birth tourism costa rica

Andrew Henderson

Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the world’s most sought-after expert on global citizenship.

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Birth Tourism: 31 Countries Giving Birthright Citizenship

Last updated October 28, 2020

Dateline: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you have spent any time on our blog, you probably already know that there are a number of ways to get a second passport , depending on how badly you want one.

We recently discussed 13 citizenships you could get rather easily by using one of the oldest tricks in the book: marrying a foreigner .

However, obtaining second citizenship for your children and future generations is just as important – if not more so. 

For years, surveys such as The Best Places to Be Born , the Better Life Index , the Human Development Report , and many Quality o f Life Indices have chronicled where children are likely to have it best.

I recently discussed this in my article on tips for parents-to-be , suggesting that parents who apply our principles of international diversification practice something called “ birth tourism .”

If you live in the United States, you have probably heard the term “anchor baby” – when a non-citizen gives birth to a child in a country with birthright citizenship to gain residence and citizenship advantages – positioned in a bad light. However, there is nothing stopping you from using the same principle to give your kids a head start in other countries around the world.

Parents have a unique opportunity to choose the best country to give birth in. It’s an opportunity even western citizens should consider since even the “first world” United Kingdom failed to crack the top 20 places in which to give birth, falling behind the likes of Montenegro and Lithuania . The study concluded that children born in Britain suffer higher infant mortality rates than many emerging countries.

So, how can you take advantage of the quality of life in other countries to give your child a better future by securing them a second passport just by being born? In this article, we’ll tell you how and where you can take advantage of birthright citizenship to do just that, and maybe even earn a second passport for yourself in the process.

How Does Birth Tourism Work?

When it comes to determining a child’s citizenship at birth, countries usually apply one of two rights: jus soli (right of soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood).  Jus soli grants citizenship merely on the basis of being born “on the soil” of the country in question.  Jus sanguinis determines the child’s citizenship based on the parents’ nationality.

Birth tourism is simple: give birth in a country that grants citizenship based on  jus soli and provides benefits to all children born there. This will not only give your child a better qualify of life but also entitle them to a second passport immediately from birth. In many cases, parents of such children enjoy a faster naturalization timeline as well.

The process of “ jus soli ” is generally available to anyone who has a child within the territory of a country with birthright citizenship, even if they are a temporary resident or an illegal alien. The only people whose children do not qualify for instant citizenship are diplomats.

These countries offer what is called “ absolute jus soli ,” meaning that the biggest hurdle you’ll face in some countries is having to register your bundle of joy with the local authorities to secure their passport.

The United States and Canada are the only “first world countries” that offer unconditional citizenship to children born in the territory, although there are plenty of other excellent places that I would actually prefer to live in that offer this as well.

Here in Asia, Mainland Chinese parents often seek to give birth in Hong Kong to obtain the “right of abode” for their children. (Hong Kongers are Chinese citizens, but with special privileges to reside in Hong Kong.)

Of course, we know that the United States offers birthright citizenship for the same reasons that ancient Rome did: to increase the number of US tax-payers needed to pay off the country’s catastrophic debts.

Giving birth to a child in the United States is setting them up for a lifetime of taxes which they can’t even get out of without renouncing their citizenship. That means even opening a bank account for their college savings will require you to file paperwork with the US government.

What Countries Offer Birthright Citizenship?

For those who want to bestow their child with a second citizenship outside of the highly taxed western world, there are a number of places that offer “jus soli” or birthright of the soil.

Any child born within that country’s territory becomes a citizen at birth, and there are dozens of countries whose laws allow the practice. So, which countries automatically give a passport and citizenship to children born there, regardless of the nationality of the child’s parents?

Almost two decades ago, Ireland amended its constitution to end their practice as the last European country offering unconditional citizenship rights to children born to two foreign parents. Malta had amended theirs earlier, too. Other countries, such as Australia , have similarly tightened their laws.

But when you follow the birth tourism blueprint, you can forget about dual citizenship and give your child multiple citizenships .

Here is the full list of the best countries in which to give birth when seeking birth tourism options, excluding countries where a ban on the practice is currently underway.

• El Salvador
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United States

*For a child to become a Chilean citizen at birth, their parents must already have a temporary or permanent residence in Chile at the time of their birth.

**As of September 2020, Portugal is just a few formalities away from expanding its jus soli laws granting birthright citizenship to children born on Portuguese soil. Currently, children born in Portugal to foreign nationals can obtain citizenship at birth if at least one parent has been a resident for two years or more. The new law would reduce that timeline to one year. 

This is an especially attractive change for Golden Visa investors in Portugal as they will now have the opportunity to bestow Portuguese citizenship on their children after just one year of residence.

The Best Birth Tourism Countries

Out of that list are a few gems…

Panama, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are particularly noted for their quality medical care , including for world-class facilities that make giving birth there not only easy but much cheaper than any country in the West.

Two of the countries — Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis — sell economic citizenships for six-figure price tags and even charge for your children to receive a passport, as well. Other countries that used to offer citizenship by investment programs, such as Belize, are also attractive birth tourism options.

Similar to how US persons complain of illegal immigrants getting access to welfare benefits for their US citizen child, several countries on this list offer the ability to fast track your own naturalization as the parent of a local child.

In Brazil, the wait is only one year, prompting my friend Neil Strauss to suggest “knocking up a Brazilian girl” in his book Emergency . But in all seriousness, even foreigners on tourist visas can give birth on Brazilian soil, earning their child immediate Brazilian citizenship and a one-year timeline to their own naturalization. You can learn more about Brazil’s birthright citizenship laws here .

Most other countries will fast track the parents’ naturalization so that you will be able to get citizenship in two to seven years. 

And surprisingly, some of these countries offer remarkably good passports . Holders of passports from Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico , Panama , St. Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay , and Venezuela enjoy visa-free travel to all of Central and South America as well Europe’s borderless Schengen Area and almost every country in Europe.

Some even offer travel privileges to countries that westerners do not have visa-free access to, like Russia.

Guatemala passport holders enjoy all of these privileges save the right to travel to Mexico. Nicaragua citizens enjoy Schengen area access, but more limited options within the Americas. And even some of the lesser passports here allow for visa-free travel of some sort to the UK, Ireland, Malaysia, and Singapore.

For someone interested in raising their family in the world’s emerging markets, the Peruvian passport allows for more visa-free travel to Southeast Asia and South American countries than most “first world” passports.

Outside of Canada and Chile , none of these citizenships will allow your child to visit the United States visa-free. But if you’re reading this, you might actually view that as an added benefit rather than a detriment.

Keeping your child in a growing, more laissez-faire environment is the best way to make the most of his or her birth tourism citizenship.

Be careful that you have the most up-to-date information before giving birth overseas, as a number of countries have ended their policy of giving citizenship based on birthplace; these include Australia, most recently, as well as New Zealand, Ireland, France, Malta, the Dominican Republic (which led to tens of thousands of deportations ), and India.

Of course, only you can determine how far you want to take the second citizenship and birth tourism game in an effort to bestow as many nationalities on your children as possible.

And if you happen to be pregnant now, you could always book your hospital stay and join us for one of our upcoming events on the beach.

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Tiny Footsteps Travel

Costa Rica with a Baby: A Guide (2024)

Heading to Costa Rica with a baby? You’re in the right place. Costa Rica has been a popular place to travel for the past two decades.

It draws solo travellers, couples on romantic getaways, and yes – families too. You’re bound to see many other families (even ones with babies) touring while you’re in Costa Rica, and I truly believe its one of the best places for a family trip.

As people who have been to Costa Rica multiple times and visited with kids and babies, we can share with you the best tips of where and when to go, and the most baby-friendly activities that will fulfill you, ones that suitable for bringing a baby along.

Bringing kids to Costa Rica , especially those under 5 to Costa Rica might mean that you will have to do some extra planning to do, but its a very doable, and a rewarding family trip.

So, lets jump in – the best tips on Costa Rica with a baby.

Reasons to Go to Costa Rica with a Baby

Here are the reasons in a nutshell why Costa Rica makes an amazing family vacation , even with a baby !

• Lots of outdoor time surrounded by nature
• Availability of fresh fruit , perfect for finger foods or baby-lead-weaning
• Animal encounters such as monkeys and sloths, in the jungle, or right outside your hotel room
• Plenty of family-friendly beaches with calm, clear water and and sandy beaches
• Warm, friendly people – Costa Ricans in general, especially those that work with tourists, are known for being very hospitable, and wanting to make sure you’re happy
• There are LOTS of other tourists in Costa Rica, (in 2022, Costa Rica received 2.4 million tourists!) so you won’t be the only people who aren’t locals
• You can drink the tap water all over Costa Rica , and never get sick
• There aren’t major concerns about getting sick from the food
• Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity is inspiring; it helps you fall in love with nature and want to protect it for future generations
• Costa Rica is very safe with a low crime rate.

Breastfeeding in Costa Rica

If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll be happy to know that breastfeeding is very culturally accepted in Costa Rica, and many Costa Rican moms do so openly. So, breastfeeding your baby openly, with or without a cover is fine- and you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with.

My baby did not want to breastfeed by that point, but we brought a breast pump to Costa Rica with us. We stayed in places that had access to a kettle and fridge so we could effectively clean the equipment after each use, and be able to store extra milk.

Pro Tip: If you’re bringing a breast pump, just make sure to bring the required adapter plug for Costa Rica!

Formula Feeding in Costa Rica

If you’re formula feeding, then there are several brands of formula sold in Costa Rican grocery stores, such as Enfamil and Nutramigen; the packaging just might look different from back at home and may be all in Spanish.

It would best to bring your translator app in case you’ll want to read the ingredients or instructions. We were doing a mixture of breastfeeding and formula feeding, so we didn’t need to buy formula in Costa Rica, but we did bring a can of it from home.

Is Costa Rica stroller-friendly?

It depends what types of activities you’ll be up to, but generally, a stroller is just as useful in Costa Rica as it is at home. You may want to use it to push your baby down paths on the beach, the supermarket, through the towns, etc.

There are some excursions that won’t be as stroller friendly, particularly if you’re planning on doing hikes in the rainforest (which was something we did a lot of.) So personally, we used the baby carrier much more often on our trip to Costa Rica than the stroller.

So, if you have room, I would bring both – the baby carrier and the stroller. If you only have room or one, then your decision will be based on what kind of activities you’ll be doing while there.

If you’re mainly going to be on a family beach resort, then I think a stroller should be enough. But if you’re planning to do tours (farm visits, rainforest hikes, the cloud forest, etc) then I think a carrier is very necessary.

Diapers, Wipes and Baby Formula in Costa Rica

Diapers- Costa Rica has a great selection, and many brands – the two largest being Pampers and Huggies. You can bring some from home, and stock up in Costa Rica when you need to Wipes – Same as the diapers. Wipes can be heavy to bring in your luggage, so I recommend only bringing a pack or two and then buying any more you need during your trip. Formula -Costa Rican grocery stores carry many different infant formulas, such as Enfamil and Nutramigen, as well as some Latin American brands

Is Costa Rica safe?

Costa Rica is known for being a safe country. Its crime rate is slightly higher than Nicaragua , its neighbour country – however, its unknown if this is due to different efficiencies in reporting crime.

Safety in Costa Rican Cities

San Jose is a city with a lot of things to do (we spend 2 nights there with our baby and were glad that we did.) There are some areas in San José where you should not walk alone at night after 9pm. But its important to take precautions, like with any major city.

Most tourists in Costa Rica spend their time in the following areas: Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio (Pacific coast) and La Fortuna and Monteverde (Central Valley).

These areas are are all beautiful and safe, and they offer different qualities, depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation. (More on that below.)

Good to Know: The Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica is visited by some tourists, but it is not as nearly as popular as the Pacific coast. There are also some areas that are not known for being safe.

Safety in the Jungles

Going for hikes in the jungle was one of our favourite things to do as a family in Costa Rica with our baby. Having said that, there are some precautions to take. Be sure that you have insect repellant for all children and adults, and mosquito-repellant stickers for your baby.

There are some bugs in Costa Rica that have potential to be dangerous, but your risk of facing any serious problems is low, especially when taking all the precautions.

Our baby was a preemie, so we made extra sure to speak to our doctor about our trip to Costa Rica, and the risks for any mosquito-borne illnesses. I recommend doing the same.

Best Areas to visit Costa Rica with a Baby

The most popular destinations in Costa Rica are La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Manual Antonio, and Monteverde. Here are the best places to stay with a baby in each of the popular destinations in Costa Rica.

La Fortuna with a Baby

La Fortuna is a popular place to visit in Costa Rica, and its about halfway between San Jose and Liberia. (So you can reach it from either airport.) Its one of the best places to go if you want to see lush, natural beauty.

If waterfalls, rainforests, volcanos, mountains and wildlife are your thing, then I highly recommend fitting La Fortuna into your itinerary in Costa Rica. However, La Fortuna does not have beaches. Many of the hotels have swimming pools, though.

Things To Do in La Fortuna with a Baby

• Explore the downtown of La Fortuna with your baby in a stroller; there are churches, some pretty architecture, lots of restaurants between fine dining and hole in the wall restaurants
• Mistico Hanging Bridges Park This tour out of La Fortuna will allow you to see spectacular sights with your infant in tow from hanging bridges in the rainforest . Bonus: this rainforest is stroller friendly.
• Don Olivo Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna. We took our baby to this farm for their guided tour, and it was fantastic. You’ll learn a lot about how they grow the fruit, and make the chocolate. You and you baby will be able to try lots of fresh-grown fruit , and enjoy a cup of coffee and piece of chocolate at the end
• See sloths in their natural habitat from visiting the Sloth’s Territory reserve on a 1-2 hour tour
• Take a 2- hour tour of a butterfly conservatory , a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna

Where to Stay in La Fortuna with a Baby

• Budget: Casita Bohemia (Tiny House) Great for being on a budget, without looking like it or feeling like it. Here, you’ll have a pool, a kitchen, air conditioning and free parking.
• Mid-range: Hotel Villas Vilma . We stayed here and couldn’t have been happier with our stay. There’s a pool, its right across the street from two family-friendly restaurants where we loved eating breakfast and dinner. They supplied us with a pack and play (although we used our own). We also enjoyed relaxing with our courtyard view after the little one went down for bed.
• Luxury: Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning with a view of the volcano, swimming pools, hot springs and spa treatments. Great place to treat yourself

For a complete list of my La Fortuna accommodation recommendations, click here.

Tamarindo with a Baby

Fly to: Liberia International Airport

Tamarindo, in the Guanacaste region is perfect if you want to be on the Pacific coast near the beach. It has more family-friendly beaches than anywhere else in the country, so if the beach is your main interest, then I would choose the Guanacaste area.

This region is very popular for tourists who are looking for beach towns and resorts, but there are also a lot of nature-based activities too.

What Do to in Tamarindo with a Baby

• Spend time on the beach. Tamarindo is famous for its beaches; many of them are family friendly but some of them are best for older children because of the strength of the waves. Some of the baby-friendly beaches in Guanacaste are Playa Tamarindo and Playa Brasilito.
• Farm to Table Tour . Not only is this experience geared at young visitors, but your baby will love getting up close and personal with farm animals
• Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari You and you baby will sit in a boat as it takes you through a river in the jungle. See crocodiles, birds, sloths and other wildlife

Where to Stay in Tamarindo with a Baby

• Budget : Hotel Laguana del Codrilo Right on Tamarindo Beach for a bargain. Ocean view rooms, air conditioning, a stone’s throw from the shore and a short walk to bakeries and restaurants
• Mid-Range: Best Western Tamarindo Villas Vistas has family-oriented villas right on Tamarindo beach. There’s a swimming pool, a Monkey Bar that plays live music at night, and its also only a few minutes away from wildlife tours; you can walk to the family-friendly Turtle Tour in less than 20 minutes.
• Luxury: Hotel Tamarindo Daria Beach Resort Have lots of options with 4 restaurants, several spas, be steps away from the beach and close to family-friendly beaches. This resort is highly popular with families travelling to Costa Rica

Monteverde with a Baby

Monteverde, located 4,000 ft above sea level, is up in the mountains. If you enjoy lush, green nature with rainforests, and incredible sprawling mountains, then Monteverde is for you.

