If you’re arriving at Costa Rica’s San Jose Airport (SJO) and are wondering what the experience will be like, this post is for you. Here, we will describe the arrival process, Covid protocols, amenities like duty-free shopping, SIM card options, and some other useful information to help you plan.
Overview
Costa Rica has two international airports. Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) is located in the northwestern part of the country. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is closer to the center of the country, outside San Jose. In this post, we will cover arriving at SJO.
SJO Airport is Costa Rica’s busiest airport and the largest. Still, it only has about 20 gates, so navigating through is fairly easy.
While on the smaller side, SJO is modern and well equipped. There is free Wifi throughout.
Much of the staff at SJO speak at least some English and many are fluent. Signs are in both Spanish and English.
For those with mobility restrictions, SJO Airport is equipped with appropriate ramps, escalators, elevators, and handicap restrooms.
SJO Arrival Procedure
Deplaning
After landing and exiting the plane, you’ll walk through a series of hallways before getting in line for immigration. Depending on your gate, you will go down a set of stairs/escalators to reach the lower part of the airport. An elevator is available.
On the way to immigration, you will pass a sensor that takes your temperature. Those with a fever will be removed from the line and screened further for symptoms of Covid-19.
Currently, a mask is required at all times inside the airport.
Note: Those arriving at SJO for a connecting flight will be directed to a separate area of the airport. They will go through a different process than listed below. We are only covering entry into Costa Rica in this post.
Immigration and QR Code Check
Overview
The line for immigration can be notoriously long. Sometimes it can take an hour to get through, while at other times, it is more like 20 minutes. It really depends on how many other flights arrive at the same time as yours.
To prevent crowding during Covid, everyone is asked to maintain a six-foot (1.8 meter) distance from each other while in line.
Once you make it to the front of the line, you will see an immigration official. Families will meet with the official together. They will ask for your passport and QR code(s).
QR Code
During Covid, Costa Rica is requiring visitors to fill out an online health pass 48 hours or less before their flight and to provide travel insurance that meets specific requirements.
The QR code (sort of like a barcode) is generated online after filling out the health pass and providing your insurance. The immigration official will need to scan it.
For more information about the health pass and insurance, read our post, Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Entry Requirements, Protocols, and What to Expect.
The immigration official will scan your QR code to make sure you are good to go. It’s easiest if you save it to your phone, as the scanner has a hard time with paper copies. A paper copy is a good backup, though, in case your phone dies or is lost.
If something is not complete with your QR code, or your travel insurance needs further verification, you will be directed into a separate area to finalize the process.
Returning Flight and Mandatory Insurance
After the QR check, the immigration official will ask for your returning flight information, so be sure to have it handy.
During Covid, you will need travel insurance for the entire time you are planning to be in the country. As a foreigner you can receive a maximum 90-day tourist visa.
For more on the required travel insurance, and to make sure you select one with the right coverage, read our post, Costa Rica’s Required Insurance: 15 FAQs.
Once the immigration official determines the length of your stay (based on your return flight and travel insurance coverage), they will stamp your passport with an entry stamp into the country. On top of the stamp, they will write with a pen how many days your tourist visa is valid for. It is always a good idea to check this number to make sure you have a visa for the correct amount of time before continuing.
Priority Line
If you are traveling with a baby or young kids, try to find an airport employee near the immigration line. Young children, especially babies, are prioritized in Costa Rica and often you will be taken to a separate line to get processed faster. The same goes for people with mobility issues. Airport officials will help you avoid long lines.
Baggage Claim and Duty-Free Shops
Your next stop is baggage claim.
On the way there, you will pass a duty-free shop and money-exchange desk. Keep in mind that there is another smaller duty-free shop around the corner, closer to baggage claim, which is usually less busy. Most people just go to the first one without knowing.
The duty-free prices at SJO Airport are actually very good for things like wine and alcohol. So if you plan to buy them later in your trip, consider a quick stop here to save money.
