STEPS IN TRAVELING TO COSTA RICA FOR PHILIPPINES PASSPORT HOLDERS

6/23/2016

by: Robelyn M. Yambao

Requirements and Plane tickets

As a Filipino citizen, you are only required a valid passport and a round trip tickets. I bought mine through KLM airlines because they offer routes that Filipinos are allowed to enter without a transit visa. You will need transits in different countries before arriving Costa Rica since there is no straight flight from PH to CR.

These are the countries that we are allowed to enter without a transit visa: Taiwan, Amsterdam, and Panama.

For more info about the airline, you can visit klm website. The fare is almost $3000 round trip valid for one year but non-refundable nor transferable.

You can use credit card or debit card in booking your tickets. I don't recommend online booking nor calling international number because they are costly, it can reach almost $5000. I booked mine through local landline with Filipino agent because they will give you the base cost or reasonable rate. They can also speak fluent English so you don't have to worry about communication problem. Just visit their office for more info in Makati city.

Facing Immigration Officer confidently

Your flight going to CR is at terminal 3, you should go straight to the KLM counter during your check-In time because your travel tax is already paid in your ticket. Just show your valid passport, valid ID and the ticket booking.

When you are done checking in, you need to pay the terminal fee before entering the Immigration section. This experience was last 2014 so, please be aware of the changes because when I traveled to Vietnam this year 2016 the terminal fee is already included in my ticket but not my travel tax and this is with Cebu Pacific. Take note that each airline has different rules. So, always ask the agent about it to be aware with the changes.

When entering the Immigration section, please be prepared with all your documents like round trip tickets, boarding pass, passport, filled-out departure form, print out hotel booking and other documents related with your travel including another ID.

The officer will ask personal questions and also your purpose of travel. If this will be your first time, you will need to have second interview where mostly they denied and will ask you to re-book your flight if you don't know how to answer them because of lack of documents or whatever their reasons are.

The documents mostly are:
If you have business in the Philippines, show your business permit and latest tax payment.
If your relative invited you, show your invitation letter certified by the embassy with affidavit of support.
If you are financially independent, show your credit card statement or bank certificate.

Tips: Book only short trip if you plan to stay longer just re-book it so Immigration won't suspect you for staying longer in your destination. If you already booked your tickets in the exact number of days allowed in the country which is 30 days, don't show it to them. Two weeks vacation is mostly acceptable or 10 days but if you are confident enough by saying 30 days or more it is also okay as long as you can support yourself. If you can convince the officer that you are coming back to PH then, congratulations!

Arriving at Costa Rica Airport

When you search on the internet, Filipinos are allowed to stay in CR for 30 days. But, in my experience they stamped 3 months. The immigration asked me how long am gonna stay so I said only 28 days since I thought we are allowed only 30 days. But I was surprised when I lived there for almost a year because I was allowed to stay 3 months without exiting the country.
The officer will ask you to show your round trip tickets but sometimes they won't ask anymore but always be prepared.

Tip: Here, you can tell the officer the days of stay at most so they can stamp your passport with 3 months, if short time only you might get one month stamp.

This is all for today, just feel free to comment below if you have more questions about traveling in Costa Rica.

Have a nice and safe trip!!! Don't forget to pray for protection all the time.

The Ultimate Guide in Flying to Costa Rica Through KLM Airlines, just read the article below:
Flying To Costa Rica Through KLM Airlines From Philippines

Watch My Video To Prepare Your Documents When Going Out Of The Country (Philippine Airport): Powerful Tips On How To Avoid Getting Offloaded At Philippine Airport

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Requirements In Getting A Chinese Visa

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Watch our vlogs in Costa Rica, to check our bus trip in going to Jaco, crossing the border Costa Rica-Nicaragua and a lot more, please click HERE!

124 Comments

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Red

12/30/2016 09:54:56 pm

I plan to go in Cr, for vication,,Soo c.f. is VISA free, , why need to go in immigration if VISA free, it us enough i have passport, bank, no business, what I need to do miss thank I need your reply, ,

Robelyn Martinez Yambao

1/6/2017 07:56:23 pm

Hi,
When you go to airport for your trip you will pass the immigration counter for the exit stamp. There, they will ask you questions to decide whether they will allow you to pass through or not. Depending with your documents and answers, if they see that they are not satisfied with your answers they will send you to the second interview. But, if you have complete documents and no problem in interview then, you can fly. If there's problem they will ask you to rebook your flight. Meaning, you cannot fly on that day.

Alexa

10/4/2018 10:34:56 am

Hi.. ask ko lang if how much ba ang need sa bank account kapag mag babakasyon sa costa rica? At magkano din kailangan na hawak na pera? Thanks

john Anselmo

4/12/2018 06:46:23 pm

Hi Robelyn! My wife Jaunice is from the Philippines. She is now in Vietnam on a tourist visa. The visa is only to June 1st. Can she travel to Costa Rica via KLM from Vietnam? Or does she need to return to the Philippines for her flight to Costa Rica?

7/19/2018 06:44:17 pm

Hi John,
Please check klm website if they have flight from Vietnam to Costa Rica. Maybe you can also check another airlines, one filipina got her ticket from another airline but she's from hongkong going to cr. The transits are Paris and Panama.

Joy

8/18/2018 08:40:46 am

Hi miss have a good day.. Me and my husband from US planning to have a holiday in CR this coming Dec we just got married last august 2 in my place, we wanted to see each other again in CR while we are still proccessing my papers to US... Anu po ba ang mga dapat kung ihanda na mga papers.. .wala po akong bank account and wala din po akong work kasi supportado ako ng asawa ko this is my second travel outside the country with him yung first travel ko ang daming tanong sa akin ng Immigration Officers but thanks God at hindi ako na on hold sa airport... Your reply is appreciated a lot.

