Export Live Animals to Costa Rica
Summary of Requirements
- Horse - Protocol - October 2016
- Horses - Semen - Health Certificate (118.06 KB) - February 2013
- Horses - Costa Rican Horses Returning to Costa Rica after Competition - Health Certificate (104.86 KB) - July 2018
NOTE: Effective May 22, 2024 there is a trade restriction on cattle due to HPAI detections in U.S. cattle. Costa Rica has prohibited the export of live cattle originating from states affected by HPAI in U.S. cattle.
- Cattle - Protocol (21.81 KB)- August 2007
- Watusi - Protocol (161.44 KB)- February 2007
- Bovine - Embryos - Health Certificate - March 2019
- Note: Costa Rica does not require any statements about BSE on the bovine semen and embryo protocols.
- Bovine - Semen - Protocol and Health Certificate (61.55 KB)- November 2011
- Note: Costa Rica does not require any statements about BSE on the bovine semen and embryo protocols.
- Goats - Health Certificate (235.32 KB)-November 2017
- Sheep - Health Certificate (80.12 KB) -January 2015
- Caprine - Semen - Protocol (35.09 KB)- February 2012
- Caprine - Embryos - Protocol (66.14 KB)-June 2012
- Ovine - Semen - Protocol (30.99 KB) -January 2012
- Ovine - Embryos - Protocol (49.44 KB) - June 2012
- Swine - Breeding - Health Certificate (98.03 KB) - October 2015
- Swine - Semen - Health Certificate (397.39 KB) -August 2018
APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility approval is required for tilapia and ornamental aquatic animals.
- Tilapia - Health Certificate (193.41 KB) -April 2019
- Ornamental Aquatic Animals - Health Certificate (283.41 KB)-August 2021
Note: Only those U.S. origin ornamental aquatic animal species listed in the PDF posted below (including marine fish, inland fish, invertebrates, coral and live food species) have market access and are approved for export from the United States to Costa Rica. Those who wish to export U.S. origin ornamental aquatic animal species that are not included on these posted lists will need to have their Costa Rican importer contact the National Animal Health Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Costa Rica to request a special import permit.
- Striped Skunks - Protocol (13.37 KB)-July 2012
- Crickets - Health Certificate (81.94 KB) - December 2016
- Canine - Semen - Health Certificate (418.99 KB)-April 2018
- Zoo Bovidae - Protocol (27.39 KB)-October 2007
- Antelopes and Watusi - Protocol (161.44 KB) -February 2007
- Zebra - Protocol (19.72 KB) -February 2007
- Dromedary - Protocol (19.38 KB) -February 2007
- Giraffe - Protocol (19.4 KB)- February 2007
- Warthog - Protocol (17.33 KB) -February 2007
Taking a Pet to Another Country?
Costa Rica Import Permit Information
Importers in Costa Rica must apply for an import permit. Importers may obtain an import permit at the following address:
Ministerio Agricultura y Ganaderia
Chief, Animal Quarantine
Apartado 10094
Barrial Heredia
San Jose - 1000
Costa Rica
Telephone: 011-506-238-2371
Facsimile: 011-506-237-7697
If your species is not listed, the requirements for that species are not known. Exporters who want to ship livestock or germplasm whose requirements are not listed above should have the importer or buyer in the destination country apply for an import permit at the appropriate ministry. This import permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.
Need Help?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for animals (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments) and for issuance of health certificates.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
USDA Endorsement Offices
Contact your nearest APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office for questions about endorsing an export health certificate for live animals.