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Childrens Entry Requirements

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Last Updated on Thursday, 20 March 2008 21:00

Children (0 - 18 years old) are required the following documents to enter Costa Rica:

    *     a passport valid for at least 6 months (*)

    *     a parent entry/exit authorization letter - if children are 
           traveling with one parent or alone.

(*) Passport can not expire no later than six months from the date that you arrive in Costa Rica. For example, if you are going to fly to Costa Rica on January 1st, your passport can not expire before July 1st of the same year.

Children can stay in Costa Rica for a specific period of time determined by their country of citizenship. U.S. and Canadian children can stay up to 90 days (For other nationalities please see Visa Resource Center ) After that, parents must go to Patronato Nacional de la Infancia to request permission to extend their child's stay.


A parent must show the Patronato Nacional de la Infancia a passport and a letter written by the husband or wife –translated into Spanish –stating that he or she agrees to allow the child to remain in Costa Rica for a specific period of time.

Hint: When your 90-day permit runs out, you can cross the border for a few days, then re-enter under the same conditions.