8/20/2018 02:31:59 pm

Hi Joy,
Thanks for viewing my article. Same process pa rin ang pag alis mo kung maraming tanong sayo dati this time about your work siguro ang itatanong, to provide financial capacity just keep all the receipts of the $ transfer made by your husband. Bring affidavit of support of your husband for your financial proof to travel. Depende kasi sa work mo din kung kaya mong magtravel or bumalik sa Pinas. Basically, passport/roundtrip tickets/hotel booking ang mga kailangan. Then, secondary na yung financial capacity, proof of relationship, wok etc. So, bring your marriage certificate. Namention ko na dito yung iba pang kailangan kung may work ka o business sa PH.

jeniffer duque

12/19/2018 05:42:25 pm

hello poh balak q poh punta ng cr dh poh aq dto sa hk kunin poh aq ng bf q doon ano poh bang kailangan na mga documents pls help me nman poh thank you

12/20/2018 06:03:47 pm

Hi Jennifer Duque,
Thanks for visiting my site. Kung sa HK ka manggagaling hindi strict ang immigration pag alis mo. Sa PH lang ang mahigpit pero yung flight sa HK to CR ay via Paris which is in need of transit visa. Kailangan mong mag apply ng transit visa for Paris. Yun ang naging experience ng isang pinay din dyan sa HK last week lang nakarating dito sa CR. Ang experience ko kc doon sa PH and origin ko walang transit visa from PH to CR kc Via Amsterdam-Panama ang routes through KLM airlines.Kahit saan ka manggagaling basic documents ay passport, Visa, Round trip tickets at Hotel Bookings. I have new video that is related to travel tips, please watch the link https://bit.ly/2EcGbRM

Grezita tecong

5/7/2017 11:57:35 pm

Hi
Plano ko po pumunta sa cr this august don kami magmeet ng fiancee ko for vacation ano po ba kailangan ko dalhin important documents? Thanks

6/11/2017 02:12:56 am

Hello Grez,
That experience was last 2014, I experienced horrible interview coz that was my first time in that destination though I've been traveling already but only here in south east asia. You should prepare Id, Valid passport, round trip ticket, financial statement, company certificate and id if working, income tax return if businessman, if sponsored by fiance letter of invitation and affidavit of support authenticated by the embassy stating his financial capacity.
We will be flying soon to CR this time with my daughter so i'll update this post again soon. :)

roy

6/13/2017 12:55:59 pm

Hi po.
May money changer po ba dto sa costa rica from php to cr? ty po in advance

8/8/2017 01:08:24 pm

HI Roy,
Only dollars to colones ang pwede dito sa CR. If you have pesos, you need to change pesos to US dollars at the airport in the Philippines before coming to CR.

Rowena

6/21/2017 05:39:34 pm

Hello po ask lng po ako advice kasi po balak ko po sana mag spent ng two weeks holiday sa CR this coming july 2017, kaso natatakot po ako baka sa interview in immigration di ako makapasa. Pls advice nmn po....i am currently working as domestic helper here in sg and entry ko po is from singapore po.....pls advice nmn po sa mga may experience or very well experience na po .....i'll be waitubg for comments po. Thank you so much po

8/8/2017 01:11:50 pm

Hello Rowena,
Kung sa SG airport ka manggagaling walang problema. Just show your round trip tickets to them. Sa Pilipinas lang nagkakaproblema exiting the country.
Sorry for late reply.

Edgardo Salas

8/1/2017 02:18:57 pm

Hello, nice to meet you.
I really enjoy reading your articles, they are simple, informative, useful and rifles to understand. I want to ask you in the event that I need an advice related to the migration migration step (advice for my fiancee to travel for the first time to my country) what is the cost for your service.
Thank you.

8/8/2017 01:19:08 pm

Hola Edgardo,

Thank you for the compliments. It is my pleasure to help people who are seeking advise in traveling.
I wasn't able to respond immediately because I've been sick due to my pregnancy that's why I was not able to write for almost 4 months.
I'll be writing more about being an expat here in Costa Rica. Just email me about the service you are seeking for. You need to tell me some details about your situation with your fiancee and additional information about the two of you.
Thank you.

Nads

8/10/2017 07:07:14 pm

Hi ate rob!

I have a few questions lang about travelling to CR last night kasi nag decide ang boyfriend ko for our next destination is CR and naghanap ako ng mga info and post about CR and nakita ko tong sayo and natuwa ako habang binabasa ko sya hehe! 😊 so yeah, we planned to visit costa rica for maybe days or 1week stay. ang plan is susunduin nya ako dito sa manila para sabay kami fly to CR (Btw he is from Ohio) can you give me some advice? Thank you so much in advance. 😊🙏🏽

8/16/2017 04:08:35 pm

Hi Nads,
Thanks for visiting my site. If u want shorter and cheaper trip, you will need to take the route going to US but you need to apply for US transit visa. If you choose "no visa" trip, try KLM airline but expensive and long hours of travel via Europe. Enjoy your vacation :)

Judith Hotaling

8/14/2017 10:37:17 pm

Hi po mam,,,my father is from US,,tapos we agreed to meet in person sa CR for the first time...may nakita ako flight from KLM na may stop over sa TAIPEI-AMSTERDAM- PANAMA-CR..lahat po ba ng said countries walang transit visa?..and wala din po ako business and bank account,,,but pwede mag bigay father ko ng affidavit of support,,is that enough para mkapasok ako ng costa rica and pass through all the countries mentioned...thank u po

Lorna

8/15/2017 08:03:35 am

Hi mam rob

We have plan for vacation in costa rica with my mom and sister, to meet my fiance there and get married he is from canada, and he had cousins there in cr posible po yon na makasal kami? My fiance pay all the cost tickets and hotel.
Ano- ano po hinihingi ng phils immigration mahigpit po ba sila?
My God bless you always

Thanks and regards

8/16/2017 04:46:19 pm

Hi Lorna,
Thanks for your comment.
Congratulations! getting married in Costa Rica is so easy. Not much requirements to prepare in paper works unlike in the Philippines. Only Passport, authenticated Birth Certificate and CENOMAR of both of you are required in getting married here.
In passing through Philippine Immigration at Manila Airport, they will ask you to provide affidavit of support of your fiance to cover all your travel expenses. If your travel purpose is to get married, show proof. They might ask you proof of relationship like pictures, emails, etc. All officers have different styles in scrutinizing your trip so, be prepared.
I was prepared with all my documents even they won't ask all but just in case. In my experience, the officer asked me pictures so, I showed her through my phone. She even open my skype conversation with my bf (now husband) last 4 years ago cp was allowed but not anymore they have new rules now no more phone allowed so, make an album. They gave me hard time so, I let the officer talk to my bf through skype to convince her because she wanted me to re-book my ticket.
If you are financially capable to have this trip, that's enough to show you can afford your trip and you will come back to PH soon.

