A passport is required for entry into the island of Costa Rica as well as insurance coverage in document form. A declaration of value of the inventory of each entrant must be made as well. Also required is an original "letter authorizing destination agent to clear shipment" as stated by Shipping International.
All shipments into Costa Rica must be inspected by officials. An entrant's goods and personal items, even used, are still subject to import taxes and duties. People exempt from these rules range from Costa Rican citizens who have lived abroad for at least two years, as well as local and foreign government officials and diplomats.
Other regulated and restricted items include computers and appliances. Regulations on large appliances only allow one of each type to be brought by an individual. Also required are all purchase invoices and instruction manuals of these items. Large amounts of alcohol, tobacco, agricultural, products and medicine require special permits for entry into the country.
Some of the prohibited items include illegal drugs and alcohol for personal use. Explosives and pornographic material are also prohibited from entry. Other items included in the banned list are things such as explosives and used tires. Weapons and ammunition require special permits as well as the original invoice and registration.
Bringing a vehicle into the country requires you have the original registration and purchase invoice. The country also demands high import taxes and duties for the import of vehicles. These fees depend upon a number of factors such as model, year and size. Since 2000, the country also requires an EPA smog test approved by the consulate from the country of export. Dogs and cats are allowed entry into the country with proper documentation like a Certificate of Health and proof of rabies vaccination. An invoice must also be present that documents the value of the animal.
