www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Another problem you may encounter is finding flights from Europe to CR that do not stop in the US, otherwise they would need a US Visa as well, even if they are just laying over. Since 9/11, there are no more transit passengers, everybody needs a US visa to land in the US.

I have family in Europe and was thinking about taking my Tica fiancee to visit them, but can't find a reasonable flight from CR that bypasses the US. There a couple on Iberia through Madrid, but are priced over $1700.

Unfortunately, I think that is the only option right now.

I know one guy on the board who might have some info. His name is Armorer. Haven't seen him on in a loooong time. Might be worth a PM to him to see if he is still around.

dapanz1

Armorer is still around, but rarely (if ever) on the board. he has given up Costa Rica for Russia (he has always had a thing for those Eastern bloc blondes )

I speak to him regularly, I will throw it out and see if he has any recommendations. Although I dont think he has ever traveled directly from CR to Russia or vice versa.

I agree, Asta would probably be a great source of info....If you are friendly with her and there is a rush, call her at SL. If she is not busy, I am sure she would talk to you about this issue.

I'd also check on flights via Toronto from Moscow. It would get you around the US, but I don't know if you would still have visa problems. Next, there are also connections via Caracas and Bogota but I'm guessing they would be very long trips and quite expensive too.

According to the official costa rica tourism site, Those from the Russian Federation can stay in costa rica for 30 days without a visa, but once inside can apply to extend it up to 90 days.

http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/informacionturistica.asp