Tip: We don’t recommend exchanging money at the airport unless you really need to. The exchange rate is usually not favorable at all. Read our post, Money Matters, for more tips on money conversion.
The baggage claim area is typical of any airport. Your bags will come out on a circular conveyor belt. Free luggage carts are available near the baggage carousel.
Cell Phone SIM Card
If you need to buy a SIM card for your phone at SJO Airport, it can be tricky. Previously, there was a Kolbi desk (Kolbi is one of the local cell-phone providers). It was set up near baggage claim, but has since closed. Kolbi has the largest network of coverage in Costa Rica and works well in most areas.
On our last trip, we did see a Claro desk with information about SIMs and plans. Claro is another local cell-phone provider. However, there was no one working at the desk. This was after 5:00 p.m., though, so maybe during business hours they would be open. If you’ve had any luck getting one, please leave a comment for us below.
Claro’s coverage varies a lot so it may not work in some areas of the country.
If you want Kolbi, you can always buy a SIM card at a cell phone store after you leave the airport. Just search “Kolbi” on Google Maps to find the nearest location.
Customs
Once you collect your luggage and maybe some duty-free items, the last step is customs. Unless you are declaring a large sum of money, traveling with animals, agricultural products, or have some other odd situation, you will not have to fill out a customs form.
At the customs checkpoint, you will put your luggage and carry-on items through a screener/scanner. The official will look for anything out of the ordinary, and you will pick up your bags on the other side. They are usually looking for large amounts of merchandise for resale and things like that.
In our experience, the official will not really speak with you and mostly look at the monitor. We have even brought in many household items (not in the original package) without getting questioned.
Exiting the SJO Airport
From the customs checkpoint, it is a short 30-second walk to the airport exit doors.
Before you exit, there are some rental car desks on the left. On the right is a taxi representative (more below).
Outside the airport doors, you will find people waiting for arriving passengers. This area has been recently redone to distance people because of Covid-19. Previously, this area was really congested and chaotic. It has gotten better with the changes, but the area at the end is still fairly busy.
Ground Transportation
Taxi Service
Taxi officials are located right before the exit doors (on the right after customs screening). If you need a taxi, they will lead you to the correct area and a taxi driver will help load your bags.
This is for official airport taxis, which we recommend because they have the proper licenses and will use the meter. Official airport taxis are orange with a yellow medallion on the side.
Uber and Other Online Ride Options
Because of taxi unions, Uber and other options are not allowed near the airport area at SJO. If you plan to use one, you will have to exit the airport and walk down the street for them to pick you up.
People do use Uber from the airport, and we have heard that it is cheaper than taxis.
Private Shuttles
If you have booked a private shuttle, look for the driver outside the airport doors and on the other side of the barriers, holding sign with your name on it. They will lead you to their van parked nearby and help with your luggage.
Shared Shuttle Service
Shared shuttle vans like Interbus do service the airport, but depending on timing, you may have to get to a nearby meeting location on your own. These locations are usually only about five minutes away by taxi. Be sure to know exactly where you need to go before arriving.
These companies have desks onsite near the baggage claim if you have questions or need help, but sometimes there is nobody working.
Rental Car Pick Up
If you are renting a car, you’ll want to look for your representative at the rental agency desks just before the airport exit doors. If they are not there, they will be waiting outside at the end of the barriers. All rental car agencies are located offsite, so you will be shuttled to the office nearby in their van.
For those looking for an excellent car rental company, we suggest Adobe Rent a Car (wearing blue shirts with a green logo). They are one of the most reliable and customer-friendly companies in Costa Rica. Our readers also get a 10% discount and free extras like car seats, emergency cell phone, and more. Read our Rental Car Discount page for more information and to get a quote.
Public Bus Service
Public buses do not come into the airport departure area but do stop at the main road, a short walk away. Ask for help on your way out of the airport so that someone can point you in the right direction.
A fairly accurate bus schedule can be found here.