Its not the best places for swimming or beaches (it has no beaches) but the temperature is a bit cooler up here in the highlands, so bring warm clothes if you plan to come here. Check out the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve , the Sloth Sanctuary or the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.

What do do in Monteverde with a Baby

• Explore the Monteverde downtown area; its a small quaint mountain town with shops, tourist information, accommodations, restaurants and cafés
• Take a 2-hour morning walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve . You’re more likely to see wildlife in the morning, there are fewer crowds at that time, and this is the only baby-friendly Monteverde cloud forest tour offered that we could find
• Spend an hour or so hiking the Children’s Eternal Rainforest – its less busy than the Monteverde Cloud forest during the day, and we saw some exotic birds when we were there
• Take a 2-hour tour on the hanging bridges of Selvatura Park , a family-friendly rainforest focused on conservation – you have a great chance of spotting wildlife here too
• Check out the Sloth Sanctuary or the butterfly conservatory right by the entrance to Selvatura Park

Where to Stay in Monteverde with a Baby

• Budget: Cabañas La Predara Stay in your own 1-bedroom rustic cottage with forest views while having access to an outdoor swimming pool and located right in between two different rainforest reserves
• Mid-range: Quality Cabins Monteverde. Have your own private chalet with a beautiful view of the mountains – there are entire walls that are all window, for you to spot monkeys, birds and other wildlife. We enjoy staying in cabins like this when we travel, so that we have a separate room to relax in after the little ones go to sleep.
• Luxury: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens. Relax with your baby in the heated indoor pool and be only a 10 minute walk from the Monteverde town centre. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant on-site

Manuel Antonio with a Baby

The Manuel Antonio region includes Quepos, Jaco Beach, Espadillo Beach, and of course, the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

Manuel Antonio is perfect if you want a mixture of beaches, and rainforest. With your baby, you can do jungle tours in the rainforest, visit the crocodile bridge , and visit several family-friendly beaches !

What do do in Manuel Antonio with a Baby

• Have a beach day.This is a great area for beaches, and many of them are family friendly, such as Jaco Beach and Playa Espadilla
• Manuel Antonio Nature Guided Tour. This stroller friendly half day walk through the jungle will allow you to see lots of wildlife, such as sloths, birds, and lizards and enjoy the beach (pictured below) afterwards

Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio with a Baby

• Budget: Hotel Naoz Located only a short drive to family friendly beaches, Hotel Naoz has a swimming pool and restaurants on-site with a gorgeous view
• Mid-range: Shana By the Beach Manuel Antonio Be within a 5-minute walk of a family-friendly beach , and a 10-minute walk of Manuel Antonio National Park, while also having access to two different swimming pools and a high-class breakfast every morning included in the cost!
• Luxury: Parador Nature Resort & Spa We stayed here with our baby, and enjoyed the family-friendly swimming pools, stunning ocean views, the live music in the main restaurant at dinner, the walk through their monkey trail, and the baby-friendly service. Read more about our experience here.

Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica with a Baby

You can visit Costa Rica year-round, but here’s what you need to know about each time of year.

Dry Season (December through April)

The months between December and April (dry season) are the peak times for travel to Costa Rica. March and April are the hottest months of the year in Costa Rica and the peak of the ‘dry’ season. 

Having said that, we visited Costa Rica in mid-March , and it still rained quite a bit during our stay. For this reason, we’d recommend preparing for rain regardless of when you visit, so that you can still enjoy the activities you planned; (many of them run rain or shine in Costa Rica, as they’re accustomed to rain anytime throughout the year.)

Wet Season (May through November)

May through November is wet season in Costa Rica, and considered to be ‘winter’ in the southern hemisphere. The good thing about visiting Costa Rica during wet season is because its way less busy at that time.

Even though its called ‘rain’ season, this doesn’t mean it rains all day or every day . The rain during rain season tends to be sporadic throughout the day, with sunny periods in between. Some days, it may not rain at all. However, rain season is also the worst time of the year for mosquitos, and carries the highest risk for mosquito-related diseases.

Good to Know: You’ll need to protect your children from mosquito bites at any time of the year in Costa Rica, even in dry season – especially in the rainforest.

Temperature in Costa Rica

The temperatures varies in Costa Rica depending on the elevation of the place you’re in and time of year.

For example, when we visited in March, it was warm and sunny in most places, but when we went to Monteverde (over 4,000 ft above sea level ) we were quite cold, especially at night!

The temperature in Costa Rica generally falls between 22 and 28 ℃   on average (72 and 82 F). The warmest and sunniest areas are generally in the northeast, the Guanacaste region.

Regions in higher elevations, Alejuela or Monteverde for example, are generally cooler. Temperatures drop about 10 ℃ (50 F) for every 3,000 feet higher you are in elevation.

Unless you’re staying in the Guanacaste region exclusively, we recommend bringing some summer outfits, but also some warmer outfits for yourself and young children.

How to Get Around Costa Rica with a Baby

Here are the best ways to travel around Costa Rica with a baby

The three most popular options for getting around Costa Rica with a baby are rent a car, hire a private shuttle service or simply stay in one place and do day trips and tours. Personally, we chose to rent a car and drive around and we were very happy with that decision. It allows for the flexibility to travel with a baby at your own pace.

To rent a car in Costa Rica, or hire a private shuttle, you’ll need to bring a carseat from home , as you can’t always guarantee that they’ll have the size that you need for your baby’s age.

What to Bring to Costa Rica with a Baby

Here are the things we’d recommend bringing to Costa Rica with a baby

A portable high chair . We did not bring one, but it would have been really useful. Most restaurants in Costa Rica were baby-friendly, but not all of the high chairs they offered were up to code. This one here for example in La Fortuna (pictured below) was very wiggly and we worried that it was going to tip over.

If we could do it again, we would bring the PandaEar Portable Baby Sea t, because its affordable, lightweight and folds up easily. Perfect for keeping in the car if you’re driving around Costa Rica and stopping at places to eat along the way.

A good baby carrier . While there are some stroller friendly areas, a baby carrier is your best bet for most jungle tours, beaches, towns, and coffee and chocolate farms. We like this one because its lightweight, you can wear it comfortably for a long time, and it fits 8-32 lbs (from baby to toddler!)

A good baby sunscreen . A baby sunscreen for Costa Rica should ideally be mineral based and reef-friendly. Chemical sunscreens with ingredients like octinoxate are not only harmful, but they’re harming the oceans. (Unfortunately, most mainstream sunscreens contain reef-killing ingredients.) We’d recommend Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen – protects your baby from the harsh UV rays, as well as the oceans from harmful ingredients. Plus, its affordable.

A portable changing pad. There aren’t as many change table stations in Costa Rica; they’re starting to become more common, but you can’t rely on finding them everywhere.

A portable changing pad is so useful to have at home or while travelling in general, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. We like this one because its very lightweight, takes up no space, and so useful for a good price.

Mosquito Repellent for Baby. This is especially recommended if you’re doing any hiking in the rainforest, or are travelling during wet season. But mosquito repellent in Costa Rica is good to have either way. We like these stickers because you don’t have to spray any ingredients onto your baby’s sensitive skin. They use natural ingredients to keep those critters away from your baby, and are effective at it too!

A toy for long plane rides or road trips. I try to bring at least 1-2 toys that your baby has never seen before to entertain them during the long periods of transit. I like this visually stimulating plush book, or for older babies and toddlers – this Montessori busy board .

FAQ: Costa Rica with a Baby

Here are some of the most common questions about travelling in Costa Rica that most parents have

Should I bring a stroller to Costa Rica?

Whether or not to bring a stroller to Costa Rica depends on what kinds of activities you’ll be doing. Some parts of Costa Rica, like the towns, and some trails through jungles are stroller friendly, such as the Mistico Park Arenal Costa Rica. However, we’d recommend bringing a baby carrier for areas that aren’t stroller friendly.

Is it safe to take small children to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America to bring your children. The crime rate is low, and Costa Ricans are friendly and helpful people. The country is very accommodating and welcoming to tourists, because tourists are a big part of their industry.

How much are diapers in Costa Rica?

A small pack of diapers in Costa Rica typically cost 5,000 colzones, or $9.30 USD from the drugstore or supermarket. This will usually give you about 12-24 diapers.

Conclusion: Costa Rica with a Baby

The best things to do in Costa Rica with a baby include the beach, walks in the rainforest, visiting coffee and fruit farms, going on a safari, or walking through the markets and museums of San José. You should plan your trip based on the personal preference of the parents – this is a great time in your baby’s life to tag along with you doing the things that you like to do.

So if you prefer to relax on the beach all day – do it. If you’re more of a rainforest and volcano kind of person like me, then stick to the Central Valley. Costa Rica has a lot of gems for

Being a safe country with its nature as a focus for its tourism, Costa Rica makes for a really memorable family trip. We’re so glad our kids got to experience the animals, the rainforest and the pura vida lifestyle when they were young. Although our trip to Costa Rica with a baby was a lot of work at times for us adults, we look back on these memories very fondly.

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Is It Hard to Travel in Costa Rica with a Baby?

Absolutely not! Traveling with a baby to Costa Rica might require a little extra thought, planning, and caution; but it can also be a rewarding and empowering experience for you and your family.

It can be pretty intimidating to bring your baby to Costa Rica. As a father of a young daughter and with friends who have children, I’m always concerned with safety and feasibility when traveling.

Here are some tips that I’ve learned while exploring and living in Costa Rica over the years on how to travel more easily in Costa Rica with your baby.

Travelling in Costa Rica with a Baby

Having a baby means making sacrifices. It’s not unheard of for soon-to-be parents to move to a kid-friendly neighborhood, trade in their sports car for a more practical sedan, and sometimes even face the tough decision of leaving their job. But does becoming a parent also signify having to retire your adventurous spirit?

Costa Rica is an excellent destination for people with children because it is safe, family oriented and filled with breathtaking beaches, charming cities, and majestic mountains that are sure to satisfy the whole family.

If you’re a new parent who is dreaming of a Costa Rican getaway, here are some tips that can help you juggle parenting without giving up on your pursuit of wanderlust.

Bring Your Baby’s Birth Certificate

Assuming that you will be flying to Costa Rica , it is essential to bring your baby’s birth certificate along for the ride. Although the Transportation Security Administration does not require children under 18 who are traveling with an adult to carry their own form of identification, not bringing your baby’s birth certificate can end up costing you some big bucks.

Because babies under two are allowed to fly for free, many airlines require proof of your child’s age to help ensure that you aren’t taking advantage of the free flight policy.

Failure to prove your child’s age can result in the airline requiring you to purchase a separate seat for your child, so take a moment to pack a copy (it doesn’t have to be the original document) and err on the side of caution.

Find a Direct Flight to Costa Rica

Even the most frugal individuals will agree; it’s worth every penny to take a direct flight when you’re traveling with a baby. Switching terminals and napping next to a Panda Express during a 5-hour layover is hardly tolerable to adults, let alone infants.

Not only does the change in altitude sometimes cause babies severe discomfort, but airports are also very stimulating environments that can leave your baby feeling fussy and overwhelmed for the duration of your journey.

By minimizing travel time, you are also reducing the risk of your infant being exposed to germs and viruses commonly found in airports.

Thankfully, most major international airports in the United States have direct flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the two main airports in Costa Rica.

Carrying Your Baby

If you haven’t already discovered the magic of babywearing, now is the time. Babywearing is the practice of literally wearing your baby in a sling or other kind of carrier, and is perfect for traveling.

Babywearing allows parents to give their babies the same comfort and sense of security as being held while freeing up your hands so you can fully enjoy the sensory experience of your trip.

These devices are perfect for almost every traveling occasion; such as hiking in Santa Rosa National park, shopping in Dominical, or taking a relaxing stroll on one of Costa Rica’s 300 beaches and 800 miles of coastline.

Buy Bottled Water

Tap water in Costa Rica is drinkable in most of the country, aside from a few rural and underdeveloped regions. However, individuals with sensitive stomachs, infants, and the immunocompromised are still advised to err on the side of caution and stick to bottled water.

If you’re formula feeding your baby or like to offer your baby water alone, be sure to stock up on bottled water to bring with you everywhere you go. By utilizing bottled water, you will eliminate the risk of your baby getting cholera, typhoid, dysentery, or any other waterborne illness.

If for whatever reason you don’t have access to bottled water, another option is to boil tap water vigorously as an effective means of water purification.

Feeding Your Baby

If you’re a breast feeding mom, be sure to be mindful about what you pack to wear on your trip.

That super cute romper that you envisioned yourself wearing on the beach might not seem so attractive when you’re accidentally exposing yourself on a bus to Alajuela while trying to nurse a hysterical toddler.

Dresses and blouses with buttons tend to work well for nursing moms and make feeding on the go discreet and convenient. Also, consider carrying a nursing cover with you at all times, just in case you are unable to find a private place to nurse and find yourself at the mercy of a demanding and hungry baby.

How to Keep Your Baby Warm

Even if you’re traveling to Costa Rica during one of the warmer months, be sure to pack some long sleeve shirts, pants, and socks for your baby to wear.

Because the safety of most commercial bug sprays has not been tested on infants, clothing will be the most effective repellent against mosquitos and other insects during your travels.

Although the Costa Rica government takes mosquito-borne illnesses very seriously and is continuously working to eradicate the risk of exposure, there are still some mosquito-borne threats to remain mindful of.

The three main concerns in Costa Rica are:

• Zika Virus,
• Dengue Fever
• Chikungunya.

Keeping your baby’s skin wholly covered, not venturing too deep into the rainforest and not conjugating near pools of standing water are the best ways to minimize the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness.

Protect Your Baby From The Sun

Packing sunscreen for your Costa Rica adventure might seem like a no-brainer, but many parents are surprised to learn that sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months by the Food and Drug Administration.

This is because babies tend to have more sensitive skin as well as a lower body-weight to surface-area ratio compared to adults and older children, which increases the chance of irritation and other side effects.

Because keeping your baby out of the sun might not always be an option in Costa Rica’s tropical climate, be sure to bring a hat and breathable, cotton clothing to keep your baby protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

Many beach-bound parents also invest in a pop-up tent, so young babies can enjoy the beach with their parents while bypassing the risk of developing a sunburn.

Pack Baby Friendly Snacks

Although Costa Rica cuisine has vibrant entrees guaranteed to satisfy every appetite, babies can be particularly stringent food critics. More than likely, your baby will be excited to try all the local produce and fresh seafood that Costa Rica has to offer, but it’s always good to be prepared just in case you find yourself lacking immediate access to food, or just want to be extra cautious in avoiding potential allergens.

Consider traveling with a ziplock bag full of non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, crackers, or teething biscuits, so you always have something to offer your baby as needed.

Find Baby Friendly Beaches

If you’re planning on spending some shore time in Costa Rica, be sure to select beach destinations that are family friendly. Although Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coastline is a world-class surf destination, your baby probably isn’t quite ready to hang ten.

Instead, consider spending time in the Gulf of Nicoya or Costa Rica’s calmer Caribbean coast, where you and your baby can wade in the clear blue water without having to worry about rip tides.

Playa Blanca, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva are three of many great Costa Rican beach options for travelers with young children.

Final Thoughts

Location matters more than usual when you’re traveling with a baby. It is essential to find a destination with a variety of family-friendly activities without compromising safety, convenience, and comfort.

Thanks to its gorgeous geography, hospitable tourism industry, and laid back vibe, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for new parents who are in dire need of a little pura vida.

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Free care: Your baby is entitled to free medical care with the Caja from the moment of conception. All testing, visits, exams and other medical expenses related to pregnancy are completely free.

General Doctor, not OBGYN: Your local Ebais clinic has one or two general practitioners on staff. Scheduled prenatal visits will be with this doctor, not an OBGYN. You will only visit an OBGYN for ultrasounds or for consultations outside your normal prenatal care.

