Doin' Costa Rica: Perpetual Tourist in Costa Rica- the TRUTH

Friday, January 21, 2011

Perpetual Tourist in Costa Rica- the TRUTH

Perpetual Tourists in
Costa Rica need a more efficient way to
cross the border into Nicaragua. The above is just a thought.

Living in Costa Rica as a 'perpetual tourist' is alive and well, at least for the moment anyway.

Not sure what a 'perpetual tourist' is? A 'perpetual tourist' is a person who lives in Costa Rica but does not have legal residence and must leave the country every 90 days in order to keep their visa (passport) current.

It's kind of an accepted loophole if you will and has been going on for many, MANY years. So long in fact, when Costa Rica does change the immigration laws, which they eventually will, there's going to be some SERIOUS backlash since more often than not, perpetual tourists own land, houses and run businesses in Costa Rica, which obviously generates revenue and jobs for Costa Rica.

It's the deadbeat perpetual tourist that give perpetual tourists in general a bad name.
The video below discusses a few issues but the most important thing to remember if you're living in Costa Rica as a 'perpetual tourist' is don't go over your 90 days and never, Never, NEVER hand over your passport because a friend has a friend who knows someone who works at the border and can stamp your passport (for a fee of course)while your lazy ass sits on the beach sipping Cacique.

It also talks about some fairly recent changes at the Penas Blancas border crossing with Nicaragua (and probably Panama as well) which directly effects the perpetual tourist and is 'must know' information.

I want to mention, I'm not suggesting you follow anything I say in the video, I'm merely trying to pass on INFO. As my friend, Bill Clanton, who is the Costa Rica Blogger, and someone I respect pointed out, if you do everything aBOVE board and don't look for the 'easy way', you have a much better chance of receiving residency in the future if you so desire. True indeed.

Anyway, it is what it is:

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

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expatcostarica 44p · 740 weeks ago

The seventy two hour rule applies to the customs exemption, meaning that if you would like to bring in $500 of goods duty free as allowed once every 180 days it is required to out of the country for that period.

The Nicaraguan border has usually been easier for perpetual tourists than the Panama crossings. Last year many people reported they were being hit with 30 days visas instead of the usual 90 day visa.

The new immigration law has a requirement that anyone with two consequence tourists visas remain out of country for at least fourteen days prior to returning to Costa Rica. However, most of the new law is not in practice until the executive branch formalizes the rules, which may happen this year.

It is possible to get a work visa to teach English from the Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano. They are a non-profit language school, setup in the 1950s, however they only hire in person at certain times of the year, and will require a teacher to work for some time before requesting the visa.

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michael alan · 740 weeks ago

Thanx for the comments, always appreciated. I think most people do think you have to be out of the country for 72 hours and even I don't like to do the one day turn around every time. I'm pretty sure they 'nixed' that new immigration law about 2 consecutive tourist visas, the guy who said that had to apologize and retract his initial statement. But then again, maybe it's back on the table.

many, MANY people think they can just pick up a work visa for teaching english, it's definitely the exception and most times the CCCN doesn't want to be bothered because it's such a headache.to go thru the process. Also, most people who teach english here can't handle the long-term because the money and work schedule is NOT all that,,,,so work visas rarely get passed out.....

thanx again for the INFO, I think I'll stick with Los Chiles...hehe

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Elaine Bobbitt · 740 weeks ago

It is Great that you share any changes with us about the Immigration Law.
Most people believe that one can move to Costa Rica and live, without having to abide by the laws of Immigration. On the street one will hear all kinds of different stories about the laws. Thanks for sharing your experiences and about what could possibly happen during the crossing...
BTW..Muscles look awesome!!!!!!!!

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Mary Lynn · 740 weeks ago

As always great info! and timely as I am coming back home to PZ tomorrow. Since I moved to CR 8 months ago I have been flying back and forth to the US. The first trip Spirit gave me a hassle over the bus ticket to Panama, but I had them ask a supervisor and they allowed it and noted that the exit ticket was by bus in the computer. I have also had the immigration post in the Alejuela airport ask to see the bus ticket, and I have passed through the airlines and immigration without being asked anything. I think it's just luck of the draw. I ALWAYS travel with the exit bus ticket just in case, way better to spring for the 7000 colones than have to buy a plane ticket last minute!! We'll see what happens tomorrow when I fly.

Mary Lynn

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Ben · 740 weeks ago

When crossing the Border into Nicaragua I am guessing you can cross in a car as opposed to a bus. Is it safe to cross and drive on your own to Granada?
Thanks,

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michael alan · 740 weeks ago

Yeah, Mary,,,good idea about always carrying a ticket,,,we do the same. Sometimes we've had to show it,,other times no. Hey Ben,,,no, crossing with a car is an act of congress and for us, not worth it. We do drive a rental to the border, park it, cross, and then cross back.... but don't cross in the car. Most rental car company's won't let you and if it's your own car, like I said, act of congress. thanx for noticing Elaine..hehe

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Casey · 737 weeks ago

Would be great to see an update on all this now that Migración has actually published the administrative rules.

As always, I think the Rio Serenos crossing is the most lax. We have our residency so no worries about that, but I know a lot of P.T.s who seem pretty complacent about expecting their next 90-day visa. Hope that works out for them!

Ciao.