For Anyone Traveling to Costa Rica

[Capt Cotton]

Here's a little nugget of info that I sure wish someone had clued me and my family in on before we were boarding the plane.

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, then please please please check your passport. Just because it is valid and will
still be valid when you return, does not mean that it will get you in Costa Rica.

Apparently they are one of just a few countries with a very obscure regulation that if your passport is within 30 days of expiring, you may not enter the country.

I am writing this out of first hand experience, so it is no B.S. Well it is, B.S., but a totally different kind. I should be there right now, but instead I am writing this from a Marriott in Spartanburg, SC while attending an engagement party instead of fishing.

My kids' passports all expire in 24 days and we were told this as we were boarding a U.S. Air flight out of Charlotte Friday morning. We knew they were expiring, but we figured we could do it when we returned after the trip. After all, a valid passport should be a valid passport. We have traveled to many countries over the years and have never heard of such a regulation.

Anyway - if you are going there, just beware of the reg as no one else will tell you. All we heard at the gate from the US Air robot was "Sir, it is the traveler's responsibility to investigate".

Just for what it is worth. If it saves 1 vacation, then I have done my duty.

1 Spring Break Ruined!!!

[Squidnation]

Man that sucks. Very sorry to hear about that. Always a good idea to check the state department website whenever traveling abroad anywhere. Most countries have this rule. Some are actually 6 months not 30 days. From the state department website.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket. Airlines should not permit passengers to board flights to Costa Rica without a roundtrip ticket unless they have Costa Rican residency or visa. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizens to stay up to ninety days; to stay beyond the period granted, travelers must submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, and extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There is a departure tax for short-term visitors. Tourists who stay over ninety days may experience a delay at the airport when departing, and persons who overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.

[frankypettolina]

Did you book thrgh a travel agent? they should have told you that.

You never think about passport exp dates for the fact that they are good for 10 years, but I know that, like Squiddy Bill said, alot of places are 6 months minimum, not just 30 days.
I know i plan on renewing at about 8 months left, just because you never know when a last minute trip of a lifetime opportunity will present itself.

Sorry your trip got ruined.

[Capt Cotton]

You guys are exactly right, we should have checked these regulations, but the truth is, unless I am going somewhere in Europe, Lebanon, or somewhere like Somalia, I've really never found it necessary (until now).

You and U.S. Air robot man are right - We should have checked it out. I am not blaming anyone but us.

I am just trying to get the word out as I have never heard of it before. Apparently this happens every week with that flight out of Charlotte. Boy it would have been nice of U.S. Air as a courtesy when the booking is confirmed to make a notation for people to see. But I am not blaming them - just some constructive criticism and an "opportunity" for them to maybe be the hero. Especially if it happens half as often as they say that it does.

Everything starts to get clouded though when you are standing there after all the planning and arrangements with an upset wife and crying kids in a crowded airport. Man, I never want to be in that position again.

And yes every 10 years for passport renewals on Adults, but every 5 years for children's passports.

[frankypettolina]

Capt Cotton, not blaming you- I feel for you- the only reason i knew about the passport thing is that Terry Shaefer (who handles most of my travel arrangements, i believe her company is called All About Travel- and she is Chip Shaefers wife) told me about it, and reminds me about it every time i book somewhere. I recently did a trip through Artmarina and they had a write up too with the confirmation. It hought maybe if you went through a travel agent and they didn't tell you, you might have some recourse to at least get some money back. Wouldn't fix the lost trip, but would soften the blow.

[Surfacegrinder]

I am a passport accecptance agent at the PO and there are a few countries that won't let you in if passport expires in 6 months of your leaving. Hate your trip was ruined but everyone else who reads this post may be able to save theirs.

[Capt Cotton]

Capt Cotton, not blaming you- I feel for you- the only reason i knew about the passport thing is that Terry Shaefer (who handles most of my travel arrangements, i believe her company is called All About Travel- and she is Chip Shaefers wife) told me about it, and reminds me about it every time i book somewhere. I recently did a trip through Artmarina and they had a write up too with the confirmation. It hought maybe if you went through a travel agent and they didn't tell you, you might have some recourse to at least get some money back. Wouldn't fix the lost trip, but would soften the blow.

Nope, in this day and age of INTERNET, we made the arrangements just as we normally do. This was a new one though. Live and learn. Lesson learned.

[Mark Ray]

Relax Chris I'm sure you can find a nice bottle of Penoir there. I'm at Hampton Inn North Myrtle (man it looks fishable out there!) waiting to go to Easter Buffet. Then it's off to Ripleys Aquariun to look at subject matter with my boys and end the day at Margarittaville with a cold landshark and some jerk chicken! No passport required!

[Tuna Tyme]

While we are the subject of passports when you travel scan and print a color copy of the first page and keep it in your luggage at the room or fidden from site. If you loss or you passpaort gets stolen you will have a copy to take to the embassy.

[Capt Cotton]

Relax Chris I'm sure you can find a nice bottle of Penoir there. I'm at Hampton Inn North Myrtle (man it looks fishable out there!) waiting to go to Easter Buffet. Then it's off to Ripleys Aquariun to look at subject matter with my boys and end the day at Margarittaville with a cold landshark and some jerk chicken! No passport required!

Mark, you know me all too well. Once I got caught up on my sleep Friday afternoon, the Pinot was flowing and I started to catch my breath and count my blessings.

I think it was all a sign from above. I have plenty to do right here back in Florence. But I will start planning again for Costa Rica - right after we get the kids' passport renewals underway.