Costa Rica travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date and may be asked for proof of onward travel. Entry is straightforward, but the country's high costs and long driving distances are the real planning factors.

Costa Rica grants Irish passport holders visa‑free entry for up to 90 days. At immigration you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds; the exact amount is not fixed (check).

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.

Ireland has no embassy in Costa Rica. The nearest Irish embassy is in Mexico City, which covers Costa Rica. For consular assistance, check the Department of Foreign Affairs website for current contact details and any Honorary Consul in San José.

Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. For a mid‑range trip, budget around €120–200 per day per person, excluding international flights (check). Backpackers can manage on €50–80 a day with dorms, sodas and public buses.

A typical casado at a soda costs about €7–11, a local beer €3–5, and a guided park walk €30–55. Shuttles between major destinations run about €50–60 per leg. Return flights from Ireland usually cost €600–900 (check).

There are no direct flights from Ireland to Costa Rica. Most routes connect through a US hub (Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta) or a European hub (Madrid, London, Amsterdam). Total travel time is typically 12–16 hours, including the connection (check). The main international airport is Juan Santamaría (SJO) near San José; Liberia (LIR) serves the Guanacaste beach region.

Costa Rica uses 120 V, 60 Hz, the same as the US and Ireland. Plug types are A and B (two flat pins, with or without a ground pin). Irish devices with type G plugs will need an adapter; voltage is compatible, so no converter is required for most electronics (check).

A 10 % service charge and 13 % VAT are usually included in restaurant bills, so an additional tip is optional. In taxis, rounding up is common but not expected. Tour guides often appreciate a tip of €5–10 per person per day, and hotel staff may expect a small tip for services like luggage handling (check).

The universal emergency number in Costa Rica is 911, which connects to police, fire and medical services. For non‑emergencies, the tourist police can be reached at 2580‑9380 (check). For consular help, contact the Irish embassy in Mexico City or the Honorary Consul in San José.

Find quick answers about visas, costs and embassy support for Irish travellers.

Information on this page is based on official government travel advice and the parent country facts for Costa Rica. Verify current requirements before travel.