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Pet Travel From the United States to
Costa Rica
Last Modified:
Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type
Carefully read ALL of the requirements related to your pet on this page.
This page provides the most recent entry requirements and can change without
notice.
It is the responsibility of the veterinarian to make sure the pet has met all
health requirements of the destination country before issuing a health
certificate.
Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate
endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.
Health certificates must be legible, accurate, and complete.
Dogs and Cats
An import permit issued by Costa Rica is required for unaccompanied pets.
Requirements for traveling with your pet are described in the health certificate.
APHIS endorsement of the health certificate is required after it has been issued by a
USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
Note: If you prefer not to use the health certificate model provided here, APHIS has
confirmed Costa Rica will accept an APHIS 7001 form which meets the same
requirements as the posted model certificate.
International Health Certificate (293.62 KB)
Rabbits
International Health Certificate (204 KB)
Guinea Pigs
Note: The linked certificate for the export of pet guinea pigs to Costa Rica is to be
used for no more than five (5) guinea pigs in a shipment.
Guinea Pigs Health Certificate (207.66 KB)
Birds
Costa Rica does not allow for the importation of pet birds.
Other Pets
For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the
foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that
you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more
information.
Country of Destination Contact Information
World Organisation for Animal Health: Members
U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates
Countries Participating in the European Union
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Northern Ireland
*
Norway
**
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
**
*
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (UK), but will continue to follow European
Union (EU) requirements even though the UK is no longer part of the EU.
**
Norway and Switzerland are not part of the EU but have adopted EU legislation for import of
most species of live animals.
Important Travel Considerations
Considerations for airline travel and cruises:
Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting
pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what
requirements they may have.
Learn how you can improve the safety of dogs and cats during air travel.
View additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS
endorsement of international health certificates (239.52 KB).
If pets or support animals accompany you on a cruise, you must comply with entry
rules for every country or port where your pet or support animal exits the ship.
Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?
View APHIS Requirements
ALERT: If you're traveling with a dog, be aware that the CDC has additional
requirements for bringing a dog into the United States. You must follow CDC's
requirements, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.
If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:
If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on
the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for
your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s
final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under
“Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate
should be used. View a list of EU countries.
See More See Less
Need Help?
Guidance for Pet Owners
Read an overview of the process for taking your pet to another country and related
resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
View frequently asked questions about traveling with your pet.
Still Have Questions?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination
country's entry requirements for pets (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or
treatments) and for issuance of health certificates.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
USDA Endorsement Offices
Contact your nearest APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office for
questions about endorsing a health certificate for pets.
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Find your destination country requirements by using the dropdown menu below. If
your country is not listed in the menu, visit Pet Travel: Unknown Requirements.
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