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Global Market · Central America
Vietnam – Costa Rica Logistics
Costa Rica market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- San José
- Region
- Central America
- Population
- 5.2 million
- Area
- 51,100 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$86 billion
- GDP per capita
- 16,786 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 69 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 6.7%/year
- Currency
- CRC (CRC)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 17,419 km
Economic size
In 2023, Costa Rica’s nominal GDP reached US$86 billion, ranking No. 69 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$16,786. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 6.7% per year.
Growth potential
- Mid-sized economy, ranked No. 69 in the world by GDP.
- Fast growth: GDP has grown by an average of 6.7% per year over 5 years.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Costa Rica do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Costa Rica
Ocean
28–38 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
3–5 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
17,419 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 6 ports in Costa Rica. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golfito | CRGLF | Small | 8 m |
| Puerto Limon | CRLIO | Very small | 12 m |
| Puerto Moin | CRPMN | Very small | 11 m |
| Puerto Caldera | CRPTC | Very small | 11 m |
| Puntarenas | CRPAS | Very small | 9 m |
| Puerto Quepos | CRXQP | Very small | — |
Port guides: Costa Rica
International airports
Costa Rica has 9 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | LIR | Liberia |
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | SJO | San José (Alajuela) |
| Limón International Airport | LIO | Limón |
| Tobías Bolaños International Airport | SYQ | San Jose |
| La Fortuna Arenal Airport | FON | La Fortuna |
| Golfito Airport | GLF | Golfito |
Services for the Vietnam – Costa Rica lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Costa Rica?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Costa Rica take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 28–38 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in Costa Rica?
The main cargo ports in Costa Rica include Golfito, Puerto Limon, Puerto Moin, Puerto Caldera.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Costa Rica?
International air cargo to Costa Rica mainly arrives via Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Limón International Airport (LIO).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Costa Rica have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Costa Rica.
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.