8/16/2017 04:19:40 pm

Hi Judith,
Thanks for viewing my site.
Yes, you can pass through Taiwan-Amsterdam-Panama without transit visa. About Philippine immigration in Manila Airport, you need to show affidavit of support of your father to cover your expenses in Costa Rica. Since this will be your first time trip, I'm sure they will put you in the second screening of interview. My suggestion, take photos of your father with you or any communication proof like emails. Another is the proof that he is your father like birth certificate of both of you. They will scrutinize you about the purpose of your travel so be prepared.

:)

8/17/2017 07:41:36 am

Hello mam Rob

Thank you so much sa advice mo napakabait mo naman po! So i will prepare to print some conversation with my fiancee and picture niya wala pa kami picture na magkasama first time namin mag meet kasi 3 times siya di natuloy pumunta dito kaya po kami nalang pupunta sa Costa..
God bless

Thanks

Sherry Apple Balagot

3/28/2018 08:12:47 am

Hello Maam Judith!

Nasa article po na ito already na wala pong transit visas ang Taiwan, Amsterdam and Panama, na mention po ng author ng article na ito:) Happy reading!!

8/17/2017 11:23:48 am

It is my pleasure to help all of you here!
God bless...

Marilou dimain

8/18/2017 04:52:33 am

Im flying to CR on SEpt 15 sponsor lng ng friend ko fr US ano kya dpt ipakita ko s immigration pr approve ako...friend ko lng ung amerikano at family ny d ko cy fiancee?thanks

8/18/2017 02:17:57 pm

Hi Marilou,
Thanks for reading my article.
If possible prepare all your documents like employment certificate and ID from the company if employed, credit card statement and bank certificate for financial capacity mo to travel or affidavit of support ng sponsor (sometimes they won't consider kung friend lang, dapat relative), old passport if u traveled a lot, business proof if self-employed, and of course yung 3 main documents round trip tickets|passport |hotel booking. Kung first time traveler ka marami silang tanong about your purpose of travel. Short visit is advisable.
Nung first time ko sa CR kc 28 days sinabi ko, freelancer, no credit card only bank statement kaya na experience ko ang second interview muntikan nako maiwanan ng plane. Prayer is also helpful :)

riz link

8/21/2017 08:54:37 pm

Hi Panama need a Transit Visa? going to Costa Rica?
thank you

8/24/2017 10:55:01 am

Hi Riz,
Thanks for viewing my site.
These are the countries that we are allowed to enter without a transit visa: Taiwan, Amsterdam, and Panama.

Ena

9/6/2017 05:05:05 am

Hi ma'am, ask ko lng po I'm a Philippine passport holder, but I'm here in taiwan for work. I am planning to go in CR this December do I need visa for cr?

9/25/2017 04:58:17 pm

Hi Ena,
Thanks for your message here. If you will be coming from Taiwan, you don't have to worry about immigration exit. They are only strict in Manila airport. You don't need a visa in getting to CR if you are a Philippine passport holder. Only bring round trip tickets to show to CR immigration sometimes they don't ask but better be prepared. God bless...

Kazza

9/9/2017 09:30:11 am

Good day po, pupunta po kasi ako sa CR this October 2017 magkikita nalang kami ng fiancee ko duon. Ano po ang dapat ko'ng dalhin na mga documents, siya po ang kukuha ng ticket at hotel namin . Tapos may alam po ba kayo sa requirements sa civil wedding nla duon? Salamat po, More power. God bless

9/25/2017 05:03:13 pm

Hi Kazza,
Thanks for viewing my article.
You can prepare the documents I mentioned here in my article and answers to the comments above.
For civil marriage, only passport CENOMAR and birth certificate of both groom and bride are necessary in getting married here through lawyer.

KAzza

10/7/2017 10:10:54 pm

hi maam rob

How about if hindi ako dadaan sa visa free country so that means sa US ako daan which need transit visa, may idea po ba kayo pano po yan gawin and how hard is it? thank you po God bless

10/18/2017 12:23:14 pm

Hi KAzza,
Yes possible naman ang US transit, pagmeron kang visa hindi na mabusisi sa PH immigration. Pero, sa US embassy ka magkakaroon ng hassle. Sa pag apply kase ng transit visa sa Manila, same lang proseso sa pag-apply ng tourist visa, check the requirements sa US embassy website. May possibility rin madeny kung hindi mo maconvince ang consul.

10/12/2018 12:05:14 am

Hi Miss Rob,
Salamat po for the informations, i had a successful trip last May and things were good po sa Immigration. This time po, early of January2019 babalik na namam po kami ni hubby but plan po namin na magstay ng mas matagal specially ako.Yung first trip namin is mostly nasa San Jose lang kami , question ko po saang place po ba ang marerecommend nyo po na magstay kami? Tapos din po plan po kasi namin na maghanap ako ng work duon, saan po dapat na place kami magstay at maghanap ng work? yung center of businesses, jobs and etc po. Salamat Miss Rob

10/12/2018 10:17:42 am

Hi Kazza,
Nice to hear from you again. So, did you get a US visa? By the way, I'm happy to hear that you had a wonderful experience especially at immigration. For your queries, I don't think you will be able to wok without a working visa here. If you know someone here for work, you can apply under the table without papers. The business places that I know are San Jose and Jaco. I never been in another places. We lived in a mountain, sometimes at the beach through pension and not working. Most foreigners do singing in a club or restaurant, waiter or waitress in restaurants by the beach and/or care taker of the house of retired foreigners. Other than that, I don't know what job you can try. Teaching English if you can speak Spanish too or being call center agent. :)

Rydel

10/12/2017 02:00:46 am

Hello mam, Good day po, I just want to ask some questions. Me and my bf is planning to meet In CR on December, he is from US. I am a Philippine passport holder and I am now here in Oman as an OFW, I want to ask if it could be easier to travel if dito po aq manggagaling sa Oman? And alam nyo po ba if anu ung mga requirements?
If manggagaling nman po ako sa Philippines If my affidavit of support po ba from the sponsor ok na Kahit walang bank account? Please give me some advice po.. thank you so much for your reply.. God bless!

