We’re excited to welcome you to Costa Rica for this year’s conference. To help you prepare, we’ve put together key travel information and tips, including passports, transportation, currency, and more, so you can focus on enjoying your experience.

General Tips

  • Make Copies of your ID and Passport: Make two photocopies of your license/ID – or passport for international travelers – in case either is lost or stolen. Bring one copy and store it separately from your original and leave another with a friend or relative.
  • Streamline your wallet: Lost wallets are the leading cause of identity theft. Only carry the card(s) you plan to use on your trip and leave your checkbook and the rest of your cards at home. If you decide to bring more than one credit card, consider stashing the extra, along with account information and customer service numbers for the cards you have with you, in a hotel safe or other secure location.
  • Check the weather: Take steps to prepare yourself by monitoring the local weather and packing the appropriate gear.
  • Avoid oversharing online: Posting photos or checking in on social media sites advertises your absence from home. Real-time updates can be tempting but wait until you return safely home before sharing your adventures.
  • Look into travel insurance. Travel insurance provides a financial safety net for unexpected events that could disrupt or cancel your trip. While not every trip requires it, it can be a valuable investment for peace of mind, especially for expensive international trips, or for those with health concerns.
  • If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1 to reach the Costa Rica national emergency system, which is available 24/7. 

Passport Requirements:

You must have a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. Passports should be valid for 6 months after your dates of travel or you may not be able to enter.

Tourist Visa Requirements:

Residents from the United States, Canada, Mexico, UK, EU or Schengen countries do not have visa requirements

Holders of valid United States, Canadian or Schengen visa (C or D) visas do not need a Costa Rican visa. Foreign residents in the UK holding a UK eVisa must apply for visa to Costa Rica.

Those with passports from many countries in Africa or Asia require a consular visa to enter Costa Rica.
The tourist visa is valid for 90 days generally. However, if you come from a country not listed above it may be as short as 30 days.

You must have a return flight booked prior to entering Costa Rica and you must get an entry stamp from the immigration official when you arrive to Costa Rica.

More information on visa is available at https://migracion.go.cr/visas/

 

Registering your Travel with the United States State Department:

The U.S. uses the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to allow you to get communications and alerts for the destination you are visiting. Please click here to learn more and enroll in the program. 

 

Airport:

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
About 11 minutes by car (6.1km or 3.8 miles)

 

Ground Transportation to Hotel:

  • Complimentary Hotel Shuttle (Reservation Required) must call +506 -22980000 or email mhrscostaricactt@marriott.com
    • Hours and policies view here 
  • Mini Bus for 7 guests - $40 one way (Reservation Required) must call +506 -22980000 or email mhrscostaricactt@marriott.com
  • Taxi – look for a taxi stand with orange taxis as those are the authorized airport taxis. Ensure the meter is running when taking a taxi.
  • Uber is also available in most major cities.

 

Communication:  

  • Spanish is the official and dominant language spoken in Costa Rica. English is also common, particularly in popular tourist destinations and among hospitality workers.  
  • Check international cell phone plans.

 

Currency:  

  • The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC).
  • US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, but we encourage you to bring small bills, as large bill are often refused at local establishments.  
  • Notify your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad, including the country and dates, to avoid interruptions in service.  

 

Health & Safety Tips: 

  • No mandatory vaccinations for US travelers.
  • Drink only bottled water outside major hotels.
  • Use insect repellent to reduce the risk of contracting dengue, Zika, and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

   

Considerations when traveling with prescription medication:

  • Bring enough medication for your trip.   
  • Some medications are not available and cannot be sent in the mail to Costa Rica. 
  • Carry your prescription medicine in the original packaging with a copy of your prescription.  

 
Pharmacy: 

  • Farmacia Galeno • Belén –
    • Centro Comercial El Cafetal, Heredia, Belén, 40702, Costa Rica
      2 minutes by car or 6 minutes walking (400 m or .25 miles)
      Hours 8am to 7:30pm except Sundays (closed)
  • Farmalife
    • Centro Comercial Cityzen, Local #4, Heredia, Belén, Costa Rica
      4 minutes by car or 15 minutes walking (1km or .62 miles)
      Hours 9am to 9pm daily

 

Hospital:

  • Hospital Clínica Bíblica (Private)
    • Pozos, Ruta Nacional Treciaria 310, San José, Santa Ana, 10903, Costa Rica
      40 minutes by car (8.6 km or 5.3 miles)
  • San Rafael Hospital (Public)
    • Radial Francisco J. Orlich, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, San Luis, Costa Rica
      30 minutes by car (9.7km or 6 miles)
  • San Vicente de Paúl Hospital – Hospital de Heredia (Public)
    • 700 m. sur del Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero, Heredia, Costa Rica
      35 minutes by car (8km or 5 miles)