Costa Rica
Costa RicaDriving in Costa Rica on a foreign licence
Choose your country of licence
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Costa Rica depends on where your licence was issued. Pick your country of licence below for the exact verdict, the 1949 Geneva Convention format Costa Rica accepts, and what to carry. An IDP is a certified translation of your national licence carried alongside the original, not a government-issued permit.
By country of licence
Where is your licence from?
Tap your country of licence for the verdict for Costa Rica.
With a Australia licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Canada licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a China licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a France licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Germany licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a India licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Ireland licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Japan licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a NZ licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Nigeria licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Singapore licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a South Africa licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a Philippines licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a UAE licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a UK licenceDriving in Costa RicaWith a US licenceDriving in Costa Rica
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Costa Rica on a foreign licence?
Visitors can usually drive in Costa Rica on a valid foreign licence, and an IDP is recommended — especially if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. An IDP is a certified translation of your licence carried together with the original, not a government-issued permit. Costa Rica recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Choose your country of licence for the exact verdict.
02
Which country of licence does this cover?
We answer driving in Costa Rica for 16 different countries of licence: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, NZ, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Philippines, UAE, UK, US. Each page gives the verdict, the convention basis, the rental-desk rule, and what to carry.
03
How fast can I get an IDP for Costa Rica?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you travel to Costa Rica.
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