We arrived in Costa Rica on September 27, 2022 from Chiapas, Mexico. We anchored in Playa Del Coco and proceeded to check in here by visiting immigrations, the port captain, and, with a short bus ride, customs at the airport. Everything went flawlessly and people were helpful and accommodating throughout the process.
Preparation:
- Have originals and multiple copies of boat registration, passports, and International Zarpe.
- Be ready to provide the names and departure dates of the last five ports visited before Playa Del Coco, Costa Rica.
- Be ready to provide the make, model, horse power, and serial number of all your engines (including dinghy)
1. Immigration
Location:
Playa Del Coco. The office recently moved and is now located on the main street behind the first bus stop on the right. Walking time: 10 minutes, you will pass a few ATMs on your way here. Get some Costa Rican Colones for the bus. Taxis and some local businesses also accept US dollars.
Time needed:
About 20 minutes
Cost:
No payments required.
Documents needed:
- Passports
- Boat Registration
- International Zarpe from Mexico
Fill out two forms. (Provided in Spanish and English.)
You will receive:
Three copies; one for Customs, one for leaving CR, and one for your records.
Notes:
You (as in human) are now allowed to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days. The next steps will get your boat authorized for the same.
Do not wait at anchor more than one night before visiting the immigration office to check-in. Also don’t do too much carousing around town on your way to the immigration office either. Though the chances are very slim that you will be caught out-and-about without a stamped passport, the immigration official will ask when you arrived, and if not the same day, they will ask why you were delayed visiting their office. For example, we attempted to visit on the day of our arrival, but our dinghy motor died on our way to shore so we postponed visiting the immigration office for one night. Sure, life happens, engines fail, but the immigration officer has total discretion to deny your entry.
2. Port Captain in Playas Del Coco
Location:
Playa Del Coco. Return back towards the beach. Green building in the center of the main street about a block from the beach. Walking time: 8 minutes
Cost:
No payments required.
Time needed:
About 20 minutes
Documents needed:
- original International Zarpe from Mexico
- Passport of Captain
- Boat Registration
Fill out two forms. (Provided in Spanish and English.)
You will receive:
One copy of port entry documentation for your records.
3. Customs (Aduana)
Location:
Liberia Airport. Take a taxi directly to the airport (we were told $25 to $50 USD one-way) or walk back to the immigration office and wait at the bus stop out front for a bus with “Liberia” written on its windows. Take bus towards Liberia for about 45 minutes. Cost: 875 colones per person (9/2022). Ask the bus driver to let you off in front of the turnoff to the airport (also in front of PriceSmart), as this bus does not go all the way to the terminal. Cross the highway and walk along the turnoff to the airport, about 15 minutes. Unfortunately the Customs office is not directly accessible to the public (unless you are a ticketed passenger and pass through the security checkpoint). Look for the double-doors where arriving air passengers exit into the main terminal lobby. Tell the security guard stationed there that you would like to speak with a customs officer. They will alert the office and soon the appropriate customs official will meet you in the lobby. It is all a bit confusing as there are no signs for customs, or even for “arrivals” for that matter, but the security staff are very helpful and will get you where you need to go.
Time needed:
About 30 minutes depending on how busy the airport is.
Cost:
No payments required.
Documents needed:
- Passports
- Boat Registration
Fill out one form – be sure to ask for the English form, as the Spanish form does not have translations
You will receive:
Temporary Import Permit. Store safely onboard your vessel.
Notes:
Should you leave your vessel behind in Costa Rica and depart the country (eg. an emergency), the Temporary Import Permit must remain with the vessel, in case there is any question by the authorities. This permit must be surrendered to a customs official when departing Costa Rica, or you may be subject to big fines. It is valid for 90 days (same as your immigration authorization) and cannot be extended, though if you find yourself departing early with intention to return, you can have the duration of the permit suspended and reinstated by a customs official.
Our very helpful customs agent advised us about a new program Costa Rica has recently implemented that allows foreign vessels to receive a Temporary Import Permit that is valid for two years, but only when you have signed a contract to rent a slip in a Costa Rican Marina. Though not particularly useful to cruisers, this program seems designed to attract foreign vessels for longer stays in marinas while owners enjoy periodic fishing, sailing and diving adventures.
You can return to Playa Del Coco by taxi or by bus at the same intersection, but opposite direction, you got off the bus at the airport. Be sure to take the “Liberia/Playa Cocos” bus, as other routes stop at the same terminal.
Departure from Playas Del Coco to head south:
When ready to depart Playa Del Coco, visit the Port Captain the day before or the morning of your departure. Note that the Port Captains’ office is only open M-F 8AM – 5PM, so make prior arrangements if you intend to depart on the weekend. Request your National Zarpe to be issued through to Golfito to avoid having to check in and out at each port you visit.
Documents Needed:
- Boat Registration
- Passport of Captain
- Copy of Temporary Import Permit
You will receive:
National Zarpe that allows you to depart Playa Del Coco. Save this document and provide when entering Golfito.
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