Monthly visits: The Caja schedules prenatal checkups every four weeks up until week 36, when they switch to every two weeks. By contrast, most prenatal consults in the U.S. occur every four weeks until 28 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and finally every week until the baby is born.

Weight gain: The American Pregnancy Association suggests a 25-35 pound weight gain for healthy women. The Caja adamantly recommends that you only gain 2.2 pounds per month, or less than 20 pounds during your entire pregnancy.

Frequent tests: The Caja will schedule you for a urinalysis every month, and a blood test at least every other month.

Glucose screening: In the U.S., most women take a gestational diabetes test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. With the Caja, you'll have your first screening around 20 weeks, and a second one around 28 weeks. If you are positive for G.D., you will undergo further testing.

Dental exam: The Caja strongly recommends that all women have at least one dental exam during their pregnancy to check for cavities, infections, or anything that could affect the pregnancy. If all looks good, you will have a general cleaning and fluoride treatment.

Vaccinations: The Caja all but requires that a mother be up-to-date on all vaccines that are safe to give during pregnancy. The most common is a tetanus booster after the 24th week.

Ultrasounds: These are supposed to be scheduled by the Caja after a mother's 20th week. In practice, you may never get an ultrasound with the Caja due to long waiting lists. If you do get an ultrasound, you will not get a photo printout of your results. Visit a private doctor for the ultrasound, and for about $80, you can receive a 3D or 4D printout.

Big babies: If your ultrasound shows that you're on track for a big baby – any child predicted to weigh more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces at birth – the Caja labels yours a "macrosomic" pregnancy. The OBGYN will discuss your options, and may recommend an induction or even cesarean.

After giving birth, the Caja will schedule your child for a "tamizaje," or blood test for congenital diseases. This is usually scheduled four to seven days after your child is born, and the appointment also serves as your first postpartum exam. After the blood test, you will be scheduled for a one-month postpartum checkup. Before this appointment, you will have to take another blood test and urinalysis to determine that all vitamins, minerals and other nutrients have returned to appropriate levels. The doctor will conduct an internal exam, or review your cesarean scar at your one-month consultation. At this time, he or she will also screen for post-partum depression, review birth control options, and recommend appropriate levels of exercise.

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Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

Having a Baby in Costa Rica: Part 1, Prenatal Care

• Jenn and Matt
• Living In CR

155 Comments

With only weeks until our new addition arrives, we thought it was time to start sharing our experience of having a baby in Costa Rica. Moving here, we knew that having a baby was part of the plan. We both wanted kids, but with our old jobs in the United States, we didn’t think we’d be around as much as we’d like when the baby was born and during those early years. Moving to Costa Rica and working from home through our website has allowed us the flexibility we were looking for. Now, after traveling around the country for the first two years, we have finally settled down in one place and have a baby on the way in November! This post will share our experience so far with prenatal care and how the system works in Costa Rica. Keep an eye out for part two on delivery, which we’ll post sometime after the baby is born.

IMPORTANT NOTE (May 2020) : This post is from when we had our first baby several years ago. We have since had a second baby and used a different doctor. We also delivered at a different hospital (a private hospital in San Jose instead of the small private hospital in San Isidro). We have a new article called Having a Baby at Hospital CIMA about our recent experience. We recommend reading it, since our perspectives have changed some. 

This post shares our personal experience and what we’ve learned from others. We are far from experts on this topic so opinions may differ. Hopefully, though, this is a good starting place if you’re thinking of having a baby in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, children are held in high regard and protected to the fullest extent of the law. The law goes so far as to guarantee free health care for any child from conception to one year old. This means that all pregnant women, regardless of whether they’re Costa Rican or a foreigner, can have a baby and receive prenatal care through the public healthcare system at no cost. Public healthcare, called the Caja , usually is available only to residents and citizens who pay into the system, but pregnant women are an exception.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

We considered having our baby through the public healthcare system. After talking to other moms, both Tico and gringo, and scouring the Costa Rica expat groups on Facebook, we learned that the quality of care really varies across the country. Some of the public hospitals near San Jose are supposed to be the best and we heard that one of the hospitals in a city near us was very good too. Others, though, especially in more rural areas, don’t have a great reputation.

For us, since this is our first child and we have no idea what we’re doing, we really wanted medical staff who spoke English. We’ve heard that the way it works in the public system is you get assigned a doctor and nurse for your prenatal care and they stay with you for the entire pregnancy. You also get priority in the system and get to make appointments so that you don’t have to wait in long lines to be seen.

The drawback, though, at least if you don’t speak Spanish, is that your doctor and nurse may or may not speak English (most likely they won’t). Mainly because of this, we opted for private healthcare. Although we’re working on our Spanish every day, we aren’t advanced enough to understand a lot of medical terminology. Plus, having a baby is one of those situations in life where you’re already nervous enough so having to deal with a language barrier seemed like too much.

Another consideration for us was that private health care is very affordable in Costa Rica. Even without health insurance, we could easily cover our expenses by paying out of pocket. That made the decision much easier. 

Choosing a Private Doctor

Once we decided on private care, we had to make the harder decision of whether to go to San Jose to one of the private hospitals like CIMA or Clinica Biblica or to stay local. A lot of expats choose to go to CIMA, both for their monthly appointments and delivery.

CIMA is a state-of-the-art hospital, similar to what you would find in North America. The equipment is modern, the doctors are supposed to be very good and many speak English, and overall, the experience is supposed to be what you’re used to if you’re from North America. We liked the idea of knowing what to expect and being comfortable, of course, but were also weighing the fact that we live almost four hours from San Jose. That had us exploring more local options, even if it was just for prenatal care.

After we found out we were pregnant and really had to figure out a game plan, we connected with an expat from the town over who had recently given birth in Costa Rica. It turned out that she had her prenatal appointments with a private, English-speaking doctor in San Isidro de El General , a small city just 45 minutes from where we live near Dominical. She told us that she loved her experience with the doctor and was very happy with her care. This seemed to be the perfect solution.

Our Experience: Prenatal Care

We’ve been seeing our doctor for the last six months, the one in San Isidro who was recommended, and have had such a great experience. He always takes the time to talk with us about how I’m feeling and if we have any questions about anything. The care feels very personalized, and even though he is a busy doctor, we almost never feel rushed out like we sometimes did with our doctors in the US. He seems to be an expert in the field too. Over time, we’ve learned that he studied in Chile and is an expert in identifying birth defects and other prenatal problems through ultrasounds.

One of the things we appreciate most about our care is that I get an ultrasound (3D or 4D) at every single appointment. From talking to friends back home, it seems that ultrasounds are given much less often there and we love the little check-in it provides each month. We not only love seeing the baby, but also enjoy watching our doctor study the image on the monitor, identifying the different organs and telling us what he’s looking for.

All of this personal care is costing us only about $90 per appointment.

The facility is nice too. The doctor’s office is in a plaza right in downtown San Isidro de El General. He has a waiting area just like you would expect, with a TV, some magazines, a receptionist, and air conditioning throughout. His office is adjacent to the waiting room. There is a space for his desk where we always spend some time talking, and an adjoining room with an examination bed, ultrasound machine, and other equipment.

Getting Ready for Delivery              

Staying local vs. going to san jose.

As you might have guessed, since we love our doctor so much, it was hard to decide where to deliver. A lot of expats who opt to see a private doctor nearby choose to deliver at one of the private hospitals in San Jose. This was originally our plan too. We figured we’d see the doctor in San Isidro and then when our due date got closer, go to CIMA and find a new doctor for delivery. As we’ve mentioned, we live quite far from San Jose, so if we did this, we’d have to leave our place near Dominical in the weeks leading up to my due date and rent somewhere in San Jose waiting for the baby’s arrival.

Over the course of our appointments, we became so comfortable with our doctor that we couldn’t imagine switching mid-course. Most importantly, I was really confident in him, and we both liked his medical ideology. Unlike a lot of doctors in Costa Rica, he is pro natural delivery, water births, and even home births. Once again, our decision was easy. We would deliver at the private hospital in San Isidro and keep our doctor. Since my pregnancy isn’t high risk, we didn’t feel the need to go to San Jose.

Clinica Labrador

Recently, we toured Clinica Labrador (now Hospital Las Americas) where we’ll deliver to get a sense of what to expect. It is definitely more simple (think rural US hospital) but seems more than adequate. The head nurse was very knowledgeable and walked us around to the different rooms, explaining (all in Spanish) what would happen in each place. We’ll have a private room and have heard that the place is virtually empty most of the time so you often have the whole floor to yourself. Our doctor later explained that he would be with us the entire time too, even in the early stages of labor. We left feeling really good about the whole experience and can’t wait to share how it actually goes.

Update : Since we wrote this post, the Labrador underwent a major renovation and is now called Hospital Las Americas. We have heard from people that the facility is much nicer now. If you’ve delivered at the new hospital, let us know how your experience was in the comments below.

Final Thoughts

Those are our thoughts on what it has been like to be pregnant in Costa Rica. One other thing we want to mention, aside from the practical info, is that the Ticos absolutely love babies. The culture adores children, and everywhere we go, strangers admire my growing belly. Many give me a smile when they pass by and others want all the details: how far along I am, if it’s a boy or a girl, and even if we have a name picked out. We felt welcome in this country before but even more so now that we’re going to have a little Tico. We can’t wait to bring him into this beautiful place.

Have a question about having a baby in Costa Rica? Ask us in the comments below.

Last Updated: May 15, 2020

More Posts on Having a Baby in Costa Rica:

• Having a Baby in Costa Rica: Part 2 – What it was like delivering a baby at a small private hospital in Costa Rica.
• Having a Baby in Costa Rica: Part 3 – Focusing of the paperwork involved to get your baby’s birth certificate, passport, and more.
• Where to Buy Baby Stuff in Costa Rica – Best places to buy baby gear in Costa Rica without breaking the bank.

More Resources

• Tico Times Articles: A Costa Rica online newspaper for expats, The Tico Times , has two very helpful articles about having a baby in Costa Rica. Here they are: Giving Birth Through Costa Rica’s Public Health Care System and West Side (Birth) Story: Isla arrives at CIMA .
• Pura Vida for Parents : Short e-book from a woman who lived in Costa Rica with her two young children. The book has lots of anecdotes from different moms across the country who have had a baby here or are raising a family.
• Families with Children in the Central Valley – Awesome Facebook group with friendly expats living in Costa Rica with kids. This is a great place to ask specific questions about giving birth, schools, etc.
• Ocho Vez – Great blog post from a Canadian woman living in Costa Rica who used the public health system for prenatal care and delivered at CIMA.

Very excited for both of you! Can’t wait to hear the baby has arrived!

Thanks Sirkka!

Hi I’m 6 weeks pregnant and my partner and I were returning to Costa Rica to matapalo. Could I have the name of your doctor? I plan on returning to Canada to have the baby for ease of paper work and family support. But I’m worried about Zika and about getting the proper screening tests for our baby. Anything helps thank you

Hi. My husband and I are us citizens considering going to Costa Rica for our next baby’s birth (not pregnant yet). I did a homebirth here in the states for my first baby. We are not wanting to move to Costa Rica permanently but maintain us citizenship and permanent residency in Costa Rica. Do you think it would be possible or fairly easy to stay here in the US for about 6 months of my pregnancy and then rent somewhere in Costa Rica to do a homebirth?

Hi Julia, A lot of people come to Costa Rica to give birth. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but it is possible. Home births aren’t technically legal but people have them all the time. You would just need to find a midwife or doctor to do it. We are not the best people to ask about this because we had hospital births. There are some groups on Facebook that may be helpful. You could join one called Pura Vida Mamas.

Hi there, I am looking for any advice. I will becoming into my 2nd trimester when I get to Golifto, Costa Rica. Do you know if there is a medical facility there that can support me through the teats I will need and any other medical attention. Any advice or information is greatly appreciated. Kind regards Lucinda

Hi Lucinda, Cortes is about an hour away and has a fairly large hospital . I think you could go there to see an OBGYN and get your tests done. You could deliver there as well. Otherwise, there’s a hospital in Ciudad Neily, which is a little closer, but we don’t know much about that one. Not sure if they have a maternity and obstetrics department. Hope that helps. Best of luck with the rest of your checkups and delivery!

I read your articles and I am interested in hearing more about the doctors you used to deliver in CIMA. If you’d be able to pass along their information I would be very grateful!

Hi Margaret, We’ll email you now.

Hey there – I would also really appreciate the doctor’s information if possible.

Hi Tera, We will send you an email now.

Hi Jenn and Matt, Can you please send me the name of the doctor and clinic in San Isidro that you really liked? Thanks, Arin

Hi Arin, Sure, we’ll send you an email now.

Hi! Im near san Isidro del general and 9 weeks pregnant, could you please share your doctor info with me as well?

Hi Mya, We’ll email you now.

Hi Jenny, your Blog is great! Very helpful content. Could you give me the name of your doctor in San Isidro? Thanks so much

Hi Daniela, Sorry for the delay. We will send it now.

Hiya. We are British residents but live in Canada for a bit. But still English. We are leaving and want to come down south. I’m pregnant and want to give birth somewhere like Costa Rica but, I’m Worried I won’t be able to leave. Will the baby get a birth certificate and passport so we can leave even though we are not residents. I would love your feedback please and thank you

Hi Chloe, Yes, you will be able to leave with the baby. You will want to look into how to get a British passport for the baby. The baby will be able to get a Costa Rican one too if you want. You’ll need the birth certificate before you can get the passports. This can take up to a month.

To leave the country, you will need to get an exit permission from Immigration (permiso de salida). You just have to get it one time for all Costa Rican minors and it’s good forever after that unless you change it. Here’s a link to one of our posts with more information about that process. It isn’t too hard.

Hey, could you please send the info of your doctor in San Isidro El General?

Otherwise your blog is fantastic, thanks!

Sure, we’ll email you now.

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and helping others with the process. I’m pregnant I CR and I’d love the name of the San Isidro doc! Thank you!!!

Hi Asia, Sure, we’ll email you his information now.

Hi there! I found this post to be very helpful. My name is Alice and I will be traveling to CR in a few days to the Uvita/Dominical area. So far I have gathered that Zika is not much of an issue, which is a great relief. It is hard to find the latest on this so if you and your family have heard differently please do share! We will only be in the area for 10 days however I began to have some anxiety in regards to unexpected complications and what I would do if something came up. My question for you is if you know any facilities in the area to go in an unexpected emergency. I understand you share the name of your doctor however I’m not sure this is applicable for such a short period of time. Would you recommend just returning to San Jose? I have read that the medical system is great! I am 20 weeks pregnant and so far everything is very, very normal but this is our first pregnancy and you know how that goes! I so appreciate your time. Thank you!

Hi Alice, Sorry for the delay. It seems you have already traveled so our reply may not be helpful at this point.

If anything comes up with your pregnancy during your visit, you could go to one of the private clinics in Uvita, Hospital Las Americas in San Isidro, or Dr Arcia in San Isidro. Arcia is an OBGYN. The hospital will have specialists as well.

Hello, thank you so much for this valuable information. Would you mind sending me the doctors information that you recommend? Please and thanks!

Hi Karla, Sure, we will send you the info for both doctors we’ve used (this birth and the other birth at CIMA Hospital ).

So happy I stumbled across your site! I know it’s been some years, but congratulations on both of your births. I would love to know the name of your doctor as well. I saw that you mentioned he supports home births, which is what we are interested in for our third birth. We plan on relocating to Costa Rica in the next couple of months and I’m trying to get as much info/everything planned so that our transition is pretty straightforward. Thanks in advance for your response!

Hi Aja, Thank you! Yes, the boys are 2 and almost 6 now. How times flies! I’ll email you the info for both doctors now.

This is so great to hear! I was 7 months pregnant when we first visited CR and everyone treated me so nicely. Even at the airport, they let me cut the line for security which was sweet and unexpected. I even had a Tico come up to me in Manuel Antonio advise me that Tico women do not drink coconut water fresh from the coconut as they don’t know what kind of bacteria might be in it, after he saw me drinking from one. I don’t know the validity of that, but I stopped drinking it just in case. 🙂

I’m glad to hear that you are having good experiences with the health care so far as it’s definitely one of my concerns for moving there next year.