10/18/2017 12:31:21 pm

Hi Rydel,
If sa Oman ka manggagaling, only round trip tickets at passport lang kailangan. The airline crew will ask your purpose of coming to Costa Rica. So, for vacation is good. You will not have a problem with immigration.
If sa PH ka manggagaling, maraming tanong ang PH immigration sa exit mo, they will ask for show money to cover your expenses if you are alone. Check other requirements I mentioned here.

Luna

10/25/2017 12:21:24 pm

Hi ms. Rob,
We're planning to visit Panama by Feb. 2018 with my bf. Do I need a transit visa to go through taipei and amsterdam via klm? Just wanna make sure before applying panama visa. Thank you in advance and have a great day! 😊

10/27/2017 08:04:05 am

Hi Luna,
Thank you for visiting my site.
You don't need a transit visa in Amsterdam. From Philippines, the plane will stop over Taipei for an hour or so to refuel and clean it. Then, fly again to Amsterdam. All transit passengers will go straight to their boarding gate without passing immigration.

Good luck!

10/28/2017 09:54:49 am

Thank you so mch for the info Ms. Rob. Isa na lang pproblemahin ko applying Panama tourist stamp visa. Hope theyre not too strict like US. 😢😢 thanks again. God bless😊

10/28/2017 10:17:35 am

Hi Luna,
You are very much welcome. Just visit the Panama Embassy in Manila to apply for the tourist visa. They are friendly and accommodating. We went there once last 2014 to inquire about transit visa and walang masyadong tao. You can search online about their website or address for requirements in getting a tourist visa. Good Bless...

11/22/2017 10:54:32 pm

Hi Ms. Rob, it's me again. I decided not to pursue Panama .. hassle kc.. dami kailangan isubmit then kailangan pa magpamedical. Not guaranteed pa kung maggrant k ng visa.
What can you say about Costa Rica? Is it safe there? I'm a beach person.meron ka bang marecommend kung saan magandang magstay with a little nightlife. Hehe! And I'm so interested to know un first long flights experienced mo from Manila to CR. Sensya na ms. Rob madamimg tanong. Interested talaga ako. Thank you and God bless 😄😄😄

11/25/2017 07:33:40 pm

Hi Luna,
I lived in Jaco beach last 2014-2015 and I can say peaceful dito. May night life sa jaco beach. Pwede mo ring iresearch online ang ibang beaches sa Costa Rica, kase Jaco palang ang kabisado ko. Safe dito sa Costa Rica, friendly ang mga tao at wala silang militar.

11/26/2017 01:55:38 am

Hi Ms. Rob.. I read about your flight experiences tru KLM. Sobrang nakakatulong para sa amin lalo na sa mga first timer na pupunta sa CR. Salamat ms. Rob😘.
By the way, Ive checked KLM website it cost $1,580 economy lang para mura hehe.😂

Ms. Rob, do you have any idea, if possible ba, if can get a travel visa for Dominican Republic there in Costa Rica or it's better to get it here? Plano ko to stay 10 days in Costa Rica, 10 days in DR then back to CR for a couple of days before going back to our country. Salamat uli sa lahat ng mga tips mo 😊😊

Have a good day and stay safe always!

Luna

11/26/2017 07:15:19 am

Hi Luna,
Please check the KLM airline office in Makati or call them about your travel going to CR kase one commenter said as of this month KLM system required a transit visa in Panama for Philippine Passport Holders.
Sa processing naman sa Dominican, mas maganda iprocess na sa Manila para kung may kulang na papers madali mo lang maipasa at makatutulong din sa immigration exit sa itenerary mo na pupunta ka sa Dominican Republic not only CR, kung kumpleto ka naman ng requirements getting visa here is also okay. Easy lang kumuha ng visa dito just make sure you visited their embassy website for complete details. Take care...

Jem

11/11/2017 09:12:12 pm

Hi Ms Rob!

I inquired at KLM if I need a transit visa in Panama from Manila to CR. The agent told me that their system is requiring a transit visa in Panama if you are a Philippine passport holder. I read your article na hindi naman need ng transit visa but iba naman sinasabi ng KLM. Please help me. I would like to visit CR sana. Second travel ko ito. First is Singapore. Thanks.

11/11/2017 09:25:28 pm

Hi Ms Rob!

Second is you had a second interview with the immigration officer at the Manila Airport. What were the questions asked? Please give me some tips hehe.. Like you I am a free lancer and only have bank statements. Do i need to book my accommodation first though I have a friend there who has a place where I can stay. Please advice. Thanks in advance. Your article's very helpful and informative.

11/12/2017 09:48:55 am

For the second interview at the airport, they just asked personal questions. Questions such as purpose of your travel, how long u will be gone and why you choose Costa Rica. Do you have enough money to cover your expenses for the said vacation and how much money you have. They will ask you some papers to prove your answers. If boyfriend related, prepare photos and conversation of relationships. If sponsored, prepared all paper works like invitation letter, affidavit of support and financial capacity. Just prove that you will be coming back to Philippines.
God bless!

11/12/2017 09:54:52 am

Another thing about accommodation, you should always have hotel bookings. I did my online booking at booking.com, it is free! Just book accommodation then print it out then just cancel it after. That's the paper you gonna show if they ask about it. :)

11/12/2017 09:41:33 am

Hi Jem,
I arrived here last June this year. I didn't have transit visa for Panama. When did you inquire about KLM system? Actually, last 2014 I went to Panama embassy in the Philippines to inquire about it since it was my first trip to CR and they confirmed that I don't need to get a transit visa.
Ask the KLM agent when did they change their system about requiring a transit visa to Panama because when you buy their round trip tickets from Manila-Costa Rica, you won't pass the immigration in Taiwan-Amsterdam-Panama, you will be going directly to your assigned gate number in each airport. I have a new neighbor here a Filipina just arrived last month. She did not have transit visa either, she traveled with her american boyfriend but she mentioned that she received more questions when she arrived Amsterdam. I was not able to ask more deep details about it. You better ask questions with KLM because airlines can also ruin your vacation if they are so strict. When you travel, the airlines will interview you first at the airport during your check in then, the immigration. Traveling is taking risk, facing troubles and gaining experience. :)

11/12/2017 11:17:43 pm

Hi Ms Rob,

Before asking you, I called KLM first (yesterday) and told me that their system prompted the need for a transit visa in Panama for Philippine passport holders. Nga pala, how much cash should I have in my wallet aside from the bank statements? Thanks.

