Costa Rica tourism surge tightens nomad lodging through late May

Tourism load tightens lodging through late May

Costa Rica logged 1,033,777 foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2026, the strongest opening quarter on record, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) reported. January air arrivals hit 294,087, up 10.3% year over year, with February adding 308,873 for a combined 14.1% jump through the first two months.

The squeeze on short-term inventory extends into late May because of Expotur, the country's main tourism business fair, running May 27-29 at the Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana. Organizers said the 39th edition reached full international buyer participation, concentrating demand in La Sabana, Escazú and Santa Ana.

Who feels the squeeze

Nomads booking monthly Airbnb-style rentals, coliving houses and small boutique hotels face the sharpest competition, because operators favor shorter, higher-yield tourist bookings during peak demand. Coastal hubs in Guanacaste, the Central Pacific and the Nicoya Peninsula carry the heaviest pressure, along with central San José during Expotur week.

Expat hosts renting on Airbnb or Booking.com are working under tighter tax compliance and reporting rules, costs that tend to surface in nightly rates. The current arrivals streak began in October 2025 and runs through the 2026 high season, so flexible short-notice bookings for studios and houses are hardest to secure from January through late May.

Costs, requirements and the nomad route

For remote workers planning longer stays, the digital nomad permit extends the standard 90-day tourist entry up to one year, renewable for a second year. ICT lists these conditions:

• Stable net income of $3,000 a month for individuals, $5,000 a month for families
• Medical insurance covering the full stay with at least $50,000 in coverage
• One-time government application fee of $100, paid to the Ministry of Finance via Banco de Costa Rica

Permit holders are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-sourced earnings, can open a local bank account and may use a foreign driver's license. A customs waiver covers essential telecom and electronic work equipment, subject to conditions.

Nomads targeting 1-3 month stays should lock in lodging well before arrival, particularly for San José around Expotur and for the Pacific coast during high season.

Read our full Costa Rica guide for the complete picture or browse more nomad news.