Hi Marianne, The Ticos have been so great, I’m not at all surprised to hear you were given priority at the airport and given the warning about fresh coconut water. I’ve never heard that myself but it makes sense. Thanks for reading!

I’m excited to read the follow-up posts when your little Tico arrives. Best wishes!!

Thanks Liisa! We’ll have to coordinate so we can share our story on your site later on.

Exciting! Hello! We are in Costa Rica and we are very interested in information about this doctor. Do you think you could give us the name or location of the clinic? Thank you very much!!!

Hi Nina, Sure, well send you an email.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story, we are also moving to Costa Rica soon. Could you please share with me the doctor’s name you were seeing. Thank you.

Hi Olga, Sure, I’ll send you an email.

Hi! I was wondering if you could send me the name of your doctor as well! I’ve been looking in San Jose but I’ll be closer to San Isidro and am very keen on a doctor who encourages natural birth.

Just sent you an email.

Hi! Would you be able to also send me the name of your doctor? Thank you

Hi Julianna, Sure, we just sent you an email with the info.

Could I please please get the name of this doctor. We’re living in matapalo.

Hi Brittney, Sorry, we receive a lot of comments so sometimes it takes us a few days to respond. We’ll send you an email now.

Hello can you also send me the name of the doctor? Thank you so much

Sure. We will send you the info now.

Congrats on your 2nd birth! I know this post is from a while ago, but I also am hoping to know who your wonderful doctor was in San Isidro. My son and his fiancee are expecting in October and we will be moving to CR at the end of august, but first coming for a research trip in a few weeks, and we would love to meet the doc.

Hi Saritah, We’ll gladly send over an e-mail with the information now.

Hello, I am 8 weeks pregnant and I live in the US but Intend to relocate to CR in the near future, but maybe not immediately – need to sell my house, etc. I would like to have my baby there for his/her benefit. How much time before and after birth should I plan to be in CR? Would the 90 day tourist visa be enough time to accomplish all the necessary paperwork to be able to return to the US to tie up loose ends and see family? Will they let you in the country 8 months pregnant with a return ticket for 90 days later? Can you just show up to a private hospital 36 weeks pregnant with my records and be cared for? I know birth travel is controversial, but hopefully many can understand the desire to give your child the best possible future! We are all citizens of the Earth after all, no?

Hi Passportum, Yes, immigration will let you in 8 months pregnant, you just have to make sure the US airline is okay with it. People do come here to give birth so that their child is Costa Rican. It can take a while to get the birth registered in the system to get the birth certificate, which is what you need for the US passport. Most recently (last year), I think we waited maybe 3 weeks after our baby was born. It’s easiest to get the baby a US passport after (he/she can get a CR passport later on). You’ll need to make an appointment at the US Embassy in San Jose for this and sometimes it can take a few weeks to get in because appointments are limited. If you didn’t have any delays, the 8 weeks after the birth may be enough, but if it takes longer, you could always do a border run. If you have any questions abouy giving birth here or the paperwork involved, we recently started offering a video chat service. Here’s the link with more info. I (Jenn) gave birth at CIMA in San Jose in April 2019 and would be happy to share about my experience.

Hi! Thanks for this! Would love to know the name of the doctor as well!

Sent you the info, Sofia!

Congratulations, Jenn and Matt. Welcome to planet earth, Baby Sam!

Thanks Marsha! Hope all is well with you. We were just talking about how need to get some of your new books for Sam when we come back to the US for a visit in March.

Congrats Matt and Jenn! And thanks so much for sharing this! In the same boat (Dominical area) and the fact you found a great Dr in SI is wonderful news. Any chance you could share their name, either here or via email?

Thanks again!

Sure, we’ll send you an email.

I have a property in Dominical too! And interested in a Costa Rica water birth. Can you send me the doctors info? Thank you!

Hi Sara, Sure, I’ll email you my doctor’s info now!

Wow! What a great story! Looking to do the same! Can you send me doctors name as well?

Sending you an email now!

Hello Jenn and Matt, Thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband and I just moved to Costa Rica and are living near Dominical too. I am 2 months pregnant and would love to know the name of the doctor you used who sounds wonderful. Reading your post really helped give me confidence that I can have a great birth experience here!

Congratulations on your sweet baby!

Hi Emma, Congrats on your pregnancy! I will email you my doctor’s info soon.

I’m happy that you shared your experience with us. I plan on moving to Costa Rica soon, currently pregnant and were looking at different options on how to go about giving birth when i get there. thanks for sharing your experience with us. would you mind sharing the information of the doctor also please ? because i will be looking once arrived

Hi Rose, Sure, I’ll send you an email now.

Hi guys! Thank you for providing all the resources! I am wondering if you could comment on traveling to CR while pregnant. I will be 29 weeks in February and we want to take a babymoon in CR. The main concern is Zika. How are the mosquitos there during that time? Thank you!

Hi Iryna, You should read our post Costa Rica and Mosquitoes: Tips to Prevent Zika, Dengue and More . It has a lot of info and links at the bottom to a CR government website where you see actual data on the number of cases of Zika. Make sure to scroll through the comments too. Just tonight we answered a question about mosquitoes in February and pregnancy.

We’re planning to travel to Costa Rica in the San Isidro de el General area (Quizarra) for the months of March and April for a housesit. I’ve been reading all your pregnancy posts, packing posts, and zika info and scouring the internet for info on zika and dengue. I’ll be about 12 weeks pregnant when we arrive in Costa Rica. I’d love to hear more about the weather at that time of year and how that might affect mosquitoes in that region. I find it reassuring seeing comments of others who are in Costa Rica and pregnant as well as I keep wondering if we’re crazy to not change our plans. I’d also love it if you emailed me the info to the doctor or health info in San Isidro de el General in case anything arose where I needed support or medical advice while I’m there. Yikes!!!

Hi Leisha, March/April is dry season so there are fewer mosquitoes, but there are always some, unfortunately, due to standing water. The best resource to follow the trends in number of cases of Zika, Dengue, etc. is the Ministry of Health’s bulletins . Those show the change in number of cases week to week and also where the outbreaks are located. They actually just came out with a new bulletin for January that showed a rise in cases with some pregnant women being affected. The numbers are still really low when you consider the population as a whole but it is something to be aware of. We would recommend keeping an eye on the bulletins to see how the San Isidro area is being affected. Wish we had more positive news, but it is a concern if you are pregnant.

Thank you for sharing your experiences! Do you have any recommendations for baby stores/supplies in San Jose?

Hi Emily, I think you found our Where to Buy Baby Stuff post so hopefully your question has been answered.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I just found out I am pregnant and my partner and I are currently are in Panama as we were previously in Costa Rica and are now trying to decide where we should settle with the baby based on doctors, medical, experience, etc. If we decide Costa Rica, which is it leaning that way we are thinking of somewhere in the Dominical area and would be so incredible grateful if you would be willing to share your doctors name that is in the SI area. Thank you and hope your family is doing well xo

Hi Jenna, Congratulations on your pregnancy! I don’t know much about having a baby in Panama, but Costa Rica, and the Dominical area in particular, has been great for us. We have a wonderful organic farmers market nearby, the people are friendly, and it’s close to the beach and mountains. Best of both worlds. The only downfall is that San Jose is far if you need a bigger private hospital or certain kinds of English-speaking doctors (we go there for our son’s pediatrician). I’ll send you my doctor’s info by email. Take care!

Hi Jenn and Matt,

Thank you for the response! Yes, the more I am looking into the more Costa Rica looks like the right place for us. We really love the Dominical area so we are actually looking to settle in that area too:) When you say certain English-speaking doctors does that mean the doctor you went to did not speak english? I received your email so thank you so much!

Sorry for the confusion. Yes, my doctor speaks great English. It is just harder to find English-speaking doctors there in other specialities or even GPs.

Thank you so much for sharing all this great info! we will be moving to Uvita in few months in the second pregnancy trimester. Could you please share the doctor contact information, we would really like to go to labor around the area as it is much less stressful than going all the way to SJ.

Thanks alot!

Sure, I will email you now!

Hello, I enjoyed reading your article. I am visiting the San Isidro area for two months and learned I was pregnant the day before we left. Can you please email me your doctor’s name that you went to? Thanks.

Sure, emailing you now.

Love you site, so very helpful! I am 13 weeks and would also love to know the name of the doctor you used?

Sending you an email now, Susie 🙂

Jenn amd Matt, thank you so much for sharing your experience! My husband, I and our 3 months old baby will be moving to CR from Boston (Dominical – Ojochal area) in November. Could you please share how did you find a community for yourself and your baby? We are very social and a young couple and would love to find like minded people in the area. I was searching a meetup.com but I guess that website is not popular in CR because I could not find anything. You mentioned FB expat groups? Would you mind sharing them with us? We are so exited and cannot wait and your website has been such a wonderful resource to us!

Hi Sasha, We live right in that area so should meet up when you get here! There are some local events where you can meet people. They do a lifeguard fundraiser every couple of months that draws a lot of younger expats. A bunch of restaurants do live music if your little one will let you go out at night (it is tough with ours right now, haha). You can find out about the different events on the Facebook groups. The main one for the Dominical to Ojochal area is Costa Ballena Bulletin Board. There’s also a new one with rentals that you might be interested in called CR Southern Zone Long Term Rentals.

Hi, we are actually relocating to Costa Rica in 3 days. We will be living in Uvita. I am due to deliver in 5-6 weeks. A c section. I have heard good things about clinical labrador from friends that live there. I have read your posts and feel more comfortable about it. The hospital was Clinical Labrador? I am also interested in the private doctor at del general and was wondering if you could give me any more information (number, name of doctor) I would love to get in contact with that doctor specifically. Also would you be so kind to share places to stay near the hospital and the private doctors. We too will need to be there about a week early. We do not want to chance having the baby on the side of a windy mountain especially if im due for a c section. I hope that is not to much and I love that you were so kind to share your experience. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hi Savannah, I will send you an email with my doctor’s contact information. For your questions, yes, I delivered at Clínica Labrador, the private hospital in San Isidro. I would recommend touring it when you get here to get a better sense of what it’s like. As for hotels near the doctor/hospital, there are a few places with simple rooms right in the downtown. We stayed at Hotel Chirripo on the park and that was very close – we walked to the doctor’s office and hospital, and it was also nice because there were a lot of restaurants within walking distance too. Made things easier.

Hey guys, thanks for your story. My wife and I are staying near San Isidro, and we just found out today that she is pregnant. Your doctor sounds great, could you send me his info? Thanks!

Congratulations! We’ll send the info now.

Hi Jenn and Matt, I am reading all your articles about having a baby in costa rica as a reference. I am 8 months and waiting for my delivery next month. I availed their caja health care for my pre-natal and it’s really a good service. I would like to ask about visa extension since I’m giving birth December which is also our expiration of our stay here, are we exempted not to cross the border to renew our stamp? Your response is highly appreciated. Thank you

Hi Lee and Lyn, That’s great to know that you are having a good experience with the Caja for prenatal.

I think you can get a visa extension for a medical reason (there is a process- you have to go to San Jose and I don’t think it’s easy). But I’m not sure that the likelihood of delivering is good enough. My due date fell around the time our visas were expiring so we just went to the border early. Early enough to make sure we didn’t have the baby in Panama too!

Hi, Thank you for the info, it really gives us reference. We crossed the border to renew our stamp last week at Los Chiles Nicaragua border and we are happy that we don’t have to worry now about our visa expiration. This month, we are just waiting for our new angel to arrive. Merry Christmas to your family! 🙂

Hello! I am currently engaged to a Tico and we are expecting. I am just curious as to what you guys told immigration every time you entered once you began showing? And We’re you using just a tourist visa? Thanks so much in advance!

Hi Katlyn, They don’t question anything about you being pregnant. There’s no stigma associated with foreigners having babies in the country. They actually love pregnant women! Yes, we were on a tourist visa then.

Thanks so much for your blog post! It was the first I ran across while searching about pregnancy in CR. I just found out we have a bun in the oven as well! Could you please send me your doctor’s info, we live near San Isidro and he sounds like he’d be a good match for us. All the best to you and yours!

Just sent you an email, Jesse.

Hi there! My name is Melissa, and my boyfriend, 8 month old daughter and I plan to move to Costa Rica before the end of this year. We are originally from the east coast as well, currently living in California! I am now 4 months pregnant. I am very interested in having a natural birth experience and would love if you could reach out with more information on your doctor and experience. Thank you so much in advance.

Hi Melissa, We just sent you an email with the info.

I know it has been a while since baby 1 born, but could you email me your obgyn contact? Or have you heard of others that are recommended? Thanks!!

Hi Rachel, A lot of people still use the same doctor. We’ll send you his contact info now.

Great, thanks so much! Sorry to bother again, but the contact info didn’t come through to my email… could you try again? So grateful for the insights.

We just sent it again. Maybe check your spam too.

hi guys, great useful articles! we’ve been to CR 4 times and love it there. now that we’ve recently found out that I’m pregnant with our Second baby, my husband got this idea in his head of giving birth in Costa Rica ))) During our trips we met a few pregnant women and american/canadian couples who gave birth there… all seemed to be very happy. As for me, I’m very concerned with Zika Virus… mosquitos love me((( so I’m not 100% sure about this decision.. I read your articles/saw bulletins on Zika.. but still, Can you please give me an insight on what is the situation there now.. as locals who live there .. Have you met or heard of people who got this sickness (pregnant and/or not) …. Do local OBGYNs have any concerns.. I am due in May – which is wet season, and i assume there will be even more mosquitos.. And can you please give me your doctor’s info… Thanks,

Hi Veronica, Zika cases are really low this year and have been almost exclusively on the Caribbean side of the country. I am pregnant again actually and am not concerned with Zika. I do try to avoid insect bites, of course, though, because of other illnesses like dengue and leishmaniasis. Dengue is the most common but again, it’s down a lot this year and there haven’t been very many cases. Leishmaniasis is very uncommon but my husband Matt did somehow get it (see our 5-Year Update ) and we know other people in our area who have had it as well. It isn’t in too many areas of the country but can be sound in the Southern Pacific. Not to scare you…we didn’t change our family planning but I’m just careful with wearing repellent and taking precautions. I’ll send you the doctor info now.

Hello! My husband and I are moving to Costa Rica by the new year. We will try to get pregnant by the summer of next year. I would love the name of the doctor you used who is pro-natural delivery. My address is [email protected]

Hi Jenna, We just sent you and email with the info.

Hi Jenn, my husband and I are planning a Costa Roca trip in November. I’m 4 month pregnant now and would like to ask you about the current Zika / Dengue / Malaria situation in CR. Many thanks in advance, Dalma

Hi Dalma, You should read our post all about Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya in Costa Rica. Here’s the link . At the bottom of that page are some resources. One is a link to the government website where you can find fairly current information about cases in CR. In general, Zika is very low and Malaria is almost unheard of. Zika is really only a problem on the Caribbean coast and Caribbean slope (places like Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and Guapiles) so avoid those areas. Dengue can be anywhere but the number of cases is still fairly low this year (it has been trending down over the last several years). When I was pregnant earlier this year and last year, I wore long pants and had mosquito shirts for when I was out in a buggy area. I’d recommend getting some of those. Here’s a link to our Mosquito Protection Clothing article. Lots of pregnant ladies here, though, without any problems so as long as you follow some precautions, you should be fine!

Hello! My husband and I are planning to give birth in CR and it was really great to read about your experience. Could you send me the name of your doctor? Thanks!

Hi Lauren, We just emailed you the info.

I was wondering about vaccinations.

Hello, I love all your articles. We are also new in Costa Rica we live in Platanillo, and are looking into starting a family of our own in the near future. Do you think I can have your doctors information as well? Thank you!

Hi Emma, Sure, I will send you his contact info now and the info for the doctor in San Jose we used for the most recent birth of our second child.

I’m so glad to stumble onto your blog. I just found out I’m pregnant and I’m living in San Isidro de El General. Can you please give me the name of the doctor you saw here? I would really appreciate it.

