Pet Transport from UK to Costa Rica: Requirements, Airlines and the Journey

Costa Rica is one of the top destinations for UK expats seeking a warmer climate, and the country is genuinely welcoming to pets. The import rules are clear, and the route is well-served by airlines – but the timing of your health certificate matters.

What Costa Rica Requires

Costa Rica’s pet import rules are administered by SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Animal) under the Ministry of Agriculture. For dogs and cats arriving from the UK, the requirements are:

  • A health certificate issued by a government-accredited vet in the UK (APHA-endorsed) within ten days of travel
  • Rabies vaccination (current and valid on the date of arrival)
  • Internal parasite treatment (tapeworm treatment for dogs specifically) given within a defined window before travel
  • External parasite treatment (flea/tick treatment) applied close to travel
  • Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • A healthy clinical examination confirming no signs of infectious disease

A rabies titre test is not a standard SENASA requirement for UK-origin animals, but confirm the current position with SENASA (senasa.go.cr) before travel as rules can be updated.

The Health Certificate Timing Issue

The ten-day window for the health certificate is the most common cause of problems on this route. You need the APHA endorsement on top of the vet-signed certificate, and the APHA process can take several days. Plan this carefully and use an APHA-approved vet who knows the Costa Rica certificate format.

Airlines for UK to Costa Rica

There are no direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica. Common routings include:

  • British Airways via Miami (MIA) or other US hubs – note that live animals cannot transit US airports as cargo without meeting USDA requirements
  • Iberia via Madrid (MAD) – Iberia accepts live animals on applicable routes; Madrid is a practical hub for connecting to San Jose
  • KLM via Amsterdam (AMS) and then LATAM or other carriers – check each leg accepts live animals
  • American Airlines via US hubs – same USDA transit rules apply

The Madrid routing via Iberia is often the simplest for pets because it avoids US transit complications.

Arriving at San Jose

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica’s main gateway. SENASA officers carry out the inspection on arrival. Ensure your documents are in a single clear folder: health certificate, microchip documentation, vaccination record, and parasite treatment records.

Summary Checklist

  • APHA-endorsed health certificate, within 10 days of departure
  • Rabies vaccination (current)
  • Tapeworm treatment (within specified window before travel)
  • Flea/tick treatment (close to travel date)
  • Microchip
  • IATA-compliant crate

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no direct non-stop flights from the UK to Costa Rica. Common routing options include via Madrid with Iberia (practical for pets as it avoids US transit complications) or via US hubs with British Airways or American Airlines. If routing via the USA, be aware that live animal cargo transit through US airports involves USDA requirements.

A rabies titre test is not a standard SENASA requirement for dogs and cats imported from the UK. A current rabies vaccination and APHA-endorsed health certificate are the primary requirements. Always confirm the current position with SENASA at senasa.go.cr before travel as requirements can change.

The health certificate must be signed by your vet and then endorsed by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency). Use a vet who is familiar with the APHA endorsement process and the specific Costa Rica certificate format. Allow several days for the APHA endorsement on top of the vet appointment.

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote