The state department says that US citizens need an onward or return ticket when entering Costa Rica. I will be backpacking through Central America and Mexico this fall, starting off in Costa Rica. I was wondering if you actually need to have an onward ticket in hand when going through customs in Costa Rica, because as of now I only have a one way ticket to San Jose. Are there any other backpackers out there who have gone through Costa Rica that could shed some light on this question for me? Is this really a serious requirement, or is there some way of getting by it? If I absolutely do need an onward ticket, does anyone know where I can order a bus ticket into Nicaragua so I can have that in hand when I enter Costa Rica?

What I have heard in a number of places about a number of countries including CR is that unless you come in looking like a bum, no one anywhere is going to look to be sure you have an onward ticket. Have a great trip!