GENERAL QUESTIONS
TRAVEL AND HEALTH ISSUES
TAXPAYER INFORMATION
VOTER INFORMATION
GENERAL
QUESTIONS
Do
I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
For purposes of tourism, you may visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Please see the website for
the Costa Rican Embassy in the U.S. for information regarding
visa and entry requirements.
Do
I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?
Yes, you need a U.S. passport valid for at least 60 days after your arrival in Costa Rica. Please note that the State Department strongly recommends that every citizen travel on a valid U.S. passport even when the country of destination requires lesser documentation. American citizens may apply for passports at any of over
5,000 offices in the United States that accept passport applications. For
complete information regarding passport renewal and application procedures,
please consult the Department of State website: http://www.travel.state.gov.
For the most up-to-date information on Costa Rican entry requirements, visit: http://costarica-embassy.org/consular/visa/no_visa.htm.
Notice
about immigration enforcement
Upon
entry into Costa Rica, immigration authorities give non-Costa Ricans a maximum
period of stay, normally 90 days. American
tourists are reminded that they must apply to the Directorate of Immigration
(located in La Uruca, across the General Canas Freeway from Hospital Mexico in
San José) for permission to remain in Costa Rica beyond the maximum stay.
Americans should always be prepared to present their passports to Costa Rican
authorities. A photocopy of the U.S. passport and stamps may not necessarily be
accepted as proof of status. In recent months, Americans have been detained,
deported or fined due to their failure to demonstrate their legal status in
Costa Rica.
We
urge U.S. citizens to register
with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, and let us know how long you will
be in the country. This makes it easier for us to find you in case of an
emergency.
How
do I pay consular fees?
Consular
fees can be paid to the Consular Cashier, with the exception of the Nonimmigrant
Visa fee, which can only be paid at local Banco Nacional branches.
Consular fees may be paid in cash, either in U.S. dollars or in local
currency (Costa Rican Colones), or using Visa, MasterCard, American Express,
Diner’s Club or Discover. The Consular Section does not accept checks or money
orders. For additional information
on paying the Nonimmigrant Visa fee, please see the Nonimmigrant
Visas section of our website.
How
do I help someone apply for a U.S. visa?
Nonimmigrant
visa applicants must qualify for a visa based on their own ties to a place
of residence outside of the U.S. While an invitation may be helpful, friends and
relatives in the United States cannot act as guarantors for nonimmigrant visa
applicants. For more information on requirements for a nonimmigrant visa, please
consult the Nonimmigrant
Visas section of this site.
Applicants
for Immigrant or Diversity visas should consult the Immigrant
Visas section of this site for details about eligibility
requirements.
I
need a document notarized. Where do I go?
The
American Citizen Services Unit provides notarial services for the general public
during the hours
of operation.
How do I register for the Selective Service while in Costa Rica?
If you are a U.S. citizen male aged 18 to 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service. You maey either do so at the Embassy during the hours
of operation or you may register online at: http://www.sss.gov/regist%20information.htm
I
am traveling with my pet. What do I need to do?
The
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) is an excellent resource for general questions about travel with
pets. Specific information
pertaining to Costa Rica can be found at http://sanjose.usembassy.gov/catsdogs.html.
How
can I find a friend or relative living in the U.S.?
Government
records about U.S. citizens and residents is protected by the Privacy Act of
1974; as a result, the U.S. Embassy generally cannot help locate a person living
in the United States. There are, however, public sources of information. You may
want to try searching for your friend or relative via the Internet on a Web site
such as Infobel.com. You may
also wish to contact the Costa Rican Embassy in the U.S.
What
are the requirements on emissions testing for used
cars and motorcycles being imported to Costa Rica?
The
Government of Costa Rica requires emissions testing
for all vehicles, regardless of whether
they are driven or shipped into the country, and regardless of whether they
are being imported permanently or for temporary (e.g., touristic) use by their
owners.
U.S. citizens wishing to drive or ship a car or motorcycle into
Costa Rica, even for temporary use, are strongly encouraged to contact the
nearest Costa Rican consulate for more information, and to delay shipping or
driving a vehicle to Costa Rica until they are certain they have complied with
the new requirements.
How
can I get a job or internship at the U.S. Embassy in San José
or find a job in Costa Rica?
The
U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica hires locally only a very small number of
administrative personnel, and openings are fairly infrequent. Employees
hired locally are paid local salary rates and are covered by Costa Rican labor
laws. See the Embassy of Costa
Rica's work permits page for information on getting a work permit to get a
job on the local market.
