Traveling to Costa Rica
Practical information for planning your trip.
Weather
Costa Rica has a diverse, tropical climate with no real winter. Average annual temperature is around 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F). The coolest months are November, December and January; the hottest are March through May. Rainy season runs May to November, with September and October the heaviest; December to April see little to no rain.
Passports, visas and immunizations
Proper documentation is the sole responsibility of each traveler. Renew your passport if it expires within six months of travel. Travelers on a U.S., Canadian or European Union passport normally do not need a visa in advance; on arrival you must present a valid passport and an onward ticket, and immigration will stamp a tourist visa valid for 90 days. Proof of immunizations is only required if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.
Safety
Around 2 million people visit Costa Rica each year. It is politically stable, peaceful and democratic with a well-developed tourist industry and an above-average healthcare system. It is relatively safe, but be aware of your surroundings, keep personal items close and avoid being out alone at night.
Long flights
Long-haul flights of more than five hours could raise your risk of a dangerous blood clot fourfold, which is why Dr. Urzola will not perform your surgery the day after arrival. Check layover times and avoid long layovers on your return flight. Drink plenty of water, stretch your legs and change position frequently, breathe deeply, and be careful about leg rests that compress the calf or behind the knee.