Hi Jennie, We just sent you an email with the information.

Hi, Trying to find a doctor to do a natural birth. Can you please give me the name of your doctor. Much appreciated!!

Hi Tracy, I’m sorry for the delay. Please let me know if you’re still looking for a doctor and I will send the information.

Hi there thank you for your posts! Very helpful! My question is concerning visa runs…I still need to do visa runs while pregnant? Correct? And then after giving birth the application process for residency can start, then meaning visa runs will be on hold after I give birth? Do you have any information on this topic? Much appreciated!

Hi Niani, Yes, you have to do visa runs even while pregnant. After you submit your residency paperwork, you don’t need to renew your visa for immigration purposes, but you do need to renew it if you plan to drive in Costa Rica. Your foreign driver’s license renews concurrent with your passport.

Wow very insightful thank you so much for relaying this valuable Information! In a very similar situation now would love to connect with that doctor, please email me his name When you have a moment 🙏

Sure, we will send you the info now!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m 26 weeks pregnant now, and we’re thinking of doing the birth in CR. We had the plan earlier, but covid made things hard. I was trying to get information and advice on facebook groups, but I was told there it was selfish and disrespectful of me to come to CR and claim free care in these hard covid times. What do you guys think about this? Should we still come?

I really want to, because it sounds like the best option and we’re not so welcome together in a lot of countries. Covid has made us refugees, kind of. Unable to settle down somewhere together. We have a bit of money left, that’s why I also think we should come to CR, because of the relatively low living costs. If we find a place that’s not too expensive, we will survive a few months. (In combination with our online work.)

(A little bit of background: I’m Dutch, my bf is Russian. We lived on Aruba for a while, as tourists, until my health insurance ran out and I couldn’t extend. We tried to go to the Netherlands together, but they wouldn’t let him in because of covid. We went to NYC instead and I also got free healthcare here, but I don’t like being here too much, it’s expensive, dirty, cold, overcrowded and our visa’s will expire in 80 days.)

Thank you so much for any advice you can give us.

Hi Irene, I’m not sure we’re the best place to opine on whether it’s right or wrong to come to CR now to have a baby. But we’ll say that the Costa Rican health care system is really taxed now because of Covid. But it’s in your right to come and do that, of course. That’s tough that the Netherlands won’t let your boyfriend in. Keep in mind that Costa Rica isn’t all that inexpensive. The cost of living seems to keep creeping up with changes in taxes, etc. All that gets passed on to the consumer. But you can still find inexpensive places to rent and other things are very affordable (fresh produce, etc.). We wish all the best during these hard times!

Hi Jenn and Matt! We have been thinking of moving to Costa Rica for a few years now. Now that I’m pregnant, I’m thinking it will be a good idea to give birth over there. I’m due in April 2021 and have done some research on the areas. I prefer a non-city lifestyle and your area sounds like a good fit. May I please get the name of your OB doctor? You’ve mentioned that the hospital staff didn’t have many English-speakers, do you know if that is still the case? I don’t speak Spanish. I am also interested in a natural birth, water and/or home birth, is that something fairly easy to set-up in CR? Is that something only midwifes would handle over there? Any information is greatly appreciated! Thank you for these wonderful blogs, by the way!!!

Hi Lilya, Glad our site has been helpful! We actually don’t live in this same area anymore. We moved up the coast closer to Jaco, but in the countryside. Here’s a link to our 7 Year post with more info. Also, this story was about the birth/prenatal care experience for our first son. For our second son, we delivered at CIMA in San Jose. A lot of women do this who live in the Dominical/Uvita area if they want a larger hospital or more English-speaking people available – they spend a week or two before the birth up in San Jose to be closer to the hospital. Here is the link to the article about that birthing experience. If you want English speakers, going to San Jose may be better. At least when we delivered at the hospital in San Isidro, most of the nurses and administrative staff spoke only Spanish.

Setting up a water birth is fairly easy. They can do them at Hospital Las Americas in San Isidro and at the private hospitals in San Jose too. Home births are technically not allowed in Costa Rica but a lot of people do them – the doctor I used in San Isidro happily does them too. You could join the Facbook group Pura Vida Mamas and search for old posts – there are many on this topic.

I will email you the information for both doctors I used now. Thanks!

Thank you for this post! It’s very informative. Would you be able to share the name of the OBGYN you went to near Dominical for prenatal care? Many thanks!

Hi Alexandra, Sure! We will email you the info now.

hi guys, thanks so much for this post, its super informative. I am in CR at the moment and need to get my 12 week scan. Could you possibly share the doctors name who you went to in San Isidro as i am in quepos so it sounds like the best option. thanks again. Georgia

Hi Georgia, Sending you the info now. Thanks!

Hello! I appreciate you all sharing your stories and helping all of us parents with our questions. My family and I are moving to dominical in May , we have a 2 and 4 year old. So far I’m having trouble finding a pediatrician in the dominical/ Uvita área . Do you have any suggestions with this? We are moving from the states so although we havnt been to the doctor much outside of routine visits , it would be nice to know where I can go if something comes up. Thank you!!

Hi Jena, There are pediatricians nearby in San Isidro de El General but they only speak Spanish, I believe. For English, most people go to San José. That’s what we did when we lived near Dominical. Escazu, on the western side of the city, has a lot of options.

Hello Matt and Jenn, Thank you so much for the info and telling your experience:) I go back to your part 3 the paperwork- as I need for getting things in order for my daughter- who was born last year in CR. I’m curious if you know of a forum for women who have had horrible experiences giving birth here? I am one, but it seems every woman I speak to here in the nicoya paninsula have had similar or much worse than me. And it seems to be brushed under the rug by writers who did not have terrible experiences with public hospitals and drs here. Thank you 🙂

Hi Diana, We don’t know of any forums that talk about giving birth in CR. Sorry you had a bad experience. It seems that it can vary a lot depending on the public hospital. We’ve heard a great things, for instance, about the public hospital in Quepos for giving birth. But a lot of negative feedback about other public hospitals.

Hi! I absolutely love your article. I will be on vacation in Costa Rica in mid August and need to have my 13 week scan while down there. Would it be possible to share the name of your doctor? Thank you so much!!

Hi Elizabeth, Sure! We will email you now.

Hello! Thanks for taking the time to share this info with us! We are in the Uvita/Dominical area.. Could you pass on any info you have for OBGYN/Maternal care?

We’ll send you an email now.

Lots of comments here! I am early pregnancy and would feel more at ease to get an ultrasound in San Isidro. Can you please also share the doctors contact with me. I appreciate your support for women and families new to CR!

Sending you an email now.

Hi! Thanks so much for writing this article. My baby is due next year in January and would love to contact your doctor as he sounds amazing. Could you share the doctor’s information? Thank you so much for your help.

Sure, we’ll send you an email now.

Great post, thank you. I just wondered if you were worried at all about Zika virus when you were trying for a baby and then pregnant in Costa Rica? There is so much (worrying) stuff online when you look up ‘trying for a baby’ and ‘holidaying in Costa Rica’ and myself and my boyfriend are planning a trip for next month so we were slightly scared off.

Thanks! Jane

Hi Jane, I was worried about Zika during my first pregnancy but that was over six years ago. Now, Zika is not an issue. We follow the news and haven’t heard anything about it in years here. You should still use repellent to avoid bites because of dengue but don’t worry too much about Zika. Hope you both have a great trip!

Thank you for all the information you shared.

I lived in Platanillo last year, about 15 min from Playa Dominical, I’m pregnant & planning on moving back and giving birth there.

I see you mentioned the Doctor you used supports home births, which is the route I’d like to go with my birth.

I was hoping & would appreciate if you could pass along the information of the Doctor for you used ?

Hi Jazmin, You’re welcome!

Sure, we will send you his information by email now.

Hello! I ran across your blog while doing research on zika in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. I am 4 weeks pregnant and my husband and I had a trip planned to Costa Rica in May. I began to worry that this was unsafe because of Zika. It is hard to find much information on the current numbers in the country or if it is a serious threat any longer. The CDC website says to consult your doctor but my doctor does not want any liability or to do any research into the situation. Do you guys have any insight into this topic after moving there and having a baby? Am I over reacting and it is rare or is Zika still a serious threat in Costa Rica? Any information would help, Thanks!!

Hi, Zika cases are extremely low in Costa Rica. I just tried to search for the number of cases from 2021, but the Ministry of Health just updated their website and many of the links aren’t working.

To give you my perspective, I was initially worried about Zika when it was spreading several years back, but didn’t worry about it at all when I was pregnant with my second in 2018. You just don’t hear about anyone getting it anymore (and we follow the news about this). Dengue is much more common, but even that is rare (we haven’t had it in the almost 9 years we’ve lived here). Just take precautions like wearing repelling and long pants in buggy areas and you will be fine! 🙂 Here is a link to our post on clothing that is good to wear to prevent mosquito bites. This worked for me.

Hello! Are you able to share what you ended up spending for everything?

Hi Taylor, Our subsequent posts share the cost of delivery. Here’s the link to our post about delivering at the small private hospital in San Isidro de El General. And here’s the post about delivering at CIMA Hospital in San Jose. Keep in mind that the prices are from 2015 and 2019 so most likely have changed some.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. Do you mind emailing me the name of the doctor you used in San Jose?

Great article! Just found out I’m pregnant after vacationing in CR (technically a CR baby?lol). Just wondering if Zika is still a concern when having a baby there?

Hi KC, Zika numbers are very low in Costa Rica now so it’s not really a concern anymore.

Hi Jenn and Matt! Thanks so much for sharing your journey. My husband and I recently relocated from New York and Boston, excited to have found your site. Would you mind please sharing the info of both doctors you saw during your pregnancies? Unsure if we’d prefer to deliver in San Jose or closer to where we live in Uvita. Thank you again!

Hi Ally, You’re welcome! I’ll email you the info now.

Hello Jenn and Matt,

I have recently moved to Costa Rica a few months ago and found out I was pregnant. I started going back to Canada for my prenatal appointments expecting I would just return to give birth there but I have really been considering having my baby here in Costa Rica. I have been doing a lot of research and would definitely need to find a doctor that speaks English and be comfortable with. I contacted hospital CIMA to get information about the care and delivery process. I am really nervous as this is my first baby. I need to pick a doctor but am a little worried about not picking the right one. I am glad I found your site, and was wondering if you could share your doctor from San Jose (CIMA)? Would really appreciate the recommendation.

Thank you so much for sharing your birth stories with us ! Hope your family is doing well!

Hi Sarah, Of course! I will send the contact info now.

Hello! I am not pregnant (yet!) but I am a massage therapist, specializing in prenatal care and I am interested in different approaches across the globe 🙂 Do you have a massage therapist in CR? I am potentially coming to Costa Rica next month and would love to volunteer some time while I’m there. This month I’m learning more about postnatal care and found someone who is open to C-section scar work so I’m very excited about that! I have been doing prenatal massage for years, but have been taking further education recently, and working in side lying is no problem for me (most RMTs hate this!) I loved this, thank you for sharing! I shared with a friend who is currently pregnant in Costa Rica.

Hi Stacey, Lots of people are massage therapists here. I have heard of some who do pre and postnatal care. Best of luck with your plans!

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Having A Baby And Starting A Family in Costa Rica?

So you are thinking of moving to Costa Rica and possibly starting a family? Raising your children in this land of peace and prosperity sounds like a great experience for everybody but maybe you have some questions about what it’s like to give birth in Costa Rica?

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Many of our clients were asking these same questions so we spoke to a few ex-pat couples who either have had babies recently or are just about to have them in Costa Rica.

Before the fun stuff here are some interesting numbers:

Costa Rica ranks 51st in the world for infant mortality rate at 9.89. Here are how the countries in North and Central America compare to each other:

Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 live births

24. Canada 5.22 34. United States 6.81 51. Costa Rica 9.89 80. Panama 18.18 82. Mexico 20.50 98. El Salvador 21.54 99. Nicaragua 21.59 106. Honduras 28.12 119. Guatemala 30.12

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Out of the whole American Continent (North, Central and South America) only Chile (#44, 7.19) rates better than Costa Rica.

Some say that infant mortality is an indicator of a countries health care system and wealth. If you look at the list of countries that rank better than Costa Rica they are all highly developed 1st world countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) rated Costa Rica’s Health Care System at the 37th best in the world just ahead of the United States who ranks 38th. What is even more interesting is that the United States Health Care system is the most expensive in the world whereas Costa Rica’s is just the 50th most expensive in the world.

As reported by CNN in 2013 giving birth in the U.S. is more expensive than any other country in the world. Total costs average $18,329 for a vaginal delivery and $27,866 for a C-section, with the bulk of the bill going to insurers. However, families with insurance still have to pay about $3,400 out of pocket.

Krista and Chris, one of the ex-pat couples we interviewed for this blog, extensively researched the costs to deliver a baby here in Costa Rica in a private, state-of-the-art maternity hospital facility in either San Jose or Liberia. Total costs for what they call a luxury natural birth are $3,000. The cost for a C-Section is around $1,500 more.

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For those of us who are math challenged — The cost to have your baby delivered in Costa Rica with first class doctors and facilities is $3,000 — Still less than the average out of pocket costs of $3,400 for a fully insured birth in the United States. From what Krista and Chris tell us the level of care offered in the private birthing facilities in Costa Rica are a level above the average of what you would receive in The US.

But this is where the story gets interesting…

You are probably thinking you would hear how Krista was pampered by the ever attentive staff at the CIMA private hospital in San Jose or how the Doctor they had chosen for delivery of their first child is a pioneer in the field of natural child birth or how Chris was able to be in the private room throughout the process and be the birth coach as they had practiced, then load up baby pictures to Facebook using the free WiFi in the private recovery room while Krista and their new child rested and got acquainted in the after birth bliss?

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The story definitely has a happy ending but it did not go quite as planned…

So, as Krista Says, the baby “was in a hot hurry” and decided to come 2 weeks early. Well Grandma was not there to help and the trip to the swank birthing palace at the CIMA Hospital in San Jose was off and it became a scramble to not become the first baby to be delivered in a Pacifico Condo.

They called Michael Simons and in no time a rental car was delivered personally by Nelson from Adobe rent-a-car, a dog sitter showed up and off they went with Krista in full labor. They arrived at the Liberia Public Hospital, were whisked into the Maternity Ward and literally within 35 minutes Kruz was born.

Check out the full video where Krista and Chris describe their birthing experience but also go through all the options they explored and research they did on having a baby in Costa Rica. These guys know their baby stuff!

So as you can see the birth of Kruz, Krista and Chris’ brand new bouncing baby boy was natural as they had hoped and planned, in the well equipped, capable and efficient Public Hospital Maternity Ward where they were able to do everything they had planned to do in the fancy private facility except for three things:

• Chris did not have WiFi to load up the newborn pictures
• Chris had to sleep on a very uncomfortable chair instead of a nice bed the private facility offered and
• They did not pay a dime!

Ania and Drew, the other ex-pat couple we interviewed, are expecting their first baby in the middle of September 2013. During their research they decided right away that they would have their baby at the public hospital in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. So far the pre-natal care they have received locally has been wonderful, detailed and free.

All they have to do is pay their monthly contribution to the “CAJA” which is the Costa Rican version of the Social Security system. The average monthly contribution per family is about $50.

We are all anxious to see their new baby so check back for another baby blog for details on their birthing adventure.

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Costa Ricans who receive a paycheck from their employer are required to contribute to the Caja based on their salary and it is an automatic payment. If one person in your immediate family is contributing to the Caja then your whole family automatically has free health care. So basically everyone in Costa Rica has very inexpensive, relatively good health care that always covers having babies.

So what are you waiting for?

Start making Babies!

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Andrew Makarik

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com .

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What is Birth Tourism?

December 5, 2022

Birth tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for the purpose of giving birth in order to obtain citizenship for the child.

