Travel Authorization Letter to Costa Rica: 2026 Requirements
The content of this article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Multi Servicios 360 is not a law firm. If you need advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in California.
Costa Rica is one of the most visited destinations in Central America, known for its biodiversity, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and stability. Many families of Costa Rican origin living in the United States regularly travel to visit their families. What not everyone knows is that Costa Rica has one of the strictest minor protection systems in the region.
If your child is traveling to Costa Rica without both parents, you need a notarized travel authorization letter.
⚠️ Important notice: Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys or licensed document preparers. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult the Costa Rican consulate or an attorney for your specific situation.
What does Costa Rica require?
Costa Rica's Code of Childhood and Adolescence and immigration legislation establish specific protections for minors leaving or entering the country without one or both parents.
The National Children's Trust (PANI) has a presence at major immigration checkpoints and can detain a minor who doesn't have the proper documentation.
The authorization must be notarized. In many cases, Costa Rican authorities may also require the document to be apostilled for official recognition.
Airports and entry points
- •Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) — San José / Alajuela (main international airport)
- •Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) — Liberia, Guanacaste (access to the North Pacific zone)
- •Peñas Blancas border crossing — border with Nicaragua
- •Paso Canoas border crossing — border with Panama
What should the letter include?
The authorization letter for Costa Rica must contain:
Minor's information: full name, date of birth, US passport number and Costa Rican identity card (if applicable). Authorizing parent/guardian's information: full name, Costa Rican identity card (if applicable) or US passport, address and contact phone number. Companion's information: full name, identification number, relationship to the minor. Travel details: departure and return dates, destination in Costa Rica (San José, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Caribbean, etc.), airline. Notarized signature: essential. PANI and Immigration accept notarized documents from abroad.Is an apostille needed?
For Costa Rican authorities to officially recognize the document, an Hague Apostille may be required. Check with the Costa Rican consulate in your city to determine if your case requires one.
Special situations
Dual citizenship: If your child has a Costa Rican ID or was born in Costa Rica, Costa Rica considers them a Costa Rican citizen. Authorities apply local law regardless of the US passport. Minor with only one parent present: Even if the other parent is deceased or their whereabouts are unknown, bring documentation to prove it (death certificate, etc.). Minors traveling alone: Check with the airline for "unaccompanied minor" policies. Airlines like United, American, and LATAM have specific forms.Airlines with flights to Costa Rica
The main airlines with direct flights between US cities and Costa Rica are United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, LATAM, and Spirit. There are direct flights from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, and other cities.
Prepare your document in advance
At Multi Servicios 360, we generate your travel authorization letter for Costa Rica in minutes. The document is correctly formatted to meet PANI and Costa Rican Immigration requirements.
We are a self-help software — you provide your family and travel details, we generate the document. We do not provide legal advice or act as attorneys. → Prepare your travel authorization letter — $49Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For complex situations, please consult a qualified attorney.
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