Costa Rica customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Costa Rica permits duty-free imports of personal goods up to USD 800 for travelers aged 18 and over, including 1 liter of alcohol (spirits over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, and a choice of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Strict bans apply to firearms, narcotics, and certain agricultural products.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (Form DGA-01).
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 in total value are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duties and taxes (typically 30% duty plus 13% VAT).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Firearms and ammunition (unless authorized by the Ministry of Public Security)
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, even for medical use without prior authorization)
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products (risk of pests/disease)
  • Endangered species products (e.g., turtle shells, crocodile leather, ivory) per CITES
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Pornographic materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants) – require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health
  • Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture
  • Pets (dogs, cats) – require a health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and import permit from SENASA
  • Drones – require registration with the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and a permit for operation
  • Satellite phones – require authorization from the Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Shop Purchases

Items bought at duty-free shops abroad are included in the USD 800 personal goods allowance. If total value exceeds USD 800, duty applies on the excess.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) can be imported temporarily for up to 90 days without duty, but require a bond or credit card deposit equal to the duties. Extensions are possible up to 6 months.

Agricultural Inspection

All luggage is subject to inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture for prohibited plant and animal products. Failure to declare can result in fines up to USD 5,000.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Goods valued over USD 800 are subject to duties and taxes. The duty rate is typically 30% on the excess value, plus 13% VAT (IVA). You must declare all items on the customs form.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras are considered personal effects and are generally duty-free if they are for your own use and not for resale. However, if you bring multiple units, customs may consider them commercial goods.
Failure to declare cash over USD 10,000 can result in seizure of the funds and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount. You may also face legal penalties.
Yes, Cuban cigars are not prohibited in Costa Rica. They count toward your tobacco allowance (50 cigars duty-free). No special permit is needed.
Commercially packaged, sealed coffee and chocolate are generally allowed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy are prohibited. Homemade or unsealed food items may be inspected and confiscated.
Gifts are included in your USD 800 duty-free allowance. If the total value of all goods (including gifts) exceeds USD 800, duty applies on the excess. Gifts must be for personal use, not for resale.

Official source

General Directorate of Customs (Dirección General de Aduanas)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with General Directorate of Customs (Dirección General de Aduanas) before travelling.