11/13/2017 12:00:38 pm

Hi Jem,
If KLM required that, you don't have choice but to follow. Maraming airlines na ang nagrereject ng passengers, some airlines even pulled out passengers from inside the plane.
About pocket money atleast 20k pesos, last time I changed my currency to USD worth $700 in case they will ask but the immigration officer did not ask anyway. I had a smooth interview last June because I mentioned that I have a business in PH [leasing/renting] so, I think that helped me a lot because they did not ask my financial proof though I was ready with papers from bank statement to BIR papers :) I opened the business only this year in January.

12/16/2017 09:12:50 am

Hi Jem! I've emailed Panama embassy about transit visa and it says, NO need for a visa. Any traveler is exempted from the visa requirement if his/her layover in Panama is less than 12 hours. 😁😁😁😁

Riza

12/9/2017 11:21:21 pm

Hi miss!!!
I'm planning to visit Costa Rica this holiday season.. I don't usually go out of the country.. Actually this is my first time to travel.. And you know kind the having a problem with transit visa.... I've search for Klm airlines through tripadvisor for their available flights.. It's time convenient; however. I'm really worried about the transit visa... any advice po??? So I can finally travel abroad.. Thanks a lot!!! 😊😊

12/12/2017 07:31:55 am

Hi Riza,
Thanks for reading my article. In my experiences, I never tried getting a transit visa. You may need to call the KLM airlines about the update of their system because one commented here that the airline is requiring a transit visa in Panama just this November. :)

luna

1/18/2018 01:29:33 pm

Hi Riza,

I just wanna ask kung natuloy ka last month? How's the flight? Kumuha k ba ng transit visa?

John Weckler

2/17/2018 02:27:32 pm

I thought I had this all under control for my Filipina finance to meet in Costa Rica and be married there and then apply for here entry to the US. But after reading your posts here I am really worried about her ability to leave the Philippines. I could really use your help. Is it possible that we could have some private conversation (you can share whatever you want with your site) but just want to be able to make sure this flight to Costa Rica goes ok for her. Thank you so much. If you want to communicate directly I use Facebook Messenger under my name. Also you have my email. Thank you so much for any help.

2/21/2018 02:01:11 pm

Hi,
Sorry for the late response. If you want private conversation about this, just message me anytime on fb Robelyn Khimora Kaylee or Robelyn Martinez Yambao.
Thanks

Maymay

3/9/2018 08:29:55 pm

Hi mam rob . I'm planning to go Costa Rica also to meet my boyfriend in there he's from Canada and I was reading your post and Ads since u went to cr.and I'm a little worried about the immigration exit here ph.if they want me to have a second interview and ask me to rebook my ticket does that mean ma'am na I'll buy the ticket again ? Pag rebook po babayaran donning original price ? Thank u .immlooking forward for an answer .God bless maam

3/10/2018 08:15:19 am

Hi, just be positive. As long complete ang papers mo walang magiging problema. In my experienced sa check in baggage pa lang dami na cla tanong, sa immigration walang tanong ni isa haha!! But still be prepared. Still here in Costa Rica.. glad I found ms. Rob's blog.

3/11/2018 01:46:30 pm

Hi Luna,
I'm glad you made it! Welcome to Costa Rica. Where are you staying right now? Enjoy!

3/11/2018 01:44:41 pm

Hi Maymay,
Thanks for reading my blog. yeah be confident as long as complete ang papers mo, no more problem. Rebooking will cost you more than a hundred dollars depends which airlines. you will not pay the entire cost of the tickets. :)

3/11/2018 03:16:29 pm

Yeah, thanks to you Ms. Rob! Just arrived here in santa Anna from Playa Jaco (Haco). Went first to Dominican Rep for 11 days. But I think we like it here more 😁😁😁

3/17/2018 06:36:39 pm

Hi Luna,
wow, good to know. Try to visit Puntarenas beach too. Visit our youtube channel for videos :) The Dennis Family
Take care!

LunA

3/17/2018 07:10:27 pm

I will.. thanks Ms. Rob for the recommendation😉

Lennie

3/13/2018 08:53:13 am

Hi ma'am! may tanong lng po ako sana ma replyan mo ako, boyfriend ko po kc from california gusto nya don kami mag meet sa Costa Rica ngayong July or August, nandto pa kc ako now saudi balik ako pinas after Ramadan dto june, sya daw bhla sa ticket ko for costa rica? Ano po ba kailangan ko e prepare na document para makapunta ako don? Papayagan kaya ako sa immigration ? Ano po ba kailangan ko e reason? Need ko po advice nyo ma'am! Salamat po!

3/17/2018 06:44:03 pm

Hi Lennie,
Thanks for visiting my site.
Babalik ka pa ba sa Saudi after meeting your bf? Ang documents na ipreprepare mo depende sa purose of travel. Kung ang purpose mo to meet your bf, try to prepare letter of invitation from your bf, affidavit of support, your certificate of employment or kung may business ka yung certificate of registration with tax returns. Kung may bank account ka iprepare mo na rin ang bank certificate mo or kung may credit cards ka isama mo na rin yung latest payments mo. For proof of relationship naman iprepare mo yung pictures nyo together or yng chat nyo or email iprint mo kung may skype call kau irpint mo rin para pag hinanapan ka ready ka. Ang major documents naman ay passport, round trip tickets at hotel accommodation.
Kung ang purpose mo vacation, hindi mo imemention ang bf mo dapat may documents ka na kaya mong supportahan financially ang trip mo at meron kang work or business sa PH. :)

3/17/2018 07:08:10 pm

I agree with Ms. Rob. Iprepare ang dapat iprepare kung ang reason mo ay makikipagmeet up k kay bf lalo na round trip tickets and accommodations. In my case, vacation lang talaga para wala masyadong tanong tanong. Hehe!

3/20/2018 10:06:18 am

Me too. Suportahan mo nalang ang sarili mo for vacation para walang maraming tanong. Pag bf kc jan sila maraming tanong :)

Gelidee

3/20/2018 04:10:08 pm

Hi Ms Rob's.

Tanong ko lang sana po if hanggang ngayon po ba hindi need ng transit Visa sa Amsterdam.. or baka sa Panama po meron na.. nag ka idea kami ng jowa ko na mag book sa kml dahil sa blog mo po sana May idea ka na till now d na need ng transit Visa sa amsAmster. Maraming salamat po.