Friendly Locals
The nice thing about the arrival area outside the airport is that usually the locals are very friendly and work together to help visitors find their service/driver. Often, they all know each other and will be able to locate or call the service provider to connect you. Of course, like anywhere in the world, be careful of anyone that seems like they are trying to sell you something you don’t need.
Food Options
Unfortunately, the arrivals area of the airport does not have any restaurants. There is a vending machine near baggage claim with some drinks and snacks.
The closest restaurant is located outside. After exiting, walk to the end of the barriers and Malinche Restaurant will be on your right. This small restaurant has typical Costa Rican cuisine and things like sandwiches, desserts, etc.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has made you feel more at ease about arriving at SJO Airport in Costa Rica. Once you get through the airport, you’ll be on the way to your first destination and the fun will really begin.
Have a question about arriving at SJO Airport? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information to start your trip off right? Check out these posts:
Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing Up the Confusion – Unfortunately, many companies hide costs that you will incur once you arrive. This post breaks down what you should be looking for in a rental car quote and what to watch out for.
Best Hotels Near SJO Airport – Driving long distances after dark (6 pm in Costa Rica) is not recommended, especially for first-time visitors or in the rainy months. Read this post for some great hotel picks nearby and get an early start the next day.
1-2 Days in San Jose – Looking to explore Costa Rica’s cultural center and capital? Check out this post for some of the best museums and other sites in downtown San Jose.
When we arrive at SJO, we will be staying at the Hampton Inn by the airport for one night, do they have a shuttle service? Do we call them?
Hi Dona, Yes, I think the Hampton Inn does have a free shuttle. It says so on their website. It most likely comes on a set schedule (every half-hour or so), but I would call them to double check.
Hi,
We are a Canadian couple who want to come and visit Costa Rica soon. I have subscribed to your channel and I really like it. You guys provide lots of necessary information about Costa Rica. I would like to ask if we need to have a negative Covid test taken at least 48 hours when we arrive to Costa Rica.
We will really appreciate if you provide us with this info.
Thank you,
Carmen& Angelo
Hi Carmen, No, Costa Rica does not require proof of a negative COVID test to enter. All that is required is specific travel insurance that covers COVID and filling out an online form. You can read more about this in our entry requirements post.
Beware of Claro SIM cards which have no coverage on the Playa Tambor area.
Kolbi is the only coverage there
You did not mention the bathroom situation. If line is long, recommend going before getting in line and available in baggage claim area
Hello, Perhaps you have covered this, but departing the country can also come up with its own special quirks. I’ve been laid up a few times for weird paperwork questions (why I failed to include a middle initial on my name), and 2 bag checks? Unexpected but added to delay. Also rental car return..sometimes tricky. I always get to departure extra early. My one carry on was expedited though when an agent screamed after finding a large live cucaracha (spelling) in my bag. Thanks for all your helpful tips!
Do the airport taxis take dollars? We’d like to change our money outside the airport to get a better rate, but how can we pay the airport taxi?
Hi Christina, Yes, you can pay using dollars for almost everything here. You just have to be careful with the exchange rate you get. It should be around 600 colones/dollar.
My wife is arriving on a flight 2 hours after mine. After deplaning can I go to her arrival gate and wait for her there? Can we meet in the immigration hall before lining up? We would like to process immigration together. Thanks.
Hi JJ, We’re not sure they would allow you to wait around. It’s a small airport, and with Covid, they sort of want you to move along and get through the process. We’re not totally sure, though.
There is a complete insanity at San Jose airport currently. On arrival the line ups to immigration are 3-4 hours plus. We waited yesterday 3 hours. Our friends flew 12 hours from Frankfurt and are waiting 4 hours tonight. People are sitting down on the floor. It’s an embarrassment for Cista Rica that the government and airport has to address immediately. Clearly the flights have to be better staggered or more space and staff added. Use hangars or whatever temporary structures and get this addressed. People can’t fly all day and then stand in line 4-5 plus hours.
in addition to my last post this is not some kind of new post-covid problem. I reviewed posts from 2019 mentioning very long wait times at SJO, such as 2 hours plus. Why was this not addressed..
