A. TEMPORARY IMPORT

You are allowed to take your personal vehicle for three months if you are not a resident in the country. The automotive vehicles could be imported or be exported temporarily, without the payment of the customs taxes.

Documents required:

• Original and photocopy of passport.
• Original and photocopy of driver’s license.
• Original and photocopy of the Registry of the vehicle.
• Original and photocopy of the Title of property of the vehicle under the regulations of the country of origin.
• In case that the person taking the car is not the owner: Original and photocopy of authorization from the owner, properly notarized and certified by a consulate of Costa Rica (Consular Certification) that declares the owner’s consent that his/her vehicle enters the country.

Procedure:

1. Fill out temporary form for importing vehicles, provided by Customs in Costa Rica in the port from entrance to the country.

2. Present original and photocopies to both sides of the driver’s license.

3. Present original and photocopy of the passport that proves the migratory condition, effective to the date of duration of the permission.

4. Present original and copy of the residence certificate, if you are a Costa Rican resident abroad.

5. Pay a fee of U.S. $25.00 (amount might change from year to year) in the special window in the customs offices.

6. Pay the INS (Costa Rican National Insurance Institute) U.S. $15.00 (amount might change) in the customs offices.The vehicle will be authorized to stay in the country for 3 months, and possibly another 3 if allowed by the Customs Authorities.

B. PERMANENT IMPORT

For the permanent import of an automotive vehicle, it is required by the new law of customs to contract a registered Customs Agent. 

1. Documents:

a. Title of property

b. Commercial Invoice

c. Contract of transport:

• Entrance by highway: Contract of transport.
• Marine Entrance: Bill of Lading
• Aerial Entrance: Airway bill.

2. The taxes or burdens of the vehicle are calculated depending on the corresponding value of the automobile. These are calculated Ad-Valorem, on the value in customs of the vehicle (value CIF: cost, insurance and freight). The value of the vehicle for this intention, is determined by its value in the international market by means of the Blue/Black Book printed in the United States.

For additional information and customs taxes, please contact: Ministry of Finance

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR AIRSHIPS OF RECREATION

• Dirección General de Aviación Civil: (506) 2290-0090
• Airport Juan Santamaría: (506) 2441-6303
• Airport Tobías Bolaños (506) 2232-1165

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR BOATS OF RECREATION

• Costa Rican Institute of Ports of the Pacific: (506) 2223-7111
• Harbor Administration of Limón: (506) 2798-3417