Yes, foreigners may be married in Costa Rica. Both civil marriages, performed by a Judge, Mayor, Provincial Governor, or a Notary Public and marriages performed by a priest in the Catholic Church are recognized. Individuals of other religious denominations, must resort to a civil ceremony. The rights and obligations which arise from the matrimony, take effect when the declaration of marriage is register in the National Civil Registry.

Costa Rican law permits U.S. citizens to get married here. A lawyer can perform the required legal ceremony (see our list of attorneys). You will need the following documents: If you have not been married before, you must come to the Embassy's Consular Section and make a sworn statement to that effect before a consular officer (there is a $30 fee for this service). A Certificate from the Civil Registry that he/she is single (certificado de solter?a del Registro Civil).

By law, any individual, national or foreign, may legally own land in Costa-Rica. Nonetheless, for legal and economical reasons, it is recommended that the purchase of real estate be performed through a Costa-Rican anonymous corporation.

Foreigners can get married in Costa Rica. The documents needed are: - original birth certificate - affidavit of single status - police record - valid passport - divorce decree (if applicable) - These documents need to follow the authentication procedure before being taken to Costa Rica. This means you must take or send these documents to a Costa Rica Embassy in your country BEFORE you come. They will attach tax stamps (timbres) and return the documents to you. The current price is about $40.

Check the Embassy's Commercial Section for services for American investors. Also see our Trade page for research reports, general information and links to business-related organizations.

There are a number of websites, including the official website of Costa Rica Tourism, the Costa Rica Supersite, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, and the Embassy of Costa Rica.

There is no restriction to property ownership by foreigners. Properties are transferred by executing a transfer or conveyance deed (escritura de traspaso) through a notary public. In Costa Rica, all notaries must be attorneys and they are responsible for preparing, supervising the execution and recording of all public registered documents. Property cannot be transferred if the condominium does not have a registered survey, which must be referenced in the deed of transfer.

There are no required inoculations for Costa Rica, but it is a good idea to check with your physician for recommendations of optional inoculations and health precautions. Costa Rica is suffering an outbreak of dengue fever (both classic and hemorrhagic), although the incidence remains lower than in other Central American countries. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bite and there is no vaccine. Anyone planning to travel in affected areas should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

A stay at Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio is certainly one of the highlights of a visit to Costa Rica. However, there are many other popular destinations that are worth a visit. Depending on your budget and time available for travel, we recommend you visit some of the country’s active volcanoes (Arenal, Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja) and the world famous cloud forest reserve at Monteverde or Los Ángeles.

Yes, a valid passport is required to enter and visas are needed for certain nationalities so check ahead before traveling. For more information click here. The citizens of the following nationalities can stay for 90 days without a consular visa if International Agreements exist.

U.S. carriers servicing Costa Rica include; American, United, Continental and Delta Airlines. LACSA is the official Costa Rican carrier. Film and batteries are expensive here so you should stock up before you leave. Bring fast film if you're Same advice in regards to film applies as in the previous question. Standard current is 110volts, 60 Hertz

For purposes of tourism, you may visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Please see the website for the Costa Rican Embassy in the U.S. for information regarding visa and entry requirements.

If you are a U.S. citizen male aged 18 to 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service. You maey either do so at the Embassy during the hours of operation or you may register online at: http://www.sss.gov/regist%20information.htm

There are several U.S.-curriculum and English-medium schools in Costa Rica, and some of them recruit teachers in the U.S. If you are interested in teaching school in Costa Rica or another foreign country, see the Department of State's Overseas Schools page for a list of recruiting organizations and for information on schools that are supported by the U.S. Government overseas. The Peace Corps has a small number of volunteers in Costa Rica. Other U.S.

Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica (this site) provides information primarily about U.S. Government programs in Costa Rica** There is a wealth of information about Costa Rica on the Internet. Contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC, and visit some of these links: