Costa Rica Health Pass
Complete your Costa Rica Health Pass online for verified travel documents and guidance — updated information after the official change in 2022.
What Is the Costa Rica Health Pass?
The Costa Rica Health Pass (commonly known as the Pase de Salud) was an official electronic health declaration used to register traveler contact, vaccination and insurance details prior to entry to Costa Rica. It was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to streamline public-health screening and to help immigration and health authorities manage arrivals. The form collected passport and flight details plus proof of vaccination or insurance when required by public health rules.
The form was hosted via Costa Rica's health portal and related government systems (for example, salud.go.cr) and could be completed by travelers or through authorised third-party services such as DoVisa for guided completion and document checks. On approval applicants historically received a QR code or confirmation email to present to airlines and immigration officials; DoVisa still provides the same confirmation format for convenience and record-keeping.
The Costa Rica Health Pass is not a visa or entry permit — it was a pre-arrival health registration. Importantly, the government of Costa Rica discontinued the mandatory Health Pass and related insurance requirement effective 1 April 2022. Many travellers still find it useful to prepare vaccine records and travel insurance documentation in advance, and airlines or specific carriers may ask for proof depending on their policies.
For broader entry rules see Costa Rica visa information and consult the official health portal at salud.go.cr for historical details. If you prefer guided help assembling documents or want a verified record before travel, Apply now.
Who Needs the Costa Rica Health Pass?
Who Needs It
- Travelers who choose to carry a pre-prepared health record or vaccine proof for convenience or airline verification
- Visitors arriving from yellow-fever risk countries should carry an official vaccination certificate as required by health authorities
- Children and minors — a parent or guardian completes documentation on their behalf when proof-of-vaccination is needed
Who Is Exempt
- Costa Rican nationals
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on government business
- Airline and vessel crew on active official duty
- Transit travellers who remain airside and do not clear immigration
Costa Rica Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Passport & Exit Intent
You must present a valid travel document and proof of onward or return travel showing intent to leave Costa Rica within the period granted by immigration — immigration officers decide permitted stay. See GOV.UK — Entry Requirements.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Check the CDC country list and vaccine guidance at CDC — Costa Rica.
Customs & Prohibited Items
Costa Rica restricts fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, raw meats and certain animal products. Some used goods (used shoes, certain textiles) and weapons are prohibited or require permits — consult customs guidance before travel. See official import rules at Trade.gov — Prohibited & Restricted Imports.
Travel Insurance & Health Documentation
While the government removed the mandatory health-pass insurance requirement in 2022, travellers should carry travel medical insurance covering illness, evacuation and quarantine where applicable — airlines or tour operators may still request proof.
Health Advice
Follow CDC recommendations for routine vaccines and mosquito-borne disease prevention (dengue, chikungunya). Seek pre-travel advice and pack necessary medications and insect repellent. See CDC Costa Rica.
Travel Tips for Costa Rica Visitors
Costa Rica is a compact, biodiverse nation with two main international gateways: Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José — SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia — LIR). Other international points include Limón International Airport (LIO), Golfito (GLF) and regional airfields that handle some international flights. Domestic transfers, shared shuttles and short regional flights connect most destinations.
- Best time to visit: December–April (drier season) for beach and jungle activities.
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you may receive change in CRC.
- Language: Spanish is the official language; English is widely spoken in hotels, tourist services and many coastal communities.
- Time zone: Central Standard Time — GMT−6, no daylight saving.
- Safety: Petty theft is the most common crime — secure passports, avoid displaying valuables and use hotel safes.
- Transport: Rental cars are popular but roads can be narrow and weather-affected; plan longer travel times between regions.
- Parks & wildlife: Respect protected areas — stay on marked trails and follow ranger instructions.
- Documentation: Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, return ticket and any vaccine records — airlines may still request them at check-in.
"Used DoVisa to prepare vaccine records and a verified Costa Rica Health Pass before our family trip. The QR-style confirmation and checklist saved us time at check-in for SJO."
"Completed the online form and uploaded my yellow fever certificate while in transit. Airline staff at my departure airport checked the documentation before boarding."
"Fast and clear process — DoVisa guided me through which vaccination fields to fill. The emailed confirmation was accepted at Liberia (LIR) immigration without issues."
"I appreciated the reminder that the official health-pass requirement was abolished — still good to have everything organised. DoVisa's record made park entry and tours smoother."
"Helpful checklist for passport and onward ticket. The upload tool required a second attempt for my vaccine card photo but support responded quickly."
"Bought the preparatory service because we were arriving from a yellow-fever risk country. The team confirmed my documents and I had peace of mind at check-in."
"Great for a solo trip. Received a confirmation email with a QR-like reference and clear instructions for SJO arrivals — worth the convenience."
"Field labels were a little confusing for insurance vs vaccine proof, but customer support clarified what to attach. Confirmation arrived the same day."
"Minor delay: my upload was flagged for size and I had to re-send images. Once accepted, the confirmation worked fine for airline verification at departure."
"Excellent assistance assembling documentation for a family trip. The Costa Rica Health Pass record kept all vaccine PDFs in one place for easy access at immigration and tours."
"Used DoVisa to prepare vaccine records and a verified Costa Rica Health Pass before our family trip. The QR-style confirmation and checklist saved us time at check-in for SJO."
"Completed the online form and uploaded my yellow fever certificate while in transit. Airline staff at my departure airport checked the documentation before boarding."
"Fast and clear process — DoVisa guided me through which vaccination fields to fill. The emailed confirmation was accepted at Liberia (LIR) immigration without issues."
Costa Rica Health Pass: Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply for Your Costa Rica Health Pass?
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Check Price & Apply NowSources & References
- CDC — Costa Rica Traveler Health Page
- U.S. Department of State — Costa Rica Travel Advisory
- GOV.UK — Costa Rica Entry Requirements
- Visit Costa Rica — Entry Requirements
- OSAC — Health Alert: Costa Rica, Entry & Exit Requirements
- Trade.gov — Costa Rica Prohibited & Restricted Imports
- Federal Register — Extension of Import Restrictions on Archaeological Material of Costa Rica
- Privacy Shield — Costa Rica Prohibited and Restricted Imports