QCOSTARICA – Starting March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa.
Entry requirements for other methods of travel (land, sea) have not changed.
Costa Ricans need a visa to visit or transit Canada, unless they are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and have an alien registration card (Green Card). In that case, Costa Ricans will be required to apply for an eTA. Note: you will also need a passport from your country of nationality to apply for an eTA.
Applying for an eTA is a simple online process that takes just a few minutes. To apply you must have a valid passport or accepted travel document, credit card, and email address. Click here to confirm your eligibilyt nad apply for an eTA
Starting March 15, 2016, Canadians living in Costa Rica (or any other country abroad) are asked to make sure to carry proper identification for oneself and any children to assist in confirming the legal right or authorization to enter Canada.
Passport Not Required but Recommended For Canadians
For all modes of entry, Canadian authorities recommend you carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States. However, a passport may be required by the airline or alternative transportation authority, as it is the only universally-accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada, who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs, may present their membership cards to the CBSA as proof of identity and as documents that denote citizenship, when arriving by land or marine modes only.
From the Canada Border Services Agency website:
Visitors to Canada
Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents
If you are a U.S. citizen, ensure you carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
For all modes of entry, we recommend you carry a valid passport for all travel abroad, including visits to Canada from the United States. A passport may be required by your airline or alternative transportation authority, as it is the only universally-accepted identification document.
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs may present their membership cards to the CBSA as proof of identity and as documents that denote citizenship, when arriving by land or marine modes only.
All visitors arriving from or transiting through the United States are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the United States.
Identification requirements for international visitors
The Government of Canada requires that all travellers carry a valid passport because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.
International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport. Therefore, travellers may face delays or may not be allowed to board the aircraft or other mode of transportation, if they present other documents.
When you enter Canada, a border services officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa (if you are arriving from a country for which one is required). Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to find out what travel documents you need to come to Canada. We remind all travellers you must carry proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification.