Hi Maria, In early afternoon, many flights often arrive at the same time, which can cause a backup at the airport. It’s especially bad on weekends and holidays. But it doesn’t usually take more than 1.5 hours to get through the airport. We have heard about the problems recently and aren’t sure what is going on. But we’ve had many clients, family, and of course ourselves personally, go through SJO without experiencing any major delays. Hopefully they resolve the current problem soon.
I am coming into San Jose to pick up my new service dog but I arrive at 1:35 pm the dog n handler at 8pm what do I do while waiting for that late flight or may I renter the airport later??
Kathleen
Also does AT&T work there
Hi Kathleen, You can re-enter the departure area but not the arrivals/baggage claim and customs area. In other words after you exit on the lower level, you can go into the airport entrance on the upper level where the ticket counters are but you can’t go through security without an airline ticket. There is a cafe upstairs there where you could wait. Other than that, there is a cafe on the lower level with an entrance on the sidewalk. You’ll want to reach out to AT&T to see what options you have for an international plan. The airport also has free Wi-Fi so you can use that as well.
We arrived on the 11th November 19:30 local time. The Claro shop was still open and provided sim cards. Based on your recommendation I wanted a Kolbi. So I connected to the airport Wifi and add my hotel destination to my phone. In the hotel I got wifi where I could see, 300m I can go for a Kolbi sim card the next day. Works perfectly! The shop only opens at 9pm and they ask your passport to give you a card.
Thanks for the info, was really useful!
Thank you for your helpful posts! We will be arriving early in the morning but are unable to check in to our lodging until afternoon. Is it possible to access a lounge (or really, any airport seats and wifi where we could work for a few hours) after arriving, or will we need to go immediately out of immigration/security? If we need to go out of security, is there a place nearby where you’d recommend we spend a couple of hours?
Hi Ali, We think they will make you go right through immigration since it’s Covid and they don’t want people waiting around. There aren’t many options but there is a small restaurant right after you exit the airport called Malinche. They should have Wifi.
Hola! This is a goofy question, but have to ask. We need to take a hopper from the domestic terminal next door. The best flight for us right now arrives @ 5:25am Friday (assuming it’s on time, maybe it’ll be early 🙂 and the Sansa hopper departs @ 6:35am. Is there any way we could make it? We’d be coming from SFO, 2 parents, 2 tween kids, and I know we have immigration, baggage, and customs. Plus the short walk over next door. I’m SO tempted to go for it as the next hopper is @ 1:50pm and a long time to wait. But if we miss the 6:35 I know we aren’t guaranteed the next flight if it’s full. Wanted to get your advice in case there’s something I am not considering for this tight timeframe. If you say we cannot make it, I’ll go for our backup flight which arrives @ 11:50….is that even enough time to make the 1:50 hopper? I’m worried given the recent posts of super long delays.
Hi Michelle, Sometimes there can be long lines at immigration. At that early hour, it shouldn’t be too bad, but I still think it’s cutting it too close. We’d book the afternoon flight even though it’s less convenient.
Hi! Thanks for the info. We land at 6:35 am snd have an 8:40am flight drake bay. Do you know how busy it has been in the last few weeks? Is that cutting it close? Similar to the family above we would have a longer wait for the next flight.
Hi Kim, It is getting much faster at the airport plus that is really early in the morning so you should be okay. The big backups are usually from 11 am-2 pm when lots of flights are coming in at once.
I am having an international connecting flight in SJO, coming from salvador and continuing to Colombia. Do I still need to fill out the Health pass online although I am only changing planes ?
And is 1 hour connection time sufficient to change planes ?
Many thanks in advance for any reply!!
Hi Stephen, We think you only need to do the health pass if you’re entering Costa Rica (not just connecting). But we would ask your airline just to be safe. If you are traveling after March 31, the health pass won’t be required anymore. They’re recently announced it will not be required starting on April 1.
One hour should be fine. SJO is a small airport.