3/21/2018 08:33:56 pm

Hi Gelidee,
Walang transit visa through klm airlines. Please call klm airlines to be updated with their new system.

vhangs

4/4/2018 05:57:24 am

gud day po maam！ask q lng if naka pag try na po kau kumuha ng transit visa..plan kc nmin ng bf q na mag tour sa costa rica nxt month... sabi q sa klm airlines nlng kmi mag book ang gusto nya sa ibang airlines na my stop over sa houston tga dun po kc xa para pwede me mag stay sa house nya for 6hr then fly kmi to costa... tnx po

4/4/2018 06:17:30 pm

Hi Vhangs,
Thanks for reading my blog. Never pa akong kumuha ng transit visa. Sa US embassy kc sa Manila ka kukuha ng transit visa at ang requirements ay pareho lang sa pagkuha ng tourist visa. So, maraming paper works ang ipeprepare mo at why not get a tourist visa nalang kung pareho din lang di ba. Sa tourist visa pag na approve ka 10 years validity. Anyway, sa klm kc hindi dadaan ng US kya hindi na kailangan ng transit visa. Kaya pinili ko ang klm flight instead of US route. :)

4/4/2018 06:24:25 pm

thanks po..un nlng cguro gagawin q baka ma denied pa q jan sa us transit visa na yan wala kc q work now ex ofw q sa taiwan..tas business q lang sari sari store...pro ung bf q nmn sasagot sa lahat...

4/4/2018 06:31:52 pm

Hi again,
Wala namang masama kung madeny ka sa US visa charge to experience hehehe, ang hassle lang ay ang preparations, time at money. kailangan mong mag advance booking sa appointment kc fully book lage plus kailangan mong kumbinsihin ang consular na babalik ka ng pinas so dapat may work ka or business na maghohold sau pabalik ng pinas.
Good luck!

4/4/2018 09:58:06 am

Hi Vhangs, no need to get a transit visa papuntang Costa Rica via KLM. Pero kung gusto ng bf mo na pumunta k ng Houston make sure na may US visa ka. Enjoy sa vacation!

4/4/2018 06:26:18 pm

baka mag klm nlng po aq mahirap ata kumuha ng transit visa dmi p need docu...info q po kau if sure kami

Gelai

4/4/2018 04:15:04 pm

Hi,
Inform ko lang po yung iba.. kkdating ko lang Pinas from CR via klm Visa free po xa in case na uuwi kayo wth foreign bf sa Pinas make sure po na May exit ticket bgng n from Phil. Kasi yan ngyari sa amin hinahanapan kmi ticket so we booked na sa airport itself .. at saka sa yung ng overstay na sa CR effective April 20, 2018 po May fine na $100/month na nag overstay kau. FYI Lang po. Salamat ms Rob's malaking tulong tong blog nyo. Last time apply ako ng transit Visa for 3weeks lang ang validity so that time klm lng tlga ang airlines na walang Visa though super layo at mahal din xa. Gb po ms. Rob's salamat ulet

4/4/2018 06:23:58 pm

Hello Gelai,
Thank you for your concern in informing our readers about updates in coming here. You are right, starting on April 20 every tourist who exceeds stay here will pay 100$ for a month fine, so kung lumampas ka ng 30 days may fines kana hindi ka pa makakabalik dito times 3 sa days na nagextend ka. 30 x 3 = 90 days. After 90 days ka pa pwedeng makabalik ng Costa Rica.
Sa lahat ng travelers din kahit saan ka magpunta dapat may return ticket ka lage. :)
Enjoy your trip everyone! Ingat lage...

4/4/2018 06:44:10 pm

Good to know that Gelai . Thanks for the info! 😁Thanks Ms. Rob for this blog!😁

Mary Grace Dumagat

6/5/2018 05:07:16 pm

Hello po, I want to go travel to costa rica for vacation however I'm an online homebase teacher which means I can only provide my bank statement. what should I do po?

7/19/2018 06:39:38 pm

Hi Mary Grace,
Sorry for the late response, you can show your bank statement or credit card as proof that you can support yourself. If you have personal website for your online teaching career, you show that too kc ichecheck din nila yon. God bless!

rea

7/5/2018 06:52:23 am

Dear Ma'am Rob,
Ask ko po sana,magmeet kami ng bf ko sa CR next month,Ofw ako sa Hongkong then US Citizen siya.Mag meet lng po kami for 10 days kasi un lng po vacation ko then back to Hongkong for work again.Ano po kelangan documents na ipakita sa Immigration.
Thank you
Rea

7/8/2018 05:55:40 pm

Hi Rea,
Thanks for reading my blog. I hope I already answered your questions through messenger. See you!

Jesse

7/19/2018 03:23:37 pm

Hi there. I’ve dealt enjoyed reading your site and a lot useful info. I am American and my fiancé is Filipina. Weve been living in Vietnam and also the Philippines. We recently began the fiancé visa process. And my family has a home in Costa Rica (montezuma, Nicoya peninsula). We just recently had twin girls. And so we will plan to wait out the visa process in Costa Rica. I would love to ask you more info about living there as a Filipina as things that are rather easy or straightforward are unfortunately more involved for filipino passports Thanks :). pura vida;)

7/19/2018 06:55:42 pm

Hi Jesse,
Good to know that you live in Vietnam, we stayed there for four months in Nhatrang. Congratulations for having twins a great blessings from God. As for living here, our life is great here very peaceful with nice weather. We live here like locals do, shopping and taking bus :) You can check our videos in youtube The Dennis Family or go to my website page above and click Countries then go to Costa Rica to read more articles about my experiences here with my family. Thanks for dropping by :)

Princess Mae

7/25/2018 11:29:40 pm

Hi, good pm ms. Rob. I have read your article about going to Costa Rica. I would like to ask if there is no any problem if i travel with my boyfriend from PH to CR. He is from US Oklahoma, what requirements i need as if he is my sponsor and does he need to show some documents too to prove that he is my bf. He is going to cover all the expenses. I have not been anywhere yet, but this is my first time to travel if they would let me. Thankyou

7/28/2018 01:22:49 pm

Hi Princess Mae,
Thanks. If you will travel together with your boyfriend, I don't think there will be a problem because he is already with you so, they won't scrutinize you with many questions. Just prepare your proof of work like employment certificate, company ID and proof of relationship like pictures of you and him together or with your family. Let him prepare his credit card if they will ask who buys your tickets or hotel bookings. I think they will only ask more personal questions like what you gonna do in the country of destination with him and how long. If they will give you hard time, ask your bf to be with you beside you all the time to back yo up.

