Official Import Rules
Costa Rica requires a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. The certificate is valid for 14 days from the date of the vet's clinical examination, so do not count from some vague paperwork day.
Cats over 3 months need rabies vaccination valid on the day of entry. There is no official Costa Rica waiting period in the CFIA/USDA certificates. Some airlines and vets still apply a 21-30 day buffer, because paperwork folklore is apparently immortal, so leave margin if you can.
Cats also need current FVRCP vaccination for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Internal and external parasite treatment must be given by a vet within 15 days before export. Ask your vet to record dates, product or vaccine name/manufacturer, active ingredient where relevant, batch or lot number, and validity on the certificate.
Microchip rules are messy. SENASA/MAG web communications say a microchip is required since late 2025. SENASA's Version 11 normative document and the CFIA/USDA certificates still say microchip or transponder if available/if applicable. Practical answer: use an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit chip anyway, because the SJO or LIR border officer decides on the day.
If your cat was vaccinated before being chipped, that does not automatically mean starting the rabies shot again for Costa Rica. The chip-before-rabies sequence belongs to EU-style paperwork; Costa Rica's documents do not ask for it.
No import permit is required for accompanied in-cabin cats. Cargo or unaccompanied cats need form DCA-PG-03-RE-01 filed with SENASA's Animal Quarantine Office, plus a Customs Clearance Form (FAD) through a customs agency before travel. SENASA inspects animals at Juan Santamaria (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR). Animal Quarantine contact: cuarentena@senasa.go.cr.
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Medical Roadmap
ISO microchip strongly recommended; SENASA web guidance says required, while the certificates say if applicable
Rabies vaccination valid on the day of entry; no chip-before-vaccine order is required for Costa Rica
FVRCP vaccination current for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia
Internal and external parasite treatment by a vet within 15 days before travel
Vet clinical exam and health certificate; certificate valid 14 days from the exam date
USDA APHIS endorsement for US travellers or CFIA HA2809 endorsement for Canadian travellers before departure
Arrive at Juan Santamaria (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR) with originals in hand
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None
City & Housing Tips
San José, Escazú, Santa Ana, and beach towns along both coasts are popular with expats. Costa Rica is very animal-friendly with a strong conservation culture. Many rental properties welcome cats.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary care, especially in the Central Valley (San José area). Several excellent vet clinics with English-speaking staff. Costs are moderate. Tick-borne diseases and tropical parasites require preventive care.
Find Vets in Costa RicaExit Rules — Leaving Costa Rica
Exit requires a health certificate from a SENASA-registered vet. Processing is usually same-day. SENASA offices are available at major airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for accompanied in-cabin cats with complete paperwork. No import permit and no quarantine are expected. Cargo or unaccompanied cats are a different lane and need SENASA cargo paperwork before travel.
Very. The 'Pura Vida' lifestyle extends to animals. Costa Rica has banned hunting, has strong animal welfare laws, and the climate is comfortable year-round.
Yes, if travelling from the US. Your vet issues the Costa Rica dog/cat certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it before departure.
Treat it as mandatory in practice. SENASA/MAG web guidance says microchips are required since late 2025, but SENASA's Version 11 normative document and the CFIA/USDA certificates still say microchip or transponder if available/if applicable. Use an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit chip anyway, because the border officer gets the final say.
No. Costa Rica's SENASA document and the CFIA/USDA certificates do not require rabies vaccination after the chip. That sequence is an EU rule. If your vet insists, show them the official bilateral certificate: HA2809 for Canada or the USDA Costa Rica dog/cat certificate for the US.
Use CFIA certificate HA2809, endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian before departure. For accompanied in-cabin cats, this endorsed certificate is the document Costa Rica expects at the border.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Costa Rica with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.