrive in the cabin, checked baggage or air cargo according to airline pet policies. In all cases, pets must travel in a pet carrier or pet crate that is in accordance with the policies set by the International Air Transport Association. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant? You will need to carry a personal letter stating your pet’s market value or a document that proves it such as an invoice. Or, you may provide this information on the health certificate. Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance. They will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any signs of contagious diseases when evaluated at the entry airport. Importers will need to pay for further veterinary testing if the health of your cat or dog is not acceptable.
- Breeds Banned by Costa Rica:
Costa Rica does not publish a list of banned breeds, although many airlines will not fly certain breeds. Pet owners should check their airline’s pet policies. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, owners, agents, or anyone transporting a pet should ensure that their veterinarian is licensed by the governing authority in their country that is responsible for the movement of live animals. This veterinarian should administer all vaccinations and treatments, as well as issue all required documentation.
- Exporting Pets from Costa Rica:
Dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica whose health and rabies certificates used to enter Costa Rica are still valid to return do not need additional documentation. They must have required documentation to return to their destination country. As an example, the United States will accept health certificates dated within 30 days of entering thecountry, so export health certificates are not required in this case. Dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica whose health or rabies certificates have expired will need to see a veterinarian for an export authorization issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture. The authorization will be good for 30 days, and there is a fee involved. It will take several working days to process it. Dogs and cats will also need internal and external parasite treatments within 10 days of export. Dogs will need a vaccination against DHLP and cats will need to be vaccinated against FVRCP within the past 12 months prior to export.
- Costa Rica Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to Costa Rica pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
- Importing Other Animals to Costa Rica:
The import of pets other than dogs and cats will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An import permit will be required and must be applied for by a local agent.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering Costa Rica:
Please note that all requirements must be met, or your pet will be returned to the original destination or euthanized. The importer will be responsible for all costs regarding the disposition of their pet when it does not meet import regulations. Your pet will not be subject to quarantine when entering Costa Rica if the regulations listed here are met.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Costa Rica:
Puppies and kittens under three months old may enter Costa Rica with a health certificate endorsed by the governmental authority responsible for the import and export of animals. All health vaccinations referenced in step 2 must be effective. Related: More information ontransporting a puppy.
- Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements:
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats, including service and assistance dogs and cats. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless at least 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO COSTA RICA below.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications. Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Costa Rica last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Costa Rica was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!