This is often motivated by the desire to provide the child with access to education, healthcare, and other opportunities that are available in the country of birth. Birth tourism is a growing industry, with many pregnant women traveling to countries that have more lenient citizenship laws or that offer other benefits, such as high-quality healthcare or a lower cost of living. Birth tourism is a controversial practice, with some arguing that it exploits citizenship laws and puts a strain on the country’s healthcare system, while others argue that it is a personal choice for families and brings economic benefits to the host country.

Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Birth Tourism?

The benefits of birth tourism depend on the perspective of the individuals involved. For the parents, the main benefit of birth tourism is the ability to obtain citizenship for their child , which can provide access to education, healthcare, and other opportunitie s in the host country. This can be especially appealing for parents who live in countries with limited opportunities or who want to provide their child with a better quality of life. The parents can also often get a residency permit and path to citizenship based on their child having been born in a given country.

For the host country, birth tourism can bring economic benefits, as it can generate income from tourism and other related industries. Additionally, birth tourism can diversify the country’s population. Additionally, some argue that it can diversify the country’s population and provide a boost to its economy. However, it is important to note that the benefits of birth tourism are debated and that not everyone agrees on its value.

Why is Birth Tourism Controversial?

Birth tourism is a controversial practice for several reasons. Some argue that it exploits citizenship laws, as many countries have more lenient citizenship requirements for children born on their soil. This can lead to “anchor babies,” who are born in the host country and used as a way for the parents to gain citizenship or other benefits. Additionally, birth tourism can put a strain on the host country’s healthcare system, as it often requires additional resources and services to accommodate the influx of pregnant women. Critics argue that it puts a strain on the country’s healthcare system and other resources, and that it can lead to exploitation of citizenship laws. Critics also argue that birth tourism is unfair to individuals who are unable to travel and must follow the regular citizenship application process.

What is an Anchor Baby?

An anchor baby, also known as a “birthright citizen,” is a term used to refer to a child who is born in a country to parents who are not citizens of that country. The term “anchor baby” comes from the idea that the child can “anchor” the parents in the country by providing them with citizenship or other legal benefits. This term is often used in the context of birth tourism, where pregnant women travel to another country to give birth in order to obtain citizenship for their child. The term “anchor baby” is controversial, as it is often used in a pejorative manner to describe children born through birth tourism. Many people find the term offensive and argue that it is used to stereotype and dehumanize children and their families.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship, also known as jus soli, is the practice of granting citizenship to individuals who are born in a country, regardless of the citizenship status of their parents. This is the most common form of citizenship in the world, and it is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution . However, not all countries have birthright citizenship, and some countries have more restrictive citizenship laws that only grant citizenship to individuals who are born to citizen parents or who have a certain level of ancestry in the country. Birthright citizenship is a controversial issue, with some arguing that it provides equal opportunities for children and strengthens the country’s economy, while others argue that it encourages birth tourism and exploitation of citizenship laws.

Until What Month Can You Fly Pregnant?

There is no specific month that pregnant women are not allowed to fly in planes. Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up until their 36th week of pregnancy for single pregnancies, and up until their 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. However, it is always best to check with the airline before booking a flight, as policies may vary. Additionally, pregnant women should consult with their doctor before flying, especially if they have any complications or if they are at an increased risk for complications.

Which Countries Allow Birthright Citizenship?

The specific rules for granting citizenship at birth vary from country to country. Some countries, such as the United States and Canada, grant citizenship to anyone who is born within the country’s territory, while other countries have more restrictive policies. It is important to note that the concept of birthright citizenship is not recognized in all countries, and some countries do not grant citizenship based on place of birth at all. Luckily for Latin America enthusiasts, nearly every country in Latin America recognizes birthright citizenship. Below is a map of birthright citizenship acceptance in Latin America and the world.

What are the Most Popular Countries for Birth Tourism?

The most popular countries for birth tourism vary depending on the specific criteria being considered. Some of the most popular destinations for birth tourism include the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as these countries have more lenient citizenship laws and provide access to education and other opportunities. Other popular destinations for birth tourism include countries in the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas and Barbados, as well as countries in Asia, such as South Korea and Japan. The popularity of a destination for birth tourism can also be influenced by factors such as the quality of healthcare, the cost of living, and the cultural attractions.

What are the Most Popular Countries for Birth Tourism in Latin America?

In Latin America, the conventional choices we hear most about are Mexico and Brazil . In Mexico, birth tourism is a growing industry, with many pregnant women from other countries, particularly from the United States, traveling to Mexico to give birth. This is often motivated by the desire to obtain Mexican citizenship for the child and residency permits for the parents. In brazil, birth tourism is popular because it allows the parents to become near-instant residents of Brazil with a short (often 1 year) path to becoming Brazilian citizens. Other possible destinations for birth tourism in Latin America include Costa Rica and Panama . Panama is known to have the best hospitals in all of Central America , so you can feel confident that you and your family will be treated well. Pretty much every country in Latin America will work for birthright citizenship for the child. If getting a residency permit for the parents in the host country is important to you, you’ll need to research the specific rules for the country or countries that you are targeting.

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Birth tourism industry: most popular countries

• August 5, 2022
• Citizenship

• Last modified: March 2, 2023

Article Breakdown

What is birthright citizenship.

Birthright citizenship is the practice of granting citizenship to children born in a country , even if their parents are not citizens. The concept is based on the Latin phrase jus soli , which means “right of the soil.”

Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and it is also practiced in many other places around the world. In most of the Americas, citizenship is automatic for newborns, while in other jurisdictions it may be granted through a formal process. In either case, birthright citizenship ensures that all children have a right to a nationality and the associated protections.

The United States and Canada are the only ones in the “first world” that provide unconditional citizenship to children born in the territory, but a quick search reveals that there are lots of other wonderful places to reside that do as well.

The birth tourism industry

The so called birth tourism industry is a booming business that caters to pregnant women who want to come to the United States or other nations to give birth there, for the primary purpose of obtaining citizenship based on jus soli for their child.

The industry provides everything from travel and accommodation services to guidance on how to obtain a birth certificate and passport for the baby. Birth tourists typically travel to countries with birthright citizenship laws, which grant nationality to babies born on their soil, regardless of the parents’ citizenship status. This is in contrast to most European nations, which only grant citizenship to those born to European citizens.

As a result, these passport seekers see coming to the United States as a way to ensure that their child will have US citizenship and all of the benefits that come with it, including access to education and healthcare. The birth tourism industry has come under scrutiny in recent years, with some critics accusing it of exploiting pregnant women and putting their health at risk. However, there is no evidence that birth tourism is harmful to either mother or child, and the industry continues to grow in popularity.

Is birth tourism a legitimate activity in the US?

Under the modified visa rules for the b nonimmigrant visa regulation, U.S. consular officers overseas will deny any B visa application from an applicant who the consular officer believes is traveling primarily for the intention of giving birth in the United States in order to obtain American citizenship for their newborn.

Visitor visas and tourist visas are not meant for expectant mothers who are coming to the US solely to give birth. However, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to try to enter the country on temporary visas. If they are caught, they can be denied entry and may even be banned from returning to the US in the future. Technically this is seen as visa fraud.

There have been a few high-profile cases of birth tourism involving Chinese citizens in recent years that would pay for a complete package including maternity hotels, which has brought more attention to the issue. In some cases, women have been arrested by officials and deported back to their home countries. Others have been able to give birth in the US without any problems, obtaining U.S. citizenship for their babies.

The issue of birth tourism is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. For now, expectant foreign nationals who are considering traveling to the US for the sole purpose of giving birth should be aware of the risks involved.

What about birth tourism in other countries?

Any child born on that country’s territories becomes a citizen at birth, and the practice is legal in dozens of places. So, which countries automatically issue a passport and citizenship to newborns there, regardless of their parents’ nationality?

Ireland revised its constitution nearly two decades ago to discontinue its habit of becoming the last European country to provide unconditional citizenship to children born to two foreign parents. Malta had already updated theirs as well to end jus soli for births on its soil altogether. Other places, such as Australia , have enacted similar legislation.

However, if you follow present birth tourism options, you can forego dual citizenship and provide your child with numerous citizenships.

Here is the complete list of the finest nations to give birth in if you are looking for birth tourism choices, excluding jurisdictions where the practice is currently prohibited or where nonimmigrant visa regulation makes it practically impossible.

*In order for a child to be born with the Chilean nationality, both parents must have a temporary or permanent residence in Chile at the time of the birth.

**As of September 2020, Portugal is just a few procedures away from expanding its jus soli laws , which award newborns on Portuguese soil birthright citizenship. Children born in Portugal to foreign nationals can currently become Portuguese citizens at birth provided at least one parent has lived in the country for two years or more. The proposed law would shorten that time frame to one year. This is an especially appealing change for Golden Visa investors in Portugal, as they will now be able to give their children Portuguese nationality after only one year of residency once the amended regulation comes into force.

What countries are good options for birth tourism?

This all depends on your current nationalities and which ones you will be able to pass on to your child next to the new citizenship obtained by being born in a birthright country. It also depends on if you need to request an additional visa just to visit the country (in those cases, an advanced pregnancy might be an issue).

Outside of Canada and Chile , none of these citizenships will grant your child visa-free access to the USA. However, since you’re reading this, you might see it as an advantage rather than a disadvantage.

For example, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis , charge six-figure fees for their CBI programs and even charge for your children to acquire a passport. Belize used to offer citizenship by investment programs, and is also an appealing birth tourism destination.

Panama , Brazil , Mexico , and Argentina are particularly well-known for their high-quality medical care, featuring world-class facilities that make giving birth not only easy but also significantly cheaper than in any other Western country.

Several nations on this list give the ability to fast track your own citizenship as the parent of a local child. Most other nations will expedite the naturalization of the parents, allowing you to obtain the same citizenship as your child in two to seven years.

Before taking any action, make sure you search for the most up-to-date information from foreign governments, as a number of them have decided to end birthright citizenship, including Australia , New Zealand , Ireland , France , Malta , the Dominican Republic (which resulted in tens of thousands of deportations ), and India. In some places it might be harder to get medical treatment, depending on your insurance coverage.

What are some good passports to obtain via jus soli ?

Some even provide travel benefits to nations where westerners do not have visa-free entry, such as Russia (Brazil and Argentina, including a few others).

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Birth Tourism: Benefits of Giving Birth Abroad & Birthright Citizenships

“I guess your kids won’t be US presidents” is what I often hear from people when they find out that neither of my children was born in the US. I usually smile, because surely they won’t be the next president, but instead, they’ll get a lot more benefits in their adult lives than American kids born in the US.

There are a number of ways to get second citizenship and passport: marriage, investment, or years of waiting. However, many forget about an easy one: having a baby in a foreign country.

Parents have a unique opportunity to choose the best country to give birth and give a child another passport. In fact, some countries will even grant the parents (or even grandparents) citizenship as well.

l’ll tell you how and where you can take advantage of birthright citizenship. In fact, I have first-hand experience doing it myself 🙂

Which Countries Have a Birthright?

When it comes to determining a child’s citizenship at birth, countries usually apply one of two rights:  jus soli or  jus sanguinis . 

Jus soli , also known as birthright, grants citizenship merely on the basis of being born “on the soil” of the country in question. There are obviously special circumstances like Armed Forces territories, Embassy grounds, or no man’s lands, but the rule is fairly simple.

Jus sanguinis  determines the child’s citizenship based on the parents’ nationality. Not all nationalities can be transmitted to children easily or automatically – for example, if you’re a US citizen but only lived in the US as a child and then left your kids aren’t eligible for US citizenship automatically (see the rules for CRBA ).

The most common example of birthright is obviously the United States. Many people enter the US to give birth to a child who automatically becomes an American citizen as they’re born on US soil.

While the parents aren’t eligible to stay and get residency in the US, the child could return when they’re 18 years old and sponsor the relatives for a green card when they turn 21. Naturally, it involves a lot of money and paperwork and it’s not an easy process when the “anchor child” has no connections in the US, but entirely legally possible.

Why Take Advantage of Birthright?

Cost is something that many people think about first, as it’s undeniably cheaper to pay for the hospital birth anywhere outside of the US and get better care. After all… the US has a terrible rate of maternal deaths, especially in some states and people of color.

My personal reasons were that my child can invest in a property in the country without having to lease and jump through hoops and if everything falls apart we all can get citizenships as well. On top of better medical care and lower costs.

Something many Americans or people who push for kids to get American citizenship don’t think about is taxation. Becoming American citizen ties you with the tax system forever, unless you renounce your citizenship for which you need to pay for. It can also screw you when it comes to starting a life elsewhere. How come?

Many non-US banks are wary of doing business with US citizens due to the increased reporting requirements imposed by FATCA and the risk of penalties that apply if those banks fail to comply with the requirements of the Act (and their associated inter-governmental agreements).

In fact, many foreign banks are refusing to do business with US citizens because the risks and costs outweigh the benefits.

It really sucks if you can’t get a home loan (and for example, European mortgage rates can be below 1% which is a huge gain compared to the US) or an investment or even a basic bank account to receive your salary and pay your bills or whatever.

With the advent and proliferation of FATCA, having a non-US place of birth becomes even more valuable. Even if you have a second passport, a US place of birth gives away the fact that you’re a US citizen no matter what, unless you can produce a renunciation certificate.

However, with a non-US place of birth on a non-US passport, there’s nothing advertising one’s US citizenship. If I show up with my kids to Italy tomorrow with my European passport no one would suspect me or my kids of having any ties to the US since they were born in other countries.

You might need to disclose this information, but you can surely fly under the radar that way.

What Countries Offer Birthright Citizenship?

Thinking of having a baby soon? Some countries allow unrestricted jus soli which means parents can just enter on a tourist visa. Others only allow it under special conditions like eg. parents have to live in a country for a year or have a temporary work permit. Full birthright regardless of parents’ status:

France, Luxembourg and Portugal have conditional options only

• United States
• El Salvador
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Best countries for birthright citizenship

1. Chile – the country acts on jus soli for anyone. Chile secures 6th place on the best travel document globally.

2. Mexico – the country acts on jus soli for anyone and family members automatically receive permanent residency. With a Mexican passport, one can have access to almost 140 countries.

3. Brazil – provides affordable costs of birth for tourists and strict jus soli. Parents can easily obtain a residency as well. Brazil offers access to approximately 150 countries.

4. Canada – acts on jus soli. The passport gives access to 190 countries visa-free countries.

5. Barbados – Barbadian citizens can travel across 140 countries without a visa with special access to the United Kingdom. 

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Friday 26th of January 2024

Hello Anna, Thank you for these interesting enlightenment on "Jus Soli".

I have always thought about it but never knew what to classify it as.

We had our first baby (Uriel) December 26th, 2022 was unable to get her this second passport by birth due to lack of clarity on how to go about it.

Just three days ago I and my wife had planned to conceive for second baby and in my checklist I added "Birth Tourism and Country" before I stumbled on blog.

Apart from Mexico and Costa Rica, is it possible for parents from Nigeria to get permanent residency rights in Canada as well? Your suggestion and/or advice will be helpful. Thank You.

AnnaEverywhere

Which country was your first baby born in?

And in regards to Canada, no. Your baby would be Canadian, but you won't get a right to stay in the country.

Wednesday 16th of August 2023

What countries give citizenship to the parents as well?

Anna Karsten

Friday 18th of August 2023

Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica for sure. However, it's not instant, you still need to be there for the indicated amount of time and pass the citizenship and language test.

Saturday 29th of October 2022

Thanks for for this write up. What about Brazil? How safe is it for a mother delivering her baby in Brazil and are parents given a permanent resident card?

What do you mean how safe it is? In terms of hospitals they have excellent medical facilities.

Thursday 17th of February 2022

Please which of these countries you listed give parents permanent residency rights by way of child birth?

Wednesday 23rd of February 2022

@Anna Karsten,

Hi, what are the requirements for parents to get permanent residency by their child being born in Mexico and how long would it take?

Saturday 19th of February 2022

Mexico and Costa Rica for sure.

Thursday 16th of December 2021

My parents both were naturalized American in 1946 but still had Polish citizenship when I was born in the United States in 1945. Is there any path for me to acquire Polish citizenship now without moving there or any other complicated methods?

