What is a Pet Passport?
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Costa Rica pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering this country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Costa Rica will include proof of current rabies vaccination and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats, including service and assistance dogs and cats. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless at least 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO COSTA RICA below.
Find a Licensed Veterinarian
Before beginning any pet export procedure, owners, agents, or anyone transporting a pet should ensure that their veterinarian is licensed by the governing authority in their country that is responsible for the movement of live animals. This veterinarian should administer all vaccinations and treatments, as well as issue all required documentation.
Quarantine for Pets Entering Costa Rica
Please note that all requirements must be met, or your pet will be returned to the original destination or euthanized. The importer will be responsible for all costs regarding the disposition of their pet when it does not meet import regulations. Your pet will not be subject to quarantine when entering Costa Rica if the regulations listed here are met.
Costa Rica Pet Import Requirements
All steps required to conform to Costa Rica pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
Step 1: Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. Firstly, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database.
Although not required, it is recommended to have your pet identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digit pet microchip that meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785.
If microchipped, all documents should reflect the microchip number. If you want to be sure that veterinary inspectors can read your pet’s microchip, you can provide a microchip scanner that will read the microchip.
Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database.
If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pet is wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner.
Step 2: Vaccinations
All cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated for rabies prior to entering Costa Rica. It is recommended to administer the vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel to allow rabies antibodies to build up in your pet’s blood.
The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp:
- a rabies certificate or
- government-issued vaccination booklet or
- EU Pet Passport
Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination.
Other Vaccinations
Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus according to their country’s disease status. Cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, feline leukemia, and panleukopenia.
All vaccinations can be recorded on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by the origination country.
Step 3: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It should be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
This test is not required to enter Costa Rica from any country; however, all pets originating in countries classified as having a high risk of rabies should always travel with a rabies titer test. Additionally, as Costa Rica is classified by the World Organization of Animal Health as a high-rabies risk country, this test may be required for your pet to return to your country.
Step 4: Parasite Treatments
Before your dog or cat can enter Costa Rica, it must have an internal and external parasite treatment administered by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of travel. Actually, it is highly recommended that your pet be on a flea and tick prevention program prior to entering Costa Rica.
Step 5: Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information:
- owner’s information
- origination and destination details
- details of your pet
- vaccinations and treatments
- veterinary attestations regarding symptoms of contagious diseases at the time of export.
Further, your veterinarian must certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is not from a region that is subject to rabies restrictions. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet. Depending on the country of origin, additional details and treatments must be listed.
Within 14 days of entry, a licensed veterinarian must complete the pet health certificate for Costa Rica. Either a bi-lingual certificate (Spanish being one of the languages) or an alternate copy translated into Spanish is also required. The certificate must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.
Most countries, including Costa Rica, require that this certificate be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals in the country of origin.
Step 6: Import Permit
Up to five personal pets can be imported to Costa Rica without an import permit.
An import permit is required if your pet is entering Costa Rica unaccompanied or for commercial reasons (breeding, competition, or resale). A permit will also be required if you are not entering Costa Rica on the same flight as your pet. Your pet may be held for 24 hours for additional inspection and paperwork.
A customs broker in Costa Rica must obtain an import permit if your pet is entering Costa Rica as manifest (air) cargo or other classes of service where an airway bill is involved, regardless of whether or not you are traveling with your pet.
Other Information
Importing Puppies and Kittens to Costa Rica
Puppies and kittens under 3 months old may enter Costa Rica with a health certificate endorsed by the governmental authority responsible for the import and export of animals.
Related: More information on transporting a puppy.
Breeds Banned by Costa Rica
Costa Rica does not publish a list of banned breeds, although many airlines will not fly certain breeds. Pet owners should check their airline’s pet policies.
Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
Entering Costa Rica by Air
Pets should enter Costa Rica via Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, located within the Central Valley region north of San Jose or Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Pets can arrive in the cabin, checked baggage or air cargo according to airline pet policies.
In all cases, pets must travel in a pet carrier or pet crate that is in accordance with the policies set by the International Air Transport Association.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant?
You will need to carry a personal letter stating your pet’s market value or a document that proves it such as an invoice. Or, you may provide this information on the health certificate.
Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance. They will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any signs of contagious diseases when evaluated at the entry airport. Importers will need to pay for further veterinary testing if the health of your cat or dog is not acceptable.
Exporting Pets from Costa Rica
Dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica whose health and rabies certificates used to enter Costa Rica are still valid to return do not need additional documentation. They must have required documentation to return to their destination country. As an example, the United States will accept health certificates dated within 30 days of entering the
country, so export health certificates are not required in this case.
Dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica whose health or rabies certificates have expired will need to see a veterinarian for an export authorization issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture. The authorization will be good for 30 days, and there is a fee involved. It will take several working days to process it.
Dogs and cats will also need internal and external parasite treatments within 10 days of export.
Dogs will need a vaccination against DHLP and cats will need to be vaccinated against FVRCP within the past 12 months prior to export.
Importing Other Animals to Costa Rica
The import of pets other than dogs and cats will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An import permit will be required and must be applied for by a local agent.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications.
Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections.
Related: Search the CITES database or Search the Species+ database
Related: Read more about CITES
Need More Detailed Pet Import Requirements and Forms for Costa Rica?
Further details on permits, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Costa Rica are available at minimal cost. Unlimited email support for you and your veterinarian are included.
Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Costa Rica?
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Please note that the accuracy of comments made by Facebook users other than Pet Travel has not been verified, and we do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.
Current Information
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to:
- make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense or
- return your pet to the country of origin, or
- euthanize your pet.
We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the Costa Rica pet import requirements.
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