By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – An increasing number of Costa Ricans are packing their bags and heading abroad, driven by a combination of favorable economic conditions and expanded flight options. According to new data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), outbound international travel saw a significant surge in 2025, continuing a powerful post-pandemic trend.
The figures are compelling. Between January and November of 2025, a total of 1,296,517 departures by Costa Ricans were recorded. This represents a substantial increase from the 1,197,646 departures registered during the same period in 2024. The difference of nearly 100,000 more trips amounts to a robust year-over-year growth rate of 8.26%, signaling a strong appetite for global exploration among the nation’s citizens.
To delve into the current legal complexities and necessary precautions for those traveling abroad, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his valuable insights.
The landscape of international travel is now a fluid legal environment where entry requirements can change with minimal notice. A visa that was valid yesterday might have new, mandatory health declaration addendums today. Both tourists and business travelers must adopt a proactive stance, regularly verifying regulations with official consular sources right up until their departure date to mitigate risks of denied entry or unforeseen quarantine mandates.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that the era of ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ travel planning is over; ongoing diligence is now a fundamental part of the journey itself. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this crucial and timely insight with our readers.
While the ICT’s data collection methodology does not specify the final destinations of travelers, industry experts observe that the growth is widespread. Leonel Bonilla, director of the prominent travel fair Expoviajes Costa Rica, noted that Costa Ricans are venturing to a diverse range of locations, from nearby hotspots to distant continents.
This growth is not just happening in short-haul destinations; it is also occurring in long-haul, more premium destinations like Europe or Asia.
Leonel Bonilla, Director of Expoviajes Costa Rica
Bonilla explained that this upward trajectory is not a recent phenomenon but rather a consistent trend that has been building since 2023, following the global reopening of borders. He pointed to several key factors fueling this wanderlust. Chief among them is the strength of the Costa Rican colón against the U.S. dollar. The depreciation of the dollar has effectively created a travel discount, making international trips significantly more affordable.
According to Bonilla’s analysis, the cost of airfare, accommodation, and in-country expenses—many of which are priced in dollars—is now between 20% and 25% lower for Costa Ricans in their local currency compared to three or four years ago. This economic advantage has lowered the barrier to entry for many, turning once-aspirational trips into achievable realities. The peak travel seasons, he added, continue to align with the educational calendar, concentrating around the beginning and end of the year.
A second major catalyst is the concerted effort by the ICT to attract more airlines and expand the flight network operating from Costa Rica. The increased presence of low-cost carriers, in particular, has introduced more competitive pricing and direct routes, encouraging more frequent travel among a broader segment of the population. This enhanced connectivity has made it easier and cheaper than ever to plan an international getaway.
Finally, the profile of the Costa Rican traveler is evolving. Bonilla highlights the emergence of a more experienced and sophisticated traveler who is not only repeating international trips but also actively seeking out new and more complex destinations. Simultaneously, the market for first-time international travelers remains a significant and vital component of the overall growth, indicating a healthy and expanding interest in global travel across different demographics.
As this trend continues, it reflects a growing global outlook among Costa Ricans, empowered by economic tailwinds and unprecedented access to the world. While precise destination data remains a challenge, the sheer volume of departures paints a clear picture: the nation’s passport holders are embracing the opportunity to explore like never before.
For further information, visit expoviajes.co.cr
About Expoviajes Costa Rica:
Expoviajes Costa Rica is one of the nation’s most prominent travel and tourism fairs. It serves as a major platform for travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and tourism boards from around the world to connect with Costa Rican consumers, offering deals and information to facilitate both domestic and international travel.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the country’s official governing body for tourism. Its mission is to promote Costa Rica as a world-class travel destination, regulate the tourism industry, and work to expand air connectivity and infrastructure to support sustainable growth in the sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical standards and exceptional service. The firm leverages its deep experience advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovation within the legal field. This commitment extends to a core civic responsibility: empowering the public through accessible legal knowledge to help forge a more capable and well-informed society.