Poland makes it relatively easy to get citizenship via descent. It's a different process than birthright though, as you've been born in the US.

If your parents lived in Poland before 1920 and maintained their citizenship until you were born then yes, you qualify for citizenship. You need to collect the evidence - eg. their Polish passports, address, any documents from Poland, then send it and the process will take 1-2 years. It's a myth that you need to speak Polish - this rule doesn't apply to citizenship by descent, just to immigrants, and I personally know someone who got his knowing only 3 words in Polish.

Requirements

• Planning Your Trip
• Entry Requirements

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Requirements to enter the country.

Entry to Costa Rica has been opened to tourists from all countries.

All tourists must comply with the immigration processes established in the General Immigration and Aliens Act (Ley General de Migración y Extrangería).

During your visit in Costa Rica, you are required to comply with the health protocols put in place by private companies when participating in any tourism activities in the country.

In accordance with Article 42 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens (No. 8764) and Article 30 of the Immigration Control Regulation (Executive Decree No. 36769-G), foreign nationals intending to enter Costa Rica must provide:

• A valid passport or travel document. Passports and travel documents will only be accepted if they can be read electronically in line with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and must be valid for the period set forth in these guidelines.
• Visa, if required under these guidelines.
• Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
• Return ticket to the country of origin or plan of onward travel that includes the next destination.
• No impediment to entering Costa Rican territory.

MAXIMUM STAY:

The maximum legal stay for foreign nationals will be determined by the immigration agent upon their entry into the country.

Countries in the first group: UP TO 180 CALENDAR DAYS, NON-EXTENDABLE 

Countries in the second group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS

Countries in the third group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Countries in the fourth group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Please remember:

• In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need a ticket for a return flight, which the immigration official will ask to see when you arrive. It is recommended that you make a photocopy of your passport with the entry stamp, which you should carry with you at all times during your stay.
• The number of days you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica will depend on the group your country of origin belongs to.
• The immigration official may ask you to demonstrate that you have the funds needed for your stay in the country.
• The immigration official may indicate in your passport that your permitted stay will be for a different amount of time.
• Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof that they will be leaving the country before their visa or entry stamp expires.

All travelers must therefore have a ticket for return or onward travel.

Non-residents must have a ticket for return or onward travel if they:

Are arriving on a one-way ticket.

Are entering the country with a return ticket that is more than 90 days after their date of arrival.

Are flying to Costa Rica and flying out of a different country.

By law, a return or onward travel ticket may be on one of the following means of approved commercial transportation:

• A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country.
• A pre-purchased flight out of the country.
• Proof of passage on a cruise ship.

Obligatory declarations when entering or leaving Costa Rica:

When entering or leaving a port of entry to Costa Rica, if you are carrying an amount equal to or greater than US$10,000 in cash or securities, or its equivalent in other currencies, you must request and complete the form designated for this purpose in the immigration checkpoint and present it to the Customs Authority for verification. The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures.

Failure to follow the provisions of Costa Rican law (No. 8204, Article 35) will result in the immediate forfeiture of the money.

What kind of vaccines do visitors to Costa Rica need?

As of July 30, 2007, Costa Rican authorities require all travelers from the following countries to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as the Republic of Guyana.

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Aussie mum’s controversial passport hack: birth tourism in Costa Rica

Thomas Bywater

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Australian Influencer Shannen Michaela, took a holiday to Costa Rica to promote citizenship by birth tourism. Photo / @shannenmichaela

An Australian travel influencer has divided opinion with her scheme to provide her family with dual nationality: giving birth abroad. Now, she is offering mentorship to others seeking citizenship through maternity.

Shannen Michaela, 24, who now lives in Costa Rica with her young family has been accused of promoting “birth tourism” and exploiting a “citizenship hack” to carry on her South American travels.

The video titled “Have a baby and get an extra passport” the social media creator outlines how she has collected passports from the UK, Australia and now Costa Rica.

Promoting a guide to how mothers-to-be can open new opportunities for their family and offspring by planning births abroad, she describes birthright citizenship as “the most accessible way to obtain an extra passport.”

In many countries, including Costa Rica, parents or caregivers of children granted citizenship by birth can also apply for a passport or right to remain.

Having travelled to Costa Rica from Australia, explicitly with the intent to give birth, the influencer said their son was “born safely at our home in the jungle on 29/5/23″.

The concept of “Jus Soli” or automatic citizenship by birth is observed by a list of 31 countries. While many countries observe restricted forms of birthright citizenship, requiring one or more parent to hold citizenship or permanent residency, others are more liberal with their granting of passports.

Many countries in the Americas including Canada, Barbados and the United States will grant citizenship to anyone born on their national soil.

Michaela describes it as a way travellers can “get a passport in a country you have not visited before”.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shannen Michaela (@shannenmichaela)

The clip promoting a guide to planning travel, birth care and legal representation in the Jus Soli nations has been viewed almost 500,000 times.

“It is an investment in your family, your child’s future and generations to come,” says Michaela.

The video promotes birth tourism as a way to preserve freedom of movement and provide greater flexibility for tax obligations.

Not everyone is as pleased with the social media creator’s instructions on birth tourism.

Detractors described the guide as “privileged” and misguided.

Among the 400 comments were accusations that the information was “anchor baby instructions for rich people” - referring to the euphemistic practice that is used as a path to citizenship by many economic migrants to the US.

Others said the family were trying to “gentrify” the practice and that it carries a social stigma in the Americas.

“If you’re rich it’s called Jus Soli and it’s looked at positively, if you’re poor it’s called an anchor baby and it’s looked down upon,” read one comment.

Michaela defended her actions and encouraged others to exploit this citizenship hack, saying “travelling is not only a rich people thing.”

She pointed out that there were many Russians in South America seeking second citizenship following the imposition of travel sanctions in 2022.

Once a method to tackle the problem of statelessness in countries with high migration rates, many countries that once practised Jus Solior or “law of the soil” have since tightened their laws.

New Zealand granted automatic citizenship by birthright up until 2006. Prior to this the Citizenship Act common law ruled that anyone born in the country could be granted citizenship and the right to remain, regardless of parents’ immigration or visa status.

The US has many complicated caveats to their Immigration and Nationality Act, including that children of foreign diplomats (or an invading army) cannot be granted citizenship by Jus Soli. This does not stop many visitors and even mothers giving birth on diverted flights from applying for American passports for their offspring.

A child born on a plane over American territory or within its airspace is automatically granted US citizenship.

Birth tourism is a controversial practice and full of many practical and legal complexities.

In more extreme cases, parents risk their children becoming stateless.

In August a couple from the UK said they had been “left in limbo” , unable to apply for a passport for their 4-month old baby after giving birth en route to St Lucia.

The Caribbean nation refused to grant a birth certificate to the child of Iuliia and Clive Gurzhii, who claimed that there were no witnesses for the delivery in the couple’s boat on April 23.

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Influencer’s ‘Birth Tourism’ Video Sparks Backlash 

Shannen Michaela, an Australian influencer currently residing in Costa Rica with her family, has recently ignited a contentious debate after she posted a video titled “Have a Baby and Get an Extra Passport.”

In the video, she discusses how she acquired passports from the UK, Australia, and now Costa Rica, while encouraging expectant mothers to consider giving birth abroad as a means to explore new opportunities for their families and kids.

The concept of “birthright citizenship” is at the heart of Michaela’s video, which she describes as “the most accessible way to obtain an extra passport.” She points out that in many countries, parents or caregivers of children who are granted citizenship by birth can also apply for a passport or the right to remain.

To illustrate her point, Michaela details her personal experience of traveling from Australia to Costa Rica with the explicit intent of giving birth, emphasizing the significance of “Jus Soli,” a Latin term for the law of soil.

This principle is observed in a list of 31 countries, each with varying degrees of restrictions on birthright citizenship. Notably, several countries in the Americas, such as Canada, Barbados, and the United States, grant citizenship to anyone born on their national soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

While Michaela argues that birth tourism can be a means to preserve freedom of movement and provide greater flexibility in managing tax obligations, her approach has not been without its critics.

Detractors have labeled her guide as “privileged” and misguided, with some social media commenters accusing her of promoting “anchor baby instructions for rich people.” This term alludes to the euphemistic practice employed by economic migrants to the United States to gain citizenship.

The controversy surrounding Michaela’s approach highlights a stark division in public opinion.

“If you’re rich, it’s called Jus Soli and it’s looked at positively; if you’re poor, it’s called an anchor baby, and it’s looked down upon,” said one user on social media.

This polarizing perspective raises questions about the ethics and implications of such strategies to obtain dual nationality, leaving society with much to contemplate regarding the fairness and privilege inherent in the practice.

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Understanding Costa Rica Citizenship by Birth: A Guide With CRIE.cr

Costa Rica citizenship by birth is a dream for many expats and travelers. Costa Rican citizenship offers numerous benefits, including visa-free travel and access to quality healthcare. Obtaining citizenship in Costa Rica requires meeting certain residency requirements and following a specific application process. The application process for Costa Rican citizenship involves submitting an application to the Department of Immigration, along with the required documents and fees. It is important to note that the citizenship requirements and application process can be complex and confusing. Seeking guidance from Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE) can ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Key Takeaways:

• Costa Rican citizenship by birth provides visa-free travel and access to quality healthcare.
• Meeting residency requirements and following the application process is necessary for obtaining Costa Rican citizenship.
• Applicants must submit an application to the Department of Immigration along with the required documents and fees.
• Seeking guidance from Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE) can simplify and streamline the citizenship process.
• The citizenship requirements and application process can be complex and confusing.

Costa Rican Citizenship Requirements and Application Process

Acquiring Costa Rican citizenship is a goal for many individuals seeking to enjoy the benefits and opportunities that come with being a citizen of this beautiful country. To become a citizen of Costa Rica, there are specific requirements and a detailed application process that must be followed.

The first requirement for Costa Rican citizenship is to have legal residency in the country. This can be obtained through various visa options such as a pensioner’s visa, investor’s visa, or work visa. The length of residency required before applying for citizenship varies depending on the type of visa, ranging from three to seven years.

When applying for Costa Rican citizenship, applicants must provide several documents, including a birth certificate, a valid passport, and evidence of legal residency in the country. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish and have a basic understanding of Costa Rican history and culture.

The application process involves submitting an application to the Department of Immigration, along with the required documents and fees. After the application is submitted, an interview and examination will be scheduled. If the applicant meets all requirements and passes the examination, they will be granted citizenship.

It is important to note that the citizenship requirements and application process can be complex and confusing. Seeking guidance from Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE) can ensure a smooth and efficient process, making the dream of Costa Rican citizenship a reality.

Another significant benefit is the access to high-quality healthcare in Costa Rica. The country is known for its excellent healthcare system, which includes both public and private options. Costa Rican citizens have the advantage of receiving top-notch medical care and treatment.

Education opportunities are also available for Costa Rican citizens. The country offers free public schooling up to the university level, providing access to quality education for citizens and their families. This ensures that individuals can receive a well-rounded education in a supportive learning environment.

Costa Rican citizenship also allows individuals to work and live in the country without any restrictions. This opens up better job opportunities, improved job security, and the ability to fully integrate into the Costa Rican community.

Furthermore, citizens have the right to vote and participate in the political and social life of the country. They can actively engage in shaping the future of Costa Rica through their participation in elections and other democratic processes.

In conclusion, obtaining Costa Rican citizenship comes with a range of benefits, including visa-free travel, access to quality healthcare and education, improved job opportunities, and the ability to participate in the country’s political and social life. Costa Rican citizenship is a gateway to a fulfilling and enriched life in this beautiful country.

Dual Citizenship in Costa Rica

Dual citizenship in Costa Rica is a unique opportunity that allows individuals to hold citizenship in both Costa Rica and their country of origin. This means that individuals who become citizens of Costa Rica do not need to renounce their original citizenship. Dual citizenship offers a range of benefits, including the ability to enjoy the rights and privileges of both countries.

When it comes to eligibility for dual citizenship in Costa Rica , individuals who have obtained Costa Rican citizenship through naturalization or marriage to a Costa Rican citizen are generally eligible. It is important, however, to check with one’s country of origin to determine if they permit dual citizenship before applying for Costa Rican citizenship.

The benefits of dual citizenship in Costa Rica are numerous. Dual citizens have the ability to live, work, and study in both Costa Rica and their country of origin. They also have access to the social security benefits, healthcare services, and educational opportunities available in both countries. Dual citizenship provides individuals with increased flexibility and opportunities for travel, as they can use both Costa Rican and their country of origin’s passports when traveling internationally.

While dual citizenship offers many advantages, it’s important to note that there may be certain restrictions or obligations associated with holding citizenship in multiple countries. This could include requirements such as filing taxes in both countries or fulfilling mandatory military service obligations, depending on the specific laws of each country. It is essential for individuals considering dual citizenship to understand and comply with the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with holding citizenship in both Costa Rica and their country of origin.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship in Costa Rica:

• Ability to live, work, and study in both Costa Rica and the country of origin
• Access to social security benefits, healthcare services, and educational opportunities in both countries
• Increased flexibility and opportunities for international travel using both passports

Restrictions and Considerations of Dual Citizenship in Costa Rica:

• Possible obligations such as filing taxes in both countries or fulfilling mandatory military service obligations
• Requirements may vary depending on the laws and regulations of the individual’s country of origin

Table: Dual Citizenship Eligibility in Costa Rica

Citizenship by marriage in costa rica.

One of the ways to obtain citizenship in Costa Rica is through marriage to a Costa Rican citizen. To be eligible for citizenship by marriage, the applicant must have been married to a Costa Rican citizen for at least three years and have maintained a legal residence in Costa Rica for at least one year prior to applying for citizenship. Along with fulfilling the residency requirement, applicants must also have a clean criminal record and be able to provide proof of financial stability.

The application process for citizenship by marriage involves submitting a formal request to the immigration authorities in Costa Rica, including documentation such as a marriage certificate, proof of residency, and a criminal background check. It’s important to note that citizenship by marriage does not guarantee automatic citizenship. Each application is evaluated based on the applicant’s compliance with the eligibility criteria and requirements set by the Costa Rican government.

Seeking guidance from Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE) can be beneficial for individuals seeking citizenship by marriage in Costa Rica . The experts can assist with the application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared and submitted correctly. Their expertise can help streamline the process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Citizenship by marriage is a pathway to obtaining Costa Rican citizenship for individuals who are married to Costa Rican citizens. To be eligible, the applicant must meet specific requirements, including being married for at least three years and maintaining a legal residence in Costa Rica for at least one year. The application process involves submitting a formal request and providing supporting documents. Seeking guidance from Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE) can facilitate the application process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Costa Rican Naturalization Process

Becoming a naturalized citizen of Costa Rica is a multi-step process that offers individuals the opportunity to gain all the rights and privileges of a Costa Rican citizen. The naturalization process requires meeting specific requirements and demonstrating a commitment to the country.

To be eligible for Costa Rican naturalization, individuals must have lived in Costa Rica for at least three years. This period of residency allows applicants to immerse themselves in the culture, learn the language, and develop a strong connection to the country.

During the naturalization process, applicants must also have a clean criminal record and be able to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish. Having a basic understanding of the language is essential for integration into Costa Rican society and effective communication with local authorities and community members.

“The naturalization process involves completing and submitting an application form, attending an interview with an immigration official, and taking an oath of allegiance to Costa Rica.”

Once all the requirements are met, applicants can complete and submit an application form to the Department of Immigration. This form, along with supporting documents, will be evaluated by immigration officials to determine eligibility. If the application is approved, applicants will be scheduled for an interview, where they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to Costa Rica.

After a successful interview, applicants will be required to take an oath of allegiance to Costa Rica, solidifying their commitment to the country. With the Certificate of Naturalization in hand, individuals can apply for a Costa Rican passport and fully enjoy the rights and privileges of being a Costa Rican citizen.

