PetGrit
Estimate — confirm with official authority

Flying to Costa Rica with a pet

Reference notes dated: May 2026 · Official authority: Costa Rica SENASA — Pet import

Cat beside pet travel documents, microchip scanner, and a carrier

Entry requirements at a glance

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required. Current rabies vaccination. Must be given at least 30 days before travel.
Health certificate
USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate issued within 15 days of travel.
Rabies titer test
Not required.
Quarantine on arrival
None if requirements met.

Step-by-step process notes

Costa Rica is a popular destination for U.S. pet owners and requirements are relatively manageable. Pets must carry a current rabies vaccine certificate (issued by a licensed vet) and a USDA-endorsed health certificate. The certificate must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation. Pets enter through the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José.

Confirm with the official authority

This page summarizes Costa Rica's pet-import requirements as of May 2026. Pet-import rules change. Always verify with the official government authority before travel.

Costa Rica SENASA — Pet import

Build your travel record

Record your documents, outstanding questions and dates confirmed by your vet or carrier. Save a copy, download a travel record and update it after each reply. The tool does not calculate legal deadlines or issue certificates.

Build my Costa Rica checklist

Useful guides

USDA health certificate, step by step Microchip and rabies rules

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