www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Arrived last night at SJO for a short, last minute trip. I didn't arrive until 8:30 pm so the lines were almost non existent.

Just before you step up to the immigration officer, there is a sign that says they want to know where you are staying, what your occupation is, your length of stay and they want to see your return ticket.

I was lucky that I could make a data connection to my Delta app because I never print out my return itinerary.

I was surprised that he really did examine it, maybe because there weren't any lines.

No idea what would have happened if I couldn't show the ticket.

This happened to me a few years ago as well. Luckily, I did have my itinerary printed, and I was able to present it for examination. I haven’t had it happen since, but I’ll be prepared next trip in case it does. Thanks.


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I always assumed immigration in all countries knew if you had a return ticket from the airlines.

Out of curiosity were you booked on a separate ticket leaving than arriving?

Most of that info is on the form you fill out while arriving (given on the plane in flight).

I have never been asked for my flight back and to answer Milhouse7; I have done different one way trips to/From SJO as I went from one City in the US and then headed back to a different city; though same airline and frequent flyer number. I was asked when leaving the US by the US carrier about my return trip though and I told them I was flying back to a different city and offered to show the reservation but they said not needed.

This return ticket check is something new. Like I said there is a warning sign just before you arrive at each desk. I wonder if they only pull the signs out when it is slow.

When I came through in January they weren't there.

If they are going to enforce this all of the time it is going to significantly slow down the immigration process and it is already slow enough.

When I had booked flights on 2 different airlines the first airline would not give me a boarding pass till I showed them proof of my return flight on the other airline.
Immigration at SJO has never asked me to show proof of return only how long I planned to stay.

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I landed today, this afternoon, very short lines, was a breeze. I do not recall seeing any sign, and the officer didn’t even ask me a single question.

My Buddy and I had issues when returning to the States in March. Coming back from 3days Medellin and 7 days Costa Rica.

We arrived in SF at 1am.
Our luggage was delayed. Most of the other passengers had gotten theirs and left. Only a handful standing at the turntable waiting.
Immigration/customs had no lines.

Customs Officer comes over to us and starts asking all kinds of questions.
- Where did we come back from
- How long were we there
- Where did we stay
- What did we do there
- Why do I go there so often (after looking at my passport)
- Where are we employed
- What type of work do we do
- Why do I have so many condoms

I told him we stayed at the Mansion Hotel in MDE and RIU resort in Guanacaste CR, sightseeing and visiting GF in CR. He asked if I had a GF in CR why go to MDE? I said sightseeing and to check out the city.

After all the Q and A he said to see him at his station after we get our luggage. We picked up our luggage and went to his station.

Put our luggage on the table and he proceeds to check everything.
He asked why do I have an empty luggage inside my larger luggage.
I told him I brought some gifts and hair salon supplies to my GF. Officer asks don’t they sell that stuff in CR?
I said yes but very expensive.

He made some notes then let us go on our way.
What a way to ruin a great trip.



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Sounds like a random check. They are uncommon but they do happen. I was entering once, from the UK of all places, and got pulled aside. On this particular trip I had 3 full bags (unusual for me, they caught me at a bad time).

I got the whole battery of questions and the guy unpacked all 3 of my very full bags, piece by piece. The best part is that they won't pack your bags back for you... you have to do that. It's hard not to get frustrated, but you just have to remember that it's just a random check... nothing personal.

I have a colleague that used to work with CBP. He told me that they don't really care how you answer the questions... they're just looking to see if you're nervous. I told one of them one time that I went to Costa Rica to "party with hookers because it's legal there" and he just snickered, "the single life, eh?"

Coming back into US with a friend many years ago. Customs officer asks my friend reason for travel. My buddy says "To party" Customs officer says wrong answer. Asks again. My buddy repeats "to party" Officer says wrong answer and asks again. My buddy says vacation and we are on our way.

Ten plus years ago my life caved in with the big recession of 2007. I answered an ad to come and run an internet gambling joint here. Did it for 2 years, not much money, but good for CR, kept a nice 2 bedroom apt in Escazu, and 2 poontangs a week.

I'm from Florida and in those days, round trip to Ft. Lauderdale via Spirit Air was about $200, so I went home every 3 months. I was only mid 50's, looked younger, still had my jet black hair, so didn't look like a retiree here.

Never been bothered, but one of my last times, an agent, looking at my passport, seeing my plethora of stamps, surprised me, he said "Are you WORKING down there?" Not missing a beat, I just said "No". No explanation, no further comment. The company was "Under the radar" and we got paid in cash.

He tried to intimidate me by continuing to stare at me, I stared back, still said nothing, waiting for his next move.

I thought he was going to stamp a hole in my passport he hit it so hard...Off I went...

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Whenever I am asked, whether entering Costa Rica or the US, " What is/was the purpose of your visit ? "
I always say - family-. I have never been asked a second question.

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Having too much fun. 8)

I have been questioned a few times by CR Immigration about why I have so many CR stamps. I tell them I have friends that have retired in CR that I visit. True – I can count some of the regulars at SL as friends. Seems to satisfy them.

I also get questioned about return ticket. I assume they can see your ticket and can therefore see your return. Because I originate from a smaller airport with limited flights, no airline has good connections both directions. To avoid 8 hr layovers I book two one-way tickets on different airlines. I am always asked to show my return ticket. I have a paper copy ready. Don’t want to rely on internet at the bottom of the airport to find it online. Most then give me 90 days, some must think I’m playing some game and only give me the days until the return flight I showed them.

Also Delta won’t issue a boarding pass for the flight to CR until I have shown them my return ticket. I’m locked out of on-line or kiosk check-in. They don’t want a passenger denied entry to CR.

Last week Immigration had signs up that you were going to be asked your occupation. They asked. There were no follow-up questions. I guess I gave an acceptable answer.

.

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Thanks Boynton It is always good to know the reason behind stepped up questioning. Good info before I might start getting paranoid