Otherside wrote:
Any advice for the first time you are speaking to an immigration person and they ask where you are staying on what will happen? Does the information you give them stay on a permanent file or something?
When talking to Immigration; First remember you are not breaking any laws in Costa Rica. You will not be denied entry because you are staying at Del Rey or Cocal.
As with any interaction with law enforcement, answer their question then stop talking. Don’t elaborate or give explanations beyond exactly what is asked.
Carry paper copies of relevant documents. I have routinely been asked for proof of hotel reservation. I always carry a paper copy of the email with the reservation information. You don’t want to be searching through your phone at the immigration booth.
A requirement of entry as a tourist into CR is a reservation leaving the country. They often ask, “how long are you staying?”
I also always carry a paper copy of my flight reservation leaving the country. If your Round Trip is on one reservation it probably won’t be asked. When they scan your passport, I think it brings up your flight information. But many times I fly back on a different airline because of scheduling issues. Then I am invariably asked about my return flight. Again I always have a paper copy ready.
The other routine question is “what is your occupation?” Again, just answer truthfully. There are very few answers that could cause a problem.
Currently there is no digital form that captures hotel information. Immigration officers are not typing your answers as they question you. No record will exist at Immigration.