Rein

9/27/2018 10:33:29 pm

Hi. I would just like to ask, hindi parin po ba included yung terminal fee sa airfare ticket from KLM? TIA!

9/29/2018 10:10:48 am

Hi Rein,
Thanks for visiting my site. Sa ticket hindi ko alam kung hindi pa kasali ang terminal fee kc yung last flight ko last year 2017 Philippine Travel tax ang included sa ticket. Just inquire the KLM when you book your ticket. The price specification are the following: Philippine Travel tax, Boarding Tax, Tourism Tax, Security Charge, Airport Passenger Service charge, Airport Passenger Service Charge International, Common area user charge tax, Costa Rica Security Fee, Airport Security Fee, Baggage Inspection fee.
So, baka yung terminal fee ay yung airport passenger service charge. Just ask the agent to make it sure. :)

10/1/2018 08:31:57 pm

Thanks a lot po!
I've asked them already na po and they told me that hindi po included ang terminal fee.
This October po ako magpunta dun and hopefully walang masyadong itanong sakin sa immigration :)

10/2/2018 08:25:37 pm

Oh That's good to know. Good luck to your trip :)

11/5/2018 11:34:15 pm

Hi Ms. Rob! I would like to thank you again for this article. I just got back here in the Philippines last Nov. 1 from Costa Rica.

Share ko lang yung experience ko sa NAIA, sobrang daming nagtanong sakin, from ground crew ng KLM, check-in counter staff, payment counter ng travel tax, and up to immigration. Ang questions nila sakin are: 1. Anong purpose ng pagpunta ko sa Costa Rica? ( For Vacation )
2. Bakit ako pupunta dun? ( For Vacation )
2. Sinong pupuntahan ko dun/ If may relatives ako dun? ( Wala )
3. Sino kasama kong pupunta? ( I answered that I'm gonna meet my bf there and ang follow up questions nila are: -Taga saan ang bf mo? -Anong lahi ng bf mo? -Anong work niya? -Nakapagtravel na kayo before? -May pictures ba kayo? [ the IO didn't check our photos tho ] )
4. Anong work ko? ( My Occupation )
5. Saan ako nagwowork? ( Name of the Company )

Prepared lahat ng papers ko pero hindi na ako hiningian ng any documents. I just showed them my air ticket and passport. This article really helped and hopefully you can help more of our fellow Filipinos to be able to travel. Muchas gracias!

11/7/2018 09:03:14 am

Hi Rein,
Thank you so much sa pag share ng experience mo dito makakatulong ito sa mga kababayan natin na gustong imeet ang kanilang mahal dito sa Costa Rica. I'm glad you had a smooth and safe trip! It is my pleasure to help my kababayan because I know how it feels when you are in a situation of getting scared in facing IO and scared of getting offloaded. Mucho gusto! :)

10/4/2018 12:16:17 pm

Hi miss Rob! Ask ko lang po sana if magkano ba yung kailangang laman ng bank account at hawak mismong pera to travel to Costa Rica? I hope you can help and answer me. Thanks! More power

10/4/2018 12:21:26 pm

At kung for example wala akong work pero may magpo-provide lahat ng financial needs ko and if ever i have complete requirements and documents. Is it possible for me to go to Costa Rica or Panama? Irereject ba nila ako kahit i have enough funds?

10/6/2018 06:00:04 am

Hi Alexa,
Thanks for viewing my site. They don't specify the exact amount as long as kaya ng fund mo na suportahan ang travel mo mas makakatulong yon. Sa experience ko, I had 50k pesos sa bank account then $700 cash sa hand carry ko. Kung may magpoprovide pra sayo, ang affidavit of support at financial capacity ng sponsor mo ang hahanapin nila. I wrote new article about it, maybe it will help a little just click the link or copy paste to read it: https://bit.ly/2pDNOrW
Regards!

Margie

10/11/2018 11:33:18 pm

Mam good day!ask ko lng po if dto aq manggaling sa hongkong dadaan ob aq ng amsterdam panama or taiwan papunta CR?magkkita kmi ng bf ko sa CR galing cia USA ano po need ma documents
Thanks po

10/12/2018 10:07:18 am

Hi Margie,
Thanks for the message. I don't know if the KLM has same routes from HK. Please call them, one commenter here said she took HK via Paris then Panama but she will need a visa for Paris. You can check online if what airlines can offer routes from HK to Costa Rica without a visa because my experience was from PH. Good luck!

Rose

12/8/2018 10:36:34 pm

hello po, ask lang po ako if what needed po this time na mga requirements going Costa Rica for vacation po for couple days po? kilangan din po ba ng invitation later galing sa sponsor at lahat po ng expensence is kanya po. nagplan po kasi sya na punta kami Costa Rica and first time ko po, please reply po thank you and merry xmass godbless you po!

12/8/2018 11:12:07 pm

Hi Rose, i suggest read all the messages from start to end.. Good day

12/10/2018 11:19:58 am

Hi Rose,
Thanks for your time to read my blog. Yes, kailangan mo ng letter of invitation. Please all the requirements I've mention here or just read the comments above. If you just wanna watch video, I have a quick but powerful tips just visit the link https://bit.ly/2EcGbRM

Steve

12/26/2018 07:18:18 am

Hi Ms Rob,

I am a US citizen my girlfriend is from the Philippines. We were also thinking of taking a vacation to CR. She is currently not employed, however I am taking care of all expenses for her. Will this cause an issue for her to leave the Philippines? What advice do you have? Is there a way to get pre-apporved for travel so that you dont run into issues at the airport and might need to re-book?

Also is this issue just for CR or any location that a Philippines resident wants to go?

12/26/2018 12:49:19 pm

Hi Steve, Thank you for viewing my video. The affidavit of support is just a letter type written in a bond paper. You put a header "Affidavit of Support". The body of the letter will state your info like name, citizenship and passport number. You will include your gf info name, citizen, passport number. State your relationship and the reason why you invite her and promissory that you will take care of all her expenses and she won't be a public charge in Costa Rica. You sign the paper and take that to the Philippines embassy in your state to certify and authenticate then, send the copy to your gf. I don't ve a soft copy for sample and I left my hard copy in the Philippines, sorry. I hope this description will help.

