www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I arrived Friday early morning Delta flight from LAX. I wasn't allowed to board my flight until I confimed with a Delta gate agent when was my return flight. I did not have to show proof, just say the date. My return ticket is with Delta so maybe this had something to do with not needing proof. I assume CR immigration is making the airlines do this service.

On arrival at SJO signs everywhere saying you needed to show proof of return ticket, state employment, and a third point which I can't remember so must not have been a big deal, maybe where you are staying?

Immigration officer asked me my occupation and I told her my title which she could not have known what that means but no follow up question about it. Told her where I was staying, gave me a funny look, then I was on my way. Nothing about return flights.

What is the purpose of them asking what your occupation is?

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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

If you are bringing things in your luggage you have an exemption for trade related items. I know there is more to asking what your occupation is, but I always bring in cooking items and food so I get a pass on most of it. A couple of years ago they changed their rules and if you are bringing in meat to the country from the USA, they want USDA stamps on it.

The CR customs form asks you what your occupation is. The immigration officer does not look at it. I have never been asked my occupation. Sometimes they ask me where I am staying and sometimes not. They always ask me how long I will be in CR

Last 2 times in, December and April the immigration officer has asked me my occupation, how long I'm staying, and where I'm staying.

On arrival at SJO on February 3, 2019, my son was questioned by an Immigration Agent as to where he would be staying. He told them he would be staying with his father at his father's condominium in Guadalupe. That was insufficient. They kept him there until he could call me and get the name of the condo and exactly where it is located. Unfortunately for my son, I was standing outside the airport waiting for him and had left my phone in the car. Eventually, I went to check my phone and returned his call. He was out a few minutes later. No great big deal, but an unnecessary hassle. Usually, I remember to tell family and friends to tell them they will be staying at the Holiday Inn downtown.

For the record, if you do not want to tell them where you are staying, just say Best Western Kamuk in Quepos an leave it at that......

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If you let the devil ride, he's gonna want to drive

LOL.
"And my ambition is to be a pimp in San Jose."

(Y tambien es un chiste, por los officiales que miran este website!)

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" Omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition."

Strange occurence I have never seen before, on departure in the Delta priority line, security (not immigration) asked me 1) how long I was in costa Rica 2) which hotel I was staying in during my stay

I told them I was travelling around costa Rica and didnt stay in any 1 hotel. This was true and they accepted the answer without further questions but I still found it odd. She then put a sticker on the back cover of my passport. Once I got to actual immigration officer not a single question.

I really felt like they were singling me out as a middle age solo foreign Male traveller. Maybe I am being paranoid.

Being questioned in the check-in line is common in Europe. They then do exactly as you mentioned, put a sticker on the back of your passport. Typically in Europe they question everyone in the line. Sounds more like they singled you out?

I suspect it is as Boynton mentioned, implementation of additional security protocols as a result of their being downgraded in an FAA audit.

20 years ago when going to visit Ireland a guy strolled up to me and started asking me all kinds of question like why I was going to Ireland and where I was going to stay etc. He also looked through my passport. In those days the terrorism now common all over the world only happened in Ireland (the IRA bombings) and Israel (Palestinians).
Never be rattled by that kind of interrogation these day, in fact expect it.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET