International Shipping to and from Costa Rica (CRI) | Air & Sea Freight

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Proof of shipment for sea or air freight, providing details on the goods and carrier.

Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) Number: Required for tracking and customs clearance.

Commercial Invoice: Describes the value and nature of goods, used for calculating import duties and taxes.

Packing List: Provides details on the contents, packaging, and weight of the shipment.

Import Declaration Form (DUA): Required by Costa Rican Customs for all imports.

Tax Identification Number (TIN): Required for customs declarations and paying duties in Costa Rica.

Import Duty and VAT Receipts: Proof of payment for import duties, taxes, and VAT is necessary for customs clearance.

Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Required for regulated goods such as electronics and vehicles, ensuring compliance with Costa Rican standards.

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): Some goods may require Pre-Shipment Inspection to verify quality and quantity before entering Costa Rica.

Phytosanitary Certificate: Required for agricultural products to confirm compliance with Costa Rica’s environmental regulations.

Health Certificates: Required for foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals to meet Costa Rica’s health standards.

Dangerous Goods Certificate: Required for shipping hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

Vehicle Certification: A Certificate of Conformity is required for vehicles being imported into Costa Rica to verify compliance with emissions and safety standards.

At Yes2Ship, the best shipping methods for sending goods to and from Costa Rica include air freight and sea freight. Air freight is ideal for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries, while sea freight is more suited for larger shipments, such as personal effects or household goods. We provide door-to-port delivery services for both air and sea freight, ensuring your belongings are safely transported to and from Costa Rica.

Yes2Ship offers flexible shipping solutions, including Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options for sea freight, making it ideal for shipping large or small volumes of personal belongings.

For shipments to and from Costa Rica, transit times depend on the shipping method and destination location:

• Air Freight: Typically, faster, with shipments taking around 5-10 business days to reach Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José) or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia) from the UK, depending on the service and location.
• Sea Freight: This is more economical but takes longer, with transit times averaging around 4-6 weeks for full delivery to the Port of Limón or Port of Caldera, depending on port schedules and the destination.

Yes2Ship provides regular shipment updates, ensuring you know the status of your shipment throughout the process.

The cost of shipping to and from Costa Rica depends on several factors, including the size and weight of the shipment, the method of transport (air or sea freight), and any additional services such as door-to-port delivery or packing materials. At Yes2Ship, we offer competitive rates tailored to your specific shipping needs. For air freight, prices are typically based on weight and volume, while sea freight costs are influenced by container size (FCL or LCL).

When shipping goods to and from Costa Rica, customs regulations and import/export duties vary based on the type of goods being shipped. Personal effects are often subject to different regulations than commercial goods.

Yes2Ship helps you navigate customs regulations and duties in the UK, including providing guidance on necessary export documentation. However, we do not handle customs procedures or duties within Costa Rica, and we recommend consulting local authorities or a customs broker for assistance at the destination port.

Costa Rica has restrictions on certain items that cannot be imported or exported. Prohibited items include firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, and certain endangered species products. Yes2Ship can provide a detailed list of restricted or prohibited items to ensure compliance with Costa Rica’s shipping regulations.

Restricted items such as liquor, tobacco, and luxury goods may require special permits or additional documentation for customs clearance. Yes2Ship helps you avoid delays by ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed correctly for export from the UK.

At Yes2Ship, we prioritize the security of your shipment by offering:

• Professional packing materials to safeguard your personal belongings during transit.
• Door-to-port delivery, ensuring seamless handling from pickup to the destination port.
• Regular updates throughout the shipping process, so you’re always informed.

While we handle all necessary export declarations from the UK, we recommend confirming any required customs documents and procedures at the destination port in Costa Rica, as we do not assist with customs clearance within Costa Rica. With Yes2Ship, you can trust that your personal effects will arrive safely, giving you peace of mind during the shipping process.