Table: Costa Rican Naturalization Requirements

Costa Rican Citizenship by Descent

Costa Rican citizenship by descent allows individuals with Costa Rican parents or grandparents to acquire citizenship in the country. This process requires providing documentation that proves the relationship to the Costa Rican relative and fulfilling other requirements set by the Costa Rican government. The application process typically includes requirements such as birth and marriage certificates, proof of the relative’s Costa Rican citizenship, and other supporting documents. By following the application process and meeting the eligibility criteria, individuals can obtain Costa Rican citizenship through their family lineage.

Acquiring Costa Rican citizenship by descent can be a straightforward and efficient way to obtain citizenship in the country. By providing the necessary documentation to prove the legitimate relationship to a Costa Rican parent or grandparent, individuals can establish their eligibility for citizenship. This process offers a unique opportunity to connect with one’s Costa Rican heritage and become a part of the vibrant culture and community in Costa Rica. It also provides access to the same benefits and privileges enjoyed by citizens who were born in Costa Rica.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for Costa Rican citizenship by descent may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and the policies of the Costa Rican government. It is recommended that individuals seeking citizenship through this pathway consult with Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE) to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the requirements and a smooth application process. CRIE can provide expert guidance and support, assisting with the preparation of the required documentation and navigating any potential challenges or complexities that may arise.

Requirements for Costa Rican Citizenship by Descent

The requirements for Costa Rican citizenship by descent typically include the following:

• Proof of legitimate relationship to a Costa Rican parent or grandparent, such as birth and marriage certificates.
• Evidence of the relative’s Costa Rican citizenship, such as a copy of their Costa Rican passport or identification card.
• Proof of the applicant’s own identity, such as a valid passport.
• Other supporting documents as required by the Costa Rican government.

It is important to gather all the necessary documentation and ensure that it is properly authenticated and translated if required. Meeting these requirements and submitting a complete and accurate application will increase the chances of a successful outcome in obtaining Costa Rican citizenship by descent .

Table: Requirements for Costa Rican Citizenship by Descent

In conclusion, obtaining Costa Rican citizenship is a goal that offers a range of benefits and opportunities. By meeting specific residency requirements and following the application process, individuals can enjoy the advantages of being a Costa Rican citizen.

Some of the key benefits include visa-free travel to many countries, access to high-quality healthcare services, educational opportunities, and the ability to work and live in Costa Rica without any restrictions. Additionally, citizens have the right to vote and participate in the country’s political and social life.

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, it is recommended to seek guidance from Costa Rica Immigration Experts (CRIE). They can provide expert advice, assist with the application process, and help navigate any complexities or confusions that may arise.

With the right preparation and assistance, individuals can obtain Costa Rican citizenship and enjoy all the advantages that come with being a citizen of this beautiful country.

What are the requirements for obtaining Costa Rican citizenship by birth?

To obtain Costa Rican citizenship by birth, individuals must have legal residency in the country and meet certain residency requirements. They must also submit an application to the Department of Immigration, along with the required documents and fees.

Can I hold dual citizenship in Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship. Individuals who become citizens of Costa Rica do not need to renounce their citizenship in their country of origin or any other country where they hold citizenship.

How can I obtain Costa Rican citizenship through marriage?

To be eligible for citizenship through marriage in Costa Rica, the applicant must have been married to a Costa Rican citizen for at least three years and maintained a legal residence in Costa Rica for at least one year. They must also have a clean criminal record and be able to provide proof of financial stability.

What is the naturalization process for Costa Rican citizenship?

The naturalization process for Costa Rican citizenship involves living in Costa Rica for at least three years, having a clean criminal record, being proficient in Spanish, and demonstrating a commitment to the country. It requires completing an application form, attending an interview, and taking an oath of allegiance to Costa Rica.

How can I acquire Costa Rican citizenship by descent?

Costa Rican citizenship by descent is possible for individuals with Costa Rican parents or grandparents. The process involves providing documentation that proves the relationship to the Costa Rican relative and fulfilling other requirements set by the Costa Rican government.

Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)

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Aussie mum’s controversial passport hack: birth tourism in Costa Rica

An Australian travel influencer has divided opinion with her scheme to provide her family with dual nationality: giving birth abroad. Now, she is offering mentorship to others seeking citizenship through maternity.

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Shannen Michaela, 24, who now lives in Costa Rica with her young family has been accused of promoting “birth tourism” and exploiting a “citizenship hack” to carry on her South American travels.

The video titled “Have a baby and get an extra passport” the social media creator outlines how she has collected passports from the UK, Australia and now Costa Rica.

Promoting a guide to how mothers-to-be can open new opportunities for their family and offspring by planning births abroad, she describes birthright citizenship as “the most accessible way to obtain an extra passport.”

In many countries, including Costa Rica, parents or caregivers of children granted citizenship by birth can also apply for a passport or right to remain.

Having travelled to Costa Rica from Australia, explicitly with the intent to give birth, the influencer said their son was “born safely at our home in the jungle on 29/5/23″.

The concept of “Jus Soli” or automatic citizenship by birth is observed by a list of 31 countries. While many countries observe restricted forms of birthright citizenship, requiring one or more parent to hold citizenship or permanent residency, others are more liberal with their granting of passports.

Many countries in the Americas including Canada, Barbados and the United States will grant citizenship to anyone born on their national soil.

Michaela describes it as a way travellers can “get a passport in a country you have not visited before”.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Shannen Michaela (@shannenmichaela)

The clip promoting a guide to planning travel, birth care and legal representation in the Jus Soli nations has been viewed almost 500,000 times.

“It is an investment in your family, your child’s future and generations to come,” says Michaela.

The video promotes birth tourism as a way to preserve freedom of movement and provide greater flexibility for tax obligations.

Not everyone is as pleased with the social media creator’s instructions on birth tourism.

Detractors described the guide as “privileged” and misguided.

Among the 400 comments were accusations that the information was “anchor baby instructions for rich people” - referring to the euphemistic practice that is used as a path to citizenship by many economic migrants to the US.

Others said the family were trying to “gentrify” the practice and that it carries a social stigma in the Americas.

“If you’re rich it’s called Jus Soli and it’s looked at positively, if you’re poor it’s called an anchor baby and it’s looked down upon,” read one comment.

Michaela defended her actions and encouraged others to exploit this citizenship hack, saying “travelling is not only a rich people thing.”

She pointed out that there were many Russians in South America seeking second citizenship following the imposition of travel sanctions in 2022.

Once a method to tackle the problem of statelessness in countries with high migration rates, many countries that once practised Jus Solior or “law of the soil” have since tightened their laws.

New Zealand granted automatic citizenship by birthright up until 2006. Prior to this the Citizenship Act common law ruled that anyone born in the country could be granted citizenship and the right to remain, regardless of parents’ immigration or visa status.

The US has many complicated caveats to their Immigration and Nationality Act, including that children of foreign diplomats (or an invading army) cannot be granted citizenship by Jus Soli. This does not stop many visitors and even mothers giving birth on diverted flights from applying for American passports for their offspring.

A child born on a plane over American territory or within its airspace is automatically granted US citizenship.

Birth tourism is a controversial practice and full of many practical and legal complexities.

In more extreme cases, parents risk their children becoming stateless.

In August a couple from the UK said they had been “left in limbo”, unable to apply for a passport for their 4-month old baby after giving birth en route to St Lucia.

The Caribbean nation refused to grant a birth certificate to the child of Iuliia and Clive Gurzhii, who claimed that there were no witnesses for the delivery in the couple’s boat on April 23.

This article originally appeared on the NZ Herald and has been republished with permission. 

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Liberia Costa Rica Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about arriving and departing from the Liberia Airport in northern Costa Rica.

About The San Jose Costa Rica Airport

If you are wondering which airport to fly to, read this post .

The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in the city of Liberia, Costa Rica airport is one of two international airports in Costa Rica. The other international airport is the Juan Santamaria Airport near the capital of San Jose.

The Liberia airport is actually located near the town of Liberia, about 20 km or 30 minutes drive just east of many of the Guanacaste pacific beach destinations such as the Papagayo Peninsula, Playas del Coco or Playa Tamarindo. There are also some of my favorite all-inclusive resorts near here, and my favorite luxury family resorts are here too. There are several great places to stay near the airport , but because of arrival times at the airport, you will often be able to whisk away to your beach destination in a matter of hours. If you do need a nice local hotel near the airport, I highly recommend Hacienda Guachepelin.

The airport is named after a national essayist and politician who died in 1991. The Liberia, Costa Rica airport code is LIR. Do not confuse this airport with the African country of Liberia or you will be pretty sad at how long it takes you to get to Africa!

You might also like: 50 Interesting Costa Rica Facts You Need To Know

Arrival At The LIR Airport

Going through customs.

The customs area is divided into two sections- lines for residents and Costa Rican nationals and separate lines for tourists. The line for tourists is generally much longer that the line for residents.

You can expect to wait anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours to get through customs. Over the past few years, the wait times have greatly improved. However, if there are many flights that arrive at the same time, customs will be saturated. Good thing there is WiFi in this area!

Once you arrive at the customs official, you will be expected to show your passport. There is not a customs declaration form to arrive, but the officer may ask you for information about what you are carrying.

Tourists have an automatic visa for a 90-day stay. You may be asked to show a ticket that proves your exit from the country within those 90 days, so have that handy.

Fun post: The Complete Guide To Costa Rican Slang

Baggage Claim

After clearing customs, you will walk through a Duty-Free store and then over to the baggage claim area. This area is generally a bit dark as there are no windows and it is located in the basement.

There are bathrooms, money exchange, and an ATM in this area. There might be a place to buy a cell phone chip here too, but they are often closed late a night. More on that below.

As a side note, the Duty-Free store has excellent prices on alcohol, so you may want to consider purchasing here. I will often purchase Ron Centenario or Cacique to bring back to the States on my way into the country.

There are 4 baggage claim areas, and your bags will generally arrive very quickly. If you have been in customs for a really long time, you will most likely find your bags as part of a line away from the baggage claim. Employees are asked to remove the bags to clear the way for the next flight.

Once you have gotten your bags, you will form a line to put everything through an x-ray machine. You will be asked to show your passport at this time as well. This machine is reviewed by a customs official to make sure you are not bringing prohibited items into the country.

Note that there is a high resale value for brand new brand name clothing, kitchen appliances, electronics and shoes. If you have new clothing in your bag I suggest removing the tags. You can also distribute the potentially problematic items into multiple bags. Tourists generally do not have a problem with these items, but it’s important to note.

Once you leave the x-ray area there are a few rental car companies that have offices right at the airport and can help you to connect with an agent right there. Otherwise, you will leave the airport here.

It is generally not the best idea to exchange money at the airport as the rates can be really high. Remember that US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, so I usually just bring a dollars in small bills to cover tips, and then exchange money outside of the airport.

Related post: Costa Rica Currency

There is a place to buy a cell phone chip in the airport. It is generally much more expensive than buying outside the airport, but if you are in a time crunch this is the fastest and easiest option.

Related post: How To Use Your Cell Phone In Costa Rica

Transportation Away From Liberia Airport Costa Rica

There are several options for transportation away from the airport. You can take an official taxi, Uber, shared shuttle to a hotel, or a shuttle to car rentals.

Related post: Driving In Costa Rica – Complete Guide

There are official orange taxis that will take you to and from the airport. You can purchase your official ticket just before leaving the airport. This is the safest option for taxis.

There is a very strong union of taxi workers in Costa Rica who have strongly spoken out about the introduction of Uber in Costa Rica. Part of the negotiation between the union and Uber says that there are to be no Ubers coming and going from the airport. If you do call an Uber you need to walk away from the airport a pretty good distance to access it. I don’t really recommend this option in the Guanacaste heat.

There are some car rentals inside the airport (mostly bigger names such as Hertz and Dollar.) Otherwise, if you have made arrangements to go to a rental car office, the pickup person should be just outside the airport to greet you with a sign with your name on it.

The car rentals are located on the main road outside the airport. The road goes East to West and the rental agencies are within a 10-kilometer range. If you feel like you are going kind of far from the airport it’s ok- the agencies are really spread out. If you are looking for a discount on a local rental car, please click here.

You might also like: Costa Rica Car Rental For Families

Shared Shuttle

Shared shuttles such as to nearby hotels are located to the right when you exit the airport. Each hotel should have its own sign for its own shuttle.

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Departure From Liberia Airport

Arrival to airport.

Every single recommendation I have seen says to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure.

I totally disagree.

If you arrive 2 hours before departure, you will be there with every tourism shuttle bus in town, and the lines are atrocious.

Instead (and especially with kids) I arrive 2.5 hours before departure. There are very few people there and I can go quickly through the check-in process.

Returning the Rental Car

If you rent a car in Costa Rica and want to return it you have a few options. Make sure to check with your rental car company to make sure these work for them.

• Return the car to the rental agency. If you do this, you will most likely need to take a shuttle from the agency to the airport. Most car companies offer this, but do be aware that you will need to plan time to both return the car, possibly get gas, and also wait for the shuttle if it is on a time table.
• Return the car at the hotel you are staying at the night before departure . Many rental car companies will pick up your car at local hotels, and you can often save a half a day of car rental by doing this.
• Leave the car in the short term parking lot in the airport. Not all rental car companies offer this option, but I do find it is a great one if you are short on time. Be prepared to have the car company charge you for the hourly parking rate (about US $2.50) until they can get to your car. I have never had them take more than a few hours because usually they need the car for the next client.

Related Post: Best San Jose Costa Rica Airport Hotel

Checking In

The check-in area of the airport is a spacious place with windows, ceilings, small shops for necessities, and clean bathrooms. It’s also hot hot hot. There are large rotating fans in this area, but otherwise there is no air conditioning so plan to dress appropriately.

You will simply get in line at your airline carrier’s desk and go through the usual process. Be prepared for extremely nice airline employees.

After checking in, you will need to go through a passport check and security check, similar to the procedures in the United States. A few notes:

• Stopping human trafficking in Costa Rica is a priority. If you are leaving with kids, be prepared to have questions if you do not have the same last name as your chidlren. It is unlikely that you will run into problems, but it does happen. If your child was born in Costa Rica or is a Costa Rican resident or citizen, you will need to have a paper that says you can take the child out of the country if both parents are not present. If you want to avoid any problmes at all, carry a copy of the birth certificate.
• You must have a passport and boarding pass in order to go through security. In general, Costa Rica does not use digital ticketing.
• Liquids are not allowed through security. There are other things that may or may not be allowed depending on the agent you have. These items include ground coffee in packages and non-perishable food items.

Airport Amenities

Once you have successfully gone through security, you will most likely have time before boarding your flight.

There are several food options inside the airport. There is a considerable amount of price gouging on food at this airport. As for the offerings…

There is pretty much one place to eat and it’a an Imperial Beer Bar. You can sit in the bar and order the food from two different menus, or you can order from a mobile kiosk outside the restaurant part. A worker will be on hand to assist you in ordering and then will bring your food to nearby the same kiosk where you ordered.

The restaurants are not open 24 hours, and if you are traveling early in the morning with kids, I recommend bringing breakfast with you and eating it before you go through security. They might take the food away during the security check.

There are several souvenir stores with different offerings. I most noticed a nice Blue Zones store and a gorgeous store offering local independent souvenir brands at prices equal to the going rate of those items outside the airport. There are also traditional souvenirs from the Cafe Britt chain of shops found around Costa Rica and at the San Jose Airport.

There are also several duty free shops as well.

Boarding in Costa Rica starts pretty early. Generally people with children are moved to the front of the line.

You can’t take any liquids on the plane, even if you bought them after the security check. It’s ridiculous, but think twice before buying that bottle of Salsa Lizano.

This also means you can’t bring on a filled water bottle, a partially consumed Coca-Cola- nada. It’s super annoying.

You may also hear your name called by a gate agent before boarding. This means you have been pulled for an additional security check. You will be pulled to the side and a gate agent will meticulously go through all of your bags looking for prohibited items.

Be prepared to get misty-eyed when you leave Costa Rica- it’s one of the best places on Earth!

If you would like to talk to me about a customized itinerary or specific Costa Rica travel advice for your family, (zero sales- just advice!) check out my “ Ask Christa ” page for more information on custom Costa Rica trip planning geared towards families.

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