12/26/2018 12:50:23 pm

Hi Steve, Thanks for reading my blog. Actually not only CR but all countries as long as going out of the country Philippines Immigration is so strict in letting Filipinos to go out without legit proof of the purpose of travel and motive to comeback to PH. They are mostly focus on the travelers who gonna visit free-visa countries. If we have visa to visit a foreign country, they don't mind it. As far as the pre-approve, there's no such thing in the PH. You should always be prepared with the documents, money that include your emotion being disappointed and hurt :) I have a video talking about traveling abroad and how to prepare for PH immigration. Visit the link (or copy paste) https://bit.ly/2EcGbRM Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Sharina

12/27/2018 11:43:45 pm

Hello maam Rob paano po kayo nag stay ng more than a year.? Naghanap po ba kayo ng work diyan?

12/28/2018 10:54:57 am

Hi Sharina,
My husband is a US citizen and retired. He wanna lives here that's why we are here. No, I'm a full time house wife taking care of my kids and family at home. Finding job here is just like in PH that give little salary so, I don't have interest in finding job here. My husband is the one providing and supporting our needs. We just live a simple life :) As far as staying longer here, we cross the border every 3 months to renew our stamp because we didn't apply for residency yet. We are just tourists here, they call us a "perpetual tourist" :) Thanks!

12/30/2018 03:40:11 pm

Thank you for the reply. I'm planning to buy ticket this month January. If I'm lucky to passed the immigration and stamped me 30- 90 days to stay. It is possible to work in Costa Rica as house cleaner, or any part time job to the retired people.? I took holiday in Thailand Cambodia Vietnam last week. The immigration asked me if I have a business .i said yes i have and i showed my business permit and bank account. Everything was fine that time. I Think the same question they're going to ask.

1/3/2019 11:15:37 am

Hi,
yes, same questions mostly about your purpose of travel and your job :)

1/3/2019 05:06:24 pm

Hi ms. Rob,
Planning to go back to Costa this coming Feb.. but i have to wait for my visa in Dominican Rep. Thank you so much ms. Rob for your help. Your blogs help me alot. Ill check tamarindo this time. Any suggestions?
Check my passport and just noticed that they gave me 3 months validity last time..Omg! If i just known i would have stayed a little bit longer in CR haha.
Who is going this coming Feb?

1/3/2019 05:44:31 pm

Hi Luna,
You are welcome, my pleasure to help my kababayans! Glad you are coming back :) Tamarindo is a nice place but never been there. I recommend Manuel Antonio :) Tourists always receive 3 months stamp validity to stay in this country depends on your return ticket date. Happy New Year!

Airene

1/19/2019 08:26:08 am

Hi Ms. Rob, okay lang bah manila to hong kong and then doon na ako sa hong kong mag book ng flight ko papuntang CR?
thank you!

1/20/2019 05:45:58 am

Hi Airene,
Thanks for reading my blog! It is okay but in Hongkong I think there's no flights that has routes in free-visa countries. One Filipina came here from Hongkong but she applied for a transit visa for Paris.I don't know the routes from HK to Costa Rica, as far as I know, HK - Paris - Panama - CR. Immigration interview from PH to HK is the same for PH to CR. Regards!

Vien

2/12/2019 12:40:36 pm

Hello Rob,

Wow! been searching for a solution about this. Planning to go to CR this June but I do not have any Visa, I would like to ask if you could give me the contact person, you mentioned that you had a Filipino agent? Thank you so much!

2/13/2019 07:01:44 am

Hi Vien,
Thank you for visiting my site. In going to Costa Rica, you don't need a visa. When you arrived they will just ask from you your return ticket going back to your home country. For reservation or booking your klm ticket you can reach this customer service in Makati Telephone number: +63 2 588 6900
Fax number: +63 2 588 6555
Have a nice day!

Jason

2/13/2019 04:42:26 pm

Hi Ms. Rob,

Thank you so much for this helpful blog. It gave me courage to visit my girlfriend there in the future. She's Costa Rican. I hope one day i could visit her and stay with her for 3 months or More. Just a curious question, How is possible to live in Costa Rica as a Filipino?

By the way i have been to some Asian countries and in Europe for vacation. God Bless You. I hope you will continue helping our fellow Filipinos. My Prayers

2/15/2019 06:02:06 am

Hi Jason,
Thank you for your good words. Living here is not difficult but there some factors you need to consider on how to find job or make money here. Most of the Costa Ricans have real state business here. For us Filipinos we can apply for a job like call center at the business district. You can't make business unless you apply for residency :) Thank you for all the prayers. Have a nice day!

Mary Jane L.Timtim

3/7/2019 01:29:48 am

Hi po miss Rob.gusto ko lang po sana humingi ng details..I have a friend in cr offering me to work for them as househelper.it would be my first travel abroad.I want someone to help me know what would be my first and next move.,salamt po.

3/7/2019 05:07:37 am

Hi Mary Jane Timtim,
Thanks for reading my vlog. What I can suggest is you should have your friend to get you a working visa permit so, you won't be in trouble. Have a nice day!

Brenda

6/8/2019 02:25:24 pm

Hello Oo!I found your blogs useful at interesting.Ask ko lang po sana kung ano mga possible game ittanong ng immigration officer if yung trip ko to Costa Ricavay sponsored ng bf ko and we are going to meet there first time at ano po kya mga documents or proof maybe ang dapat ko I prepare..?Thank you Miss Rob!

6/10/2019 12:07:48 pm

Hi Brenda,
Thank you for that! possible questions kase ay tungkol sa trip mo ano ang purpose ng pagpunta mo dito at ano work mo sa pinas. pag nagwowork kailangan mo ipakita ang company ID mo at employment certificate or leave certificate mula sa company mo. Then, for the sponsor naman kailangan mo ng affidavit of support ng bf mo. Lastly, yung purpose mo ay to meet your bf na hindi mo pa na meet, hahanapan ka ng proof of relationship nyo like print out of communication such as calls, chats, videocalls, mga padala nya tulad ng cards or support.

Thanks