Can you bring a weapon to Costa Rica?

• Weapons

  depends on specifics

  Tourists may bring hunting shotguns/rifles (up to four different hunting/target guns) and 500 rounds as baggage, but only subject to the Ley de Armas y Explosivos permit rules

  Art. 365(k) Decreto 44051-H: 'Escopeta o rifles de caza y quinientos tiros, incluso hasta cuatro armas diferentes para cacería o para tiro al blanco … siempre que se demuestre, en forma fehaciente, que el viajero es turista. El ingreso de armas y municiones estará sujeto a las regulaciones que sobre esta materia establece la Ley de Armas y Explosivos.' The customs rule only makes them duty-free baggage; the permit requirements under the Arms and Explosives Law were not verified here — do not travel with a firearm without confirming them with the Costa Rican authorities first. Handguns and other weapons are not covered by the baggage allowance.

  Also covers: firearms, guns, rifles, shotguns, hunting rifle, ammunition, weapons, armas

  Download border card (PDF)

  Source Reglamento a la Ley General de Aduanas, Decreto Ejecutivo N° 44051-H (18 May 2023), arts. 365–371 — SCIJ/Sinalevi, Procuraduría General de la RepúblicaChecked against the source on 2026-10-09

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history