Pet Travel to Costa Rica:  Important Notice about Holiday Airport Closures

Costa Rica's major port of entry in San Juan (SJO) will not be accepting live animals as manifest (unaccompanied) cargo from December 18, 2009 through January 4, 2010.

During this time the the agencies that endorse the import and export permits, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) and the SENASA, will be on holiday.  Because they are not working they will not permit the entry or exit of any live animals with the exception of animals accompanying their owners as excess or carry-on baggage.  Pets traveling in this manner do not need a permit. All of the customs brokers and cargo offices for pet shipments will also be closed since no permits can be issued.

Do not send any pets as manifest cargo to Costa Rica after the 18th of December as they will not be released from customs until after January and will not have anyone to care for them.