I'm posting this in the CR forum since that's where we are traveling to this time. By the way, thanks to all the regulars. I gleaned much helpful info., including a link to Solimar Travel who has been a giant help in making reservations at Bosque del Cabo, Arenal Observatory, Almonds & Corals and Hotel Grano de Oro and booking all of our in-country flights and transfers.

My question: does anyone know how stringent the rules are about having valid passports within six months of travel? We got new ones and they are 7 days inside the 6-month time period, i.e., they are dated June 7 and we travel on Nov. 29.

Any insight or experience in this area would be much appreciated.

Maybe I am misunderstanding the question, but the 6 month passport rule is that it needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure.

That would be a relief if that's the case. I was talking to an acquaintance who was telling me she had to pay an expedite fee because she didn't have a current passport and was due to travel out of the country in less than 6 mos. and it was causing problems, but it's possible I misunderstood her. Thanks for your reply.

Passports are good for 10 years from date of issue. Some places require that that you have at least 6 months validity on them, i.e. if your passport expires in Sept 2005, you would not be valid for entry as of today.

Gee tully nice to know the passport is valid for 10 years in the USA !!!

Only 5 years in Canada..the government needs the money !!!(LOL)

But you are correct,the passport has to be valid for 6 months from the day you LEAVE Costa Rica.

Some Customs Agents are very strict about this.

I try never to fool around with passport dates, so I renew my passport if I know I am going to travel and the date of my departure from the other Country is not going to leave me with six months on my passport.

We all do not need Customs trouble in another country.!

Percy

Note: We have a friend whose passport accidentally got washed in the washing machine (in a clothes pocket) before departure from U.S. The passport was fine except was a little damaged on one edge. He was able to fly via Delta to Costa Rica with his friends for a fishing trip. Delta checked passports and okayed everything.

However, once our friend arrived in Costa Rica, they would not accept his passport. They made him fly back to U.S. Seems pretty strict...