If
you are a U.S. citizen and are interested in a career or internship in the U.S.
Foreign Service, you can find complete information on the U.S. State Department
website at www.state.gov/www/careers/index.html.
The Department's internship program offers the possibility of working in many
different countries, including Costa Rica.
There
are some Americans who teach English in the many private language schools in
Costa Rica. Wages are low by U.S. standards. If you have an
elementary or secondary education certification, there are several private
English-medium schools in Costa Rica that hire locally and from abroad.
How
can I teach school or volunteer in Costa Rica?
There
are several U.S.-curriculum and English-medium schools in Costa Rica, and some
of them recruit teachers in the U.S. If you are interested in teaching
school in Costa Rica or another foreign country, see the Department of State's Overseas
Schools page for a list of recruiting organizations and for information on
schools that are supported by the U.S. Government overseas.
The
Peace Corps has a small number of volunteers in Costa Rica. Other U.S. non-profit
programs such as WorldTeach have placed
volunteers in Costa Rica in past years. The Embassy has no specific
information on volunteer opportunities at this time. The
Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC (Tel. 202-234-2945) may have
additional information about volunteer programs.
There
are also volunteer opportunities with the Costa Rican Energy
and Environment Ministry.
What
documents do I need to get married in Costa Rica?
Costa
Rican law permits U.S. citizens to get married here. A lawyer can perform
the required legal ceremony (see our list
of attorneys). You will need the following documents:
·
A valid passport;
·
A certified copy of your birth certificate;
·
If you have been married before:
1.
A certified copy of the divorce decree or
2.
A certified copy of your previous spouse's death certificate;
·
If you have not been married before, you must come to the Embassy's
Consular Section and make a sworn statement to that effect before a consular
officer (there is a $30 fee for this service).
If
you are marrying a Costa Rican citizen, he/she will need:
·
A Costa Rican
identity card (cédula de identidad); and
·
A Certificate from the Civil Registry that he/she is single (certificado
de soltería del Registro Civil).
In the United States, laws regarding marriage vary from state to state. Please contact the County Clerk's office in the county in which you plan to reside in or in which you are a residentwith any questionsregardingrecognitionof your Costa Rican marriage documents in the United States.
Where
can I get information about investing in Costa Rica?
Check
the Embassy's Commercial
Section for services for American investors. Also see our Trade
page for research reports, general information and links to business-related
organizations.
Another
good source is the Costa
Rica Supersite Business Center.
Where
can I get information about Costa Rica for my student research project?
**Please
note that the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica (this site) provides information
primarily about U.S. Government programs in Costa Rica**
There
is a wealth of information about Costa Rica on the Internet. Contact the Embassy
of Costa Rica in Washington, DC, and visit some of these links:
Embassy
of Costa Rica in Washington, DC
University of Texas Institute of
Latin American Studies - Costa Rica page
U.S.
Department of State Background Notes on Costa Rica
Costa
Rica's Yellow Pages
Costa Rica!
The Costa Rica
Supersite
Complete Costa Rica
Costa Rica's
TravelWeb
The
Costa Rican Connection
Do
I have access to APO privileges at the U.S. Embassy?
If
you are are retired from the military and are a holder of a U.S. military
identification card, you can obtain Army Post Office privileges through the
Embassy. In order to obtain these
privileges, you need to bring your U.S. military identification card and Form
DD-214 to the Embassy reception desk (located in the main entrance of the
Embassy) between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.
How
do I report / replace lost or stolen credit cards or travelers checks?
You
will need to contact the bank that issued the credit cards or traveler’s
checks directly. The Embassy cannot assist with lost or stolen credit card or
traveler’s checks claims. Following are contact numbers for selected credit
card companies:
|
COMPANY
|
LOCAL
PHONE
|
U.S.
PHONE |
|
American
Express |
(800)
012-3211 |
(800)
992-3404 |
|
Diners
Club |
(506)
295-9393 |
(800)
234-6377 |
|
Mastercard |
(800)
011-0184 |
(800)
MC-ASSIST |
|
Visa |
(800)
011-0030 |
(800)
847-2911 |
|
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: http://travel.state.gov/law/info/overseas/overseas_703.html
Birth
to One U.S. Citizen and One Alien Parent
When one parent of a child born abroad is a U.S. citizen, and the other is not,
and the parents are married, the U.S.
citizen parent may transmit citizenship if s/he has been physically present in
the United States for a certain amount of time prior to the child’s birth. For
children born on or after November 14, 1986, the U.S. citizen parent must prove
that s/he was physically present in the U.S. for 5 years, two of which were
after age 14. It is important to recognize that the burden of proof is on the
applicant. Physical presence may be proven by presenting a combination of
records such as school transcripts, military records, income records, old and
current passports, etc., to show that the physical presence requirement has been
met.