Hi! My cousin recently flew into SJO on Volaris and mentioned that the plane could not land on autopilot due to the airport being in a valley and the high winds. Her plane failed to land on the first attempt due to a gust of wind so they diverted back up and were able to land on the second attempt. The passenger next to her spoke about this being a common occurrence and that sometimes planes that are unable to land at SJO will be sent to another airport to wait out the winds and to get clearance to try and land again and that it can take up to 3 hours. I was unable to find information online and wanted to know if you have any information you can provide. Thank you.
Hi Christine, It can be windy in San Jose but it is not a common occurrence for a plane to be unable to land. That has never happened to us or anyone we know.
My residency is in progress and I have an expediente number. Can I use the residents’ line for immigration when I arrive at San Jose airport?
Hi John, We think you can use the residents’ line if you’re in process, yes.
Hello Matt and Jenn,
As for a need for mobile phone SIMM card , is there any way for our cell service provider to make changes to our international plan that could negate needing to purchase a SIMM in CR?
Thanks,
Jerry
Hi Jerry, Yes, many cell phone providers offer international plans. Verizon in the US has one for $10 a day which covers calling and internet. We would reach out to your provider for information.
I was advised to allow 3 hours to make connection from US arrival at 12:30pm to then take a flight to Tambor. Seems like alot. Could I do it in 1 hr 4 minutes assuming flights on time? Customs, local flights terminal, etc. No Covid testing verification or health pass now.
Also, returning flight at 1:40pm to US and would 1 hr. 40 minutes be enough?
Hi Gina, Depending on the other arriving flights, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours (when very busy) to get through the immigration and baggage claim. Since a lot of flights typically arrive around mid-day, it might not be a good idea to take the chance. For your return to the US, it would also be risky to only allow 1 hour and 40 minutes. Most airlines are asking you to show up three hours early. Many also are not allowing online check-in at the moment because they need to verify your Covid test result for re-entry into the US. So if they have overbooked the flight (which they do sometimes) and everyone else has checked in early, you may get pushed off the flight.
Hello! We are a family of five planning our first-ever trip to Costa Rica. We’ve rented a house in the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca area. Our flight from Canada will land in the afternoon and we are trying to figure out if we should take a private shuttle to our rental immediately, or if we should fly to Limon airport and shuttle from there. It is VERY hard to find info about flights available within the country (connecting times, routes, prices). Can you offer any advice? We’re not really keen on the 5-hour drive but need some more info before we can figure out how to proceed with our planning.
Hi Malve, Currently, we aren’t recommending small plane flights in Costa Rica for safety and reliability reasons so we would shuttle from San Jose. It is a long drive but you could always stay overnight somewhere scenic in San Jose (see our list of recommended airport hotels that are in more scenic locations), then leave the next morning for Puerto Viejo and make a stop along the way (up to one hour is usually included). If you’d like any help booking a shuttle, here’s the link to our Private Shuttle page.
I just want to fly into Panama and connect to a flight to Costa Rica. I don’t want to stay in Panama. Do I still need a visa (I’m from the Philippines).
Hi Joseph, We don’t think you would need a visa since you’re only connecting in Panama and not leaving the airport but be sure to check with your airline.
Does anyone know if there is a waiting area after the luggage pick up? I am traveling with someone, but since we are flying from different places his flight arrives three hours after mine. The waiting space doesn’t have to be anything fancy – just somewhere to sit without having to step outside. Or do you have any other recommendations of what to do in this situation? Thank you!
Hi Paola, Once you exit the airport, there is a small restaurant to the right called Malinche. You could wait there until your friend arrives.
If I am coming in on Jet Blue and the rest of my family is coming in on United 15 minutes later, how or where can we meet after customs and immigration?
Hi Marilyn, It would probably be easiest to meet at baggage claim. Just look for their flight on the baggage carousel.
