Costa Rica Proof of Onward Travel: What You Need for 2025

Costa Rica: beaches, rainforests, sloths, and... strict onward travel requirements?

Yes. Costa Rica is one of the more vigilant countries in Central America when it comes to checking for proof of onward travel. Here's what you need for a smooth entry.

Does Costa Rica Require Proof of Onward Travel?

Yes. Costa Rica immigration requires proof that you'll leave the country within your permitted stay.

For most tourists, that's 90 days (visa-free entry for US, Canadian, EU, and many other nationalities).

Who Checks?

Airlines (Primary Enforcement)

Airlines flying to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) routinely check for onward travel at departure. This includes:

  • American Airlines
  • United
  • Delta
  • Southwest
  • Spirit
  • Avianca
  • Copa

This is where most travelers get caught. No proof = no boarding pass.

Costa Rica Immigration

Officers at SJO and LIR may ask for your onward travel document, though this is less consistent than airline checks.

What Counts as Valid Proof?

  • Return flight to your home country
  • Onward flight to Panama, Nicaragua, or any other country
  • Bus ticket to Panama or Nicaragua
  • Cruise departure from Costa Rican ports

What Doesn't Count

  • Domestic Costa Rica flights
  • Hotel or tour bookings
  • Promises to book later

Adventure travel in Costa Rica

The Bus Ticket Option

A popular budget option: book a bus ticket from Costa Rica to Panama or Nicaragua.

Tica Bus operates routes:

  • San José → Panama City (about $40-50)
  • San José → Managua, Nicaragua (about $30)

These are legitimate onward travel proof. Many travelers book them with no intention of using them—it's cheaper than a flight and satisfies the requirement.

Real Traveler Experiences

"Spirit Airlines at Fort Lauderdale asked for my Costa Rica exit ticket. I didn't have one. Spent 30 minutes at the counter buying an overpriced flight to Panama on my phone while my family waited." — Mike, Florida

"I showed my Tica Bus ticket to Panama at immigration in San José. The officer glanced at it and waved me through. Easy." — Laura, Canada

"United wouldn't check me in for my Costa Rica flight without seeing my return. I had to call my travel agent to forward the confirmation." — Sarah, UK

Best Strategies for Costa Rica

Option 1: Temporary Flight Reservation

Get a valid, verifiable reservation showing exit within 90 days. Works with all airlines and satisfies immigration.

Best for: Travelers with flexible plans, digital nomads, one-way travelers

Option 2: Cheap Bus Ticket

Book a Tica Bus or TransNica ticket to Panama or Nicaragua. Costs $30-50, fully refundable or changeable in many cases.

Option 3: Budget Flight to Panama City or Managua

Copa and Avianca often have cheap fares from San José. Book it, use it for a weekend trip, or let it expire.

Costa Rica beach destination

Tips for Costa Rica Entry

  • Have proof ready at check-in – Airlines check before immigration does
  • Print a copy – Some agents prefer paper
  • Know your 90 days – Have a rough departure date in mind
  • Prepare for questions – Where are you staying? What's your itinerary?
  • Show funds if asked – $100/month of stay is the guideline

Extending Your Stay

Want to stay longer than 90 days? Options:

Visa Run

  1. Exit to Panama or Nicaragua for 72+ hours
  2. Re-enter Costa Rica with fresh 90 days
  3. Need new proof of onward travel for re-entry

Legal Extension

You can apply for a 90-day extension at immigration offices in Costa Rica. Requires paperwork and isn't guaranteed.

Rentista or Pensionado Visa

For long-term stays, Costa Rica offers residency visas for retirees and those with stable income.

The Perpetual Tourist Reality

Many expats live in Costa Rica doing "perpetual tourism"—visa runs every 90 days. While tolerated, Costa Rica has discussed cracking down on this. Each re-entry requires fresh proof of onward travel.

Get Your Costa Rica Exit Ticket Now

Pura vida doesn't include airport stress.

Return Flight Onward Travel provides instant, verifiable flight reservations that Costa Rica airlines and immigration accept.

Ready for the beach? Get your proof in 2 minutes.

Create Your Itinerary Now

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I show a bus ticket instead of a flight?

Yes. Tica Bus tickets to Panama or Nicaragua are widely accepted.

I'm flying from the US—will my airline check?

Almost certainly. US carriers to Costa Rica consistently check for onward travel.

What if my exit ticket is 100 days after arrival?

It should be within 90 days to match your permitted stay. An exit date beyond 90 days may raise questions.

Can I enter Costa Rica with just a one-way ticket?

Risky. Airlines will likely deny boarding, and immigration may question you.

Enjoy the pura vida—just pack your exit proof!

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