Birth to Two U.S. Citizen Parents
A child born to two U.S. citizen parents abroad acquires citizenship at birth,
so long as either parent had a residence in the United States or its possessions
sometime before the birth. There is no specifically required length of physical
presence.
Birth
to an Unwed U.S. Citizen Mother
An
unwed U.S. citizen mother may transmit citizenship if she has been physically
present in the United States for at least one year at any time prior to the
birth of the child. It is important
to recognize that the burden of proof is on the applicant. Physical presence may
be proven by presenting a combination of records such as school transcripts,
military records, income records, old and current passports, etc., to show that
the physical presence requirement has been met.
Birth
to an Unwed U.S. Citizen Father
An
unwed U.S. citizen father may transmit citizenship if he has been physically
present in the United States for a certain amount of time prior to the child’s
birth. For children born on or after November 14, 1986, the U.S. citizen parent
must prove that s/he was physically present in the U.S. for 5 years, two of
which were after age 14. It is important to recognize that the burden of proof
is on the applicant. Physical presence may be proven by presenting a combination
of records such as school transcripts, military records, income records, old and
current passports, etc., to show that the physical presence requirement has been
met.
REPORTING THE BIRTH
A
Consular Report of Birth can be prepared only at an American consular office
overseas while the child is under the age of 18. Usually, in order to establish
the child’s citizenship under the appropriate provisions of U.S. law, the
following documents must be submitted:
1. The child's Costa Rican birth certificate issued on sealed paper (papel
sellado). It must be obtained from the Civil Registry (Registro Civil), on
Calle 15, Avenida 1 and 3 (Costado Oeste del Parque Nacional).
2. For a child born in Costa Rica, a statement from the physician who
attended the birth, stating the name of the mother. In the case of a child
born in one of the Costa Rican Social Security hospitals, a statement from the
hospital director to the effect that one of its physicians attended the birth is
sufficient. The yellow Declaracion de Nacimiento showing the registration of the
birth at the hospital is not sufficient.
3. Original or certified copy of the marriage certificate of the parents. If the marriage took place in Costa Rica this document must be obtained from the
Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
4. If either parent has been married previously: Certified copies of the
documents showing termination (through death, annulment or divorce) of all
previous marriages.
5. If both parents are U.S. citizens:
Evidence of the U.S. citizenship of both parents. U.S. passports, U.S. birth
certificates issued by the official custodian of birth records under his seal
showing birth in the United States, or naturalization certificates are all
acceptable proofs. (Voter's registration and driver's license are not proof of
citizenship).
6. If only one parent is a US citizen:
A statement clearly stating exact periods of physical presence in the United
States or service with the U.S. Government overseas. The U.S. citizen parent
must submit evidence that s/he has been physically present in the U.S. for a
minimum period of time:
For children born after November 14, 1986, the citizen parent must prove s/he
was physically present in the U.S. for a period of five years prior to the birth of the child. Two of those years must be after the
parent's 14th birthday.
For children born on or before November 14, 1986, the citizen parent must prove
s/he was physically present in the U.S. for a period of ten years prior to the birth of the child. Five of those years must be after the
parent's 14th birthday.
For
children of an unwed U.S. citizen mother, the citizen parent must prove she was
physically present in the U.S. for one year at anytime during her life prior to
the birth of the child.
Please be prepared to submit:
a. U.S. school and/or university transcripts or report cards;
b. Medical and hospital records;
c. Military records or discharge certificates;
d. Social Security record;
e. Birth Certificates of other children born in the U.S. or Consular Record of
Birth Abroad or US passport for other children born outside of the US; and/or
f. Old passports.
7. In addition to requirements listed above, if the child was born out of
wedlock and the father is a US citizen, the child must be legitimated by the
biological father during the child's minority. Official recognition, an
affidavit of paternity, and written agreement to provide financial support until
the child reaches the age of 18 are required. DNA testing may be required.