Hi I’ll be flying in to SJO on my own and it’s a late arrival (9:30pm), do you think immigration/customs might be faster at that time? And is it safe to take a verified taxi to my hotel in San Jose or might a shuttle be better? Lastly do you recommend some Spanish as I don’t currently. Thanks! Kim
Hi Kim, Yes, immigration is usually faster at night since fewer planes are coming in. An official taxi will be fine. You can arrange it through one of the reps right before you exit the airport. They will speak English and you can tell them which hotel you’re saying at, which they will communicate to the driver.
I am flying to Costa Rica and have to wait at the SJO airport for friends to arrive on another flight. Have to wait Six hours.
We will all be taking a private van to destination which is over an hour from the airport.
Can I pick up my checked bag and wait for them at the airport?
Want to be able to sit and maybe have something to eat and charge my phone.
Any suggestions would be great. Have a regular size suitcase.
Hi Lin, Yes, after you get your bags and exit the airport, you can go to the right. There is a small restaurant there called Malinche where you can wait. You also could reenter the airport where the check-in desks are and go to the sitting area upstairs. It’s before security so there’s no problem entering.
Hi! Thanks for answering all these questions. I am flying with my family with Spirit and the plane lands at midnight. Is it too late to get a rental car as they are all closed? Would any rental car company keep one available and wait for us?
If not, is there a place to hang out for 4 hrs in the airport so we can get a rental car at 5M?
Hi Stevo, We think that the rental car companies will all be closed at midnight, yes. If you don’t want to go stay at a hotel, you could wait at the airport for the offices to open. Not sure if any of the restaurants in the airport will be open then. There is a Denny’s restaurant close to the airport that is open 24/7, though.
Hi! I have a flight arriving in April at 11:38 am. Do you think that I could possibly make it through customs and immigration for a domestic Sansa flight at 1:30 pm to Quepos? That gives me like 1hr and 40 min. I am not checking in any bags, so hoping that helps. Would love some advice.
Hi SM, It’s hard to say for sure since mid-day is one of the busier times at the airport in terms of the number of arrivals, but two hours seems reasonable. It should be enough time.
These posts are very helpful! I am planning trip from PHL/NJ to SJO. Seems most of the resorts are closer to LIR but there are not direct flights for us. This is a girls trip – I want to make it as easy as possible. Once we land in SJO – having trouble planning where to go – to avoid 2 hours in a car after 6 hour flight. We thought about private car to guanacaste area or maybe a fun party type car to be greeted with drinks and make the trip seem shorter. any guidance you can offer would be appreciated. thanks so much!!
Hi Nicole, If you have to fly into SJO, we wouldn’t go to Guanacaste because it’s several hours away. Have you looked at the Jaco area? It would be fun for a girls’ trip and is only 1.5 hours from the airport. There aren’t all inclusive resorts there really but everything is located in one main area so it’s easy to get to restaurants. Here’s a link to our Jaco post with more info.
Hi there! I will be flying into SJO at midnight ..will immigrations and customs be open at that time? I have a 6:35 AM flight with Sansa so I want to make sure they’ll be open. Is it easy to navigate to Sansa I know they aren’t attached. And when I depart from SJO do I need to get a printed ticket from the Kiosk even if we check in online? TIA !
Hi Courtney, Yes, immigration and customs will be open to get you into the country after your international flight, but the Sansa desk won’t be open until much closer to your 6:30 am flight. It is easy to navigate over to Sansa.
For when you leave, I’m not sure about if you need to get a printed ticket if you have already checked in online. We always have bags to check so go to the desk anyway.
Hello, we are coming to Costa Rica in February and our flight is due to land in San Jose at 5:30 pm. We would like to head straight away to Bajos del Toro but our hotel has warned us that they cannot check us in after 9 pm. Do you think we would be safe to attempt heading straight there or would you advise us to spend the night near the airport? Many thanks.
Hi Vijaya, the road to Bajos del Toro is really mountainous, curvy, and can be foggy and a bit scary in the evening. Depending on the weather, it could be fine but we would say better to get an early start the next morning and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Thanks so much for your guidance!