Costa Rica Departure Tax | What You Need to Know

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Let’s set the scene: your bags are packed, your flip-flops still have a bit of sand on them, and you’re heading to the airport with that bittersweet feeling — pura vida in your heart, but a boarding pass in hand. And then… someone asks, “Did you pay the Costa Rica departure tax?”

Wait — what?

Yep. Costa Rica has an exit tax. And while it’s not the biggest deal in the world, it’s one of those things that can catch you off guard if you’re not in the know.

So What Exactly Is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?

It’s a fee that travelers have to pay when leaving the country by air. It’s not unique to Costa Rica — a bunch of countries have something similar — but because it’s not always included in your plane ticket, it can sneak up on you if you’re not expecting it.

The amount? It used to be a flat $29 USD per person, but here’s the kicker: depending on which airline you’re flying, this might already be baked into your ticket price.

Some airlines include the exit tax from Costa Rica at checkout, others don’t. There’s no universal rule, which makes things a bit annoying — because nobody likes last-minute surprises at the airport check-in counter.

Complete Guide to Airports in Costa Rica Costa Rica Departure Tax — Pay Costa Rica Departure Tax before leaving

How Do I Know If I Already Paid It?

Great question — and one that even seasoned travelers sometimes get wrong.

If you booked your flight online, check your email confirmation or receipt. Look for a line that says something like “Costa Rica departure tax included” or “International exit fee.”

Still not sure? Call your airline. It’s better to double-check before heading to the airport than find out you need to scramble for a payment counter when your flight boards in 45 minutes.

What If Costa Rica Departure Tax Not Included?

If you find out the Costa Rica departure tax wasn’t included in your fare, don’t panic. You can pay it at the airport.

Here’s how it works:

There’s a dedicated kiosk or payment window (usually near check-in) at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
You can pay in USD, Costa Rican colones, or by card (Visa and Mastercard are usually fine).
Once paid, you’ll get a little receipt or sticker showing you’re good to go.

Allow a bit of extra time if you need to do this — especially during high season when the lines can stretch longer than a sloth’s yawn.

Pro Tip: Don’t Leave It Until the Last Minute

Seriously. We’ve seen people miss their flights because they showed up late and forgot this step. It’s a small fee, but if you’re running behind or dealing with airport stress, it can turn into a big problem fast.

If your airline didn’t include the exit tax from Costa Rica, try to get to the airport a good 2.5–3 hours early. Not just for the tax, but for sanity.

Costa Rica Departure Tax – Who Has to Pay?

Anyone flying out of Costa Rica through a commercial airport — citizens, tourists, business travelers, honeymooners, digital nomads, all of you.

Children under two years old are usually exempt. But unless you’re a baby (in which case, congrats on reading this), expect to pay.

Is the departure tax a scam?

Nope. It’s official. 100% legal and part of Costa Rica’s government revenue system. You’re not being ripped off — even if it feels a bit like a hidden fee. Most of it goes toward maintaining airports and improving tourism infrastructure.

And let’s be real: after what you’ve probably spent on smoothies, surf lessons, and ceviche, $29 to leave paradise is a pretty tame goodbye gift.