8. You have to bring the baby to the interview.
9. If you wish to keep the certified or original documents, you should also
submit photocopies.
10. A fee of $70 or the equivalent in colones will be collected for the
passport and $65 or the equivalent in colones for the report of birth abroad.
Obtaining a Passport for a Child Born Abroad
Once you obtain the CRBA, you may apply for the U.S. passport. You may apply for both at the same time; however, the CRBA must be approved BEFORE the passport application will be processed.
TRAVEL
AND HEALTH ISSUES
Top
10 Tips for Travelers
What
inoculations do I need to visit Costa Rica and how
is medical care in Costa Rica?
There
are no required inoculations for Costa Rica, but it is a good idea to check with
your physician for recommendations of optional inoculations and health
precautions. Costa Rica is suffering an outbreak of dengue fever (both classic
and hemorrhagic), although the incidence remains lower than in other Central
American countries. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bite and there is no
vaccine. Anyone planning to travel in affected areas should take steps to avoid
mosquito bites. These include wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect
repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, and sleeping under mosquito netting.
Medical
care in the capital city of San Jose is adequate. However, in areas outside of
San Jose, medical care is more limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific
overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful
in many emergencies.
For
additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at
(404) 332-4559.
How
is the crime situation in Costa Rica? Is
it a safe destination?
For
information, see the "Crime Information" section of the Department
of State Consular Information Sheet for Costa Rica. Also see the
Overseas Security Advisory Council's Report
on Crime and Safety in Costa Rica
and please see our web page regarding Car
Theft Preventive Measures.
For specific safety information, please also see: http://sanjose.usembassy.gov/uscitizen.html
Yes, the departure tax for short-term visitors is currently $26. Tourists who stay over ninety days without receiving a formal extension can expect to pay a higher departure tax at the airport or land border. Persons who have overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.
Dual
U.S./Costa Rican citizens are required by Costa Rican authorities to comply with
entry and exit laws that pertain to Costa Rican citizens. This means that even
U.S. citizen minors who are also Costa Rican citizens, and who might normally
travel on U.S. passports, will be required to comply with entry /exit
requirements applicable to Costa Rican children. American parents of minors who
may have obtained Costa Rican citizenship through birth in Costa Rica or to a
Costa Rican parent should be aware that these children may only depart Costa
Rica upon presentation of an exit permit issued by the Costa Rican immigration
office. This office may be closed for several weeks during holiday periods.
Parents of dual citizen children are advised to consult with the Costa Rican
Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. about entry and exit requirements before travel
to Costa Rica.
Additional information on entry and exit requirements may be obtained from the
Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica.
There
are a number of websites, including the official website of Costa
Rica Tourism, the Costa Rica
Supersite, the Costa
Rican Tourism Institute, and the Embassy
of Costa Rica.
TAXPAYER
INFORMATION
Can
a consular officer assist me in filling out and filing my taxes?
No,
consular officers are not permitted to assist with either filling out or filing
taxes. You should contact an accountant, a tax attorney or the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) for assistance with your taxes. Tax forms and booklets are
available at the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy during the
annual tax season, from about mid-January through the end of April, and are
available online at www.irs.gov.
Is
there an IRS office or representative at the U.S.
Embassy in San José?
No,
there is no IRS office or representative at the Embassy. We do, however, stock
many federal tax forms and booklets at the American Citizen Services Unit.
I
am a U.S. Citizen resident in Costa Rica. Do I
need to file taxes?
Maybe.
U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are taxed on their worldwide
income. Every U.S. citizen or permanent resident must file a U.S. income tax
return if certain income levels are reached. Income for filing requirement
purposes is determined without regard to the foreign-earned income exclusion. To
determine whether you are required to file a U.S. income tax return you will
need to review the income levels for filing purposes which appear in IRS
publications, including Publication 17 (Tax Guide for Individuals) and
Publication 54 (Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad).
May
I file my federal or state taxes through the U.S. Embassy in San
José?
No,
you must file your tax returns directly with the Internal
Revenue Service or your state's revenue service. Please see the list of
state revenue service web sites below for more information about filing your
state taxes.
Does
the U.S. have a tax treaty or a totalization agreement (Social
Security) in effect with Costa Rica?
No,
the U.S. does not currently have a tax treaty or totalization agreement with
Costa Rica.
Does
my state's revenue service have a website?
For
links to state tax agency web sites, please see the Federation
of Tax Administrators web site.
IRS
Homepage
|
Security
Information