Passports & Visas
- Costa Rican Immigration Requirements If you are traveling on a U.S., Canadian or European Union Passport you do not have to apply for a visa in advance (see list of other easy entry countries ). ...
- Visa Extensions ...
- Immunizations & Health Certificates ...
- Valid vs Invalid Passports ...
- Onward Tickets ...
- Green Cards, Residence Permits & Trans National Permissions ...
- Driver’s License ...
- Make a Xerox Copy of Your Passport ...
Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days. All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket.
Which countries require visa for Americans?
Countries that U.S. passport holders need visas to enter include Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, and more, and others require e-visas to visit. If you want to see where you can travel ...
How long is a passport valid in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican passports are issued to Costa Rican citizens to travel outside Costa Rica.Currently, it is valid for 6 years (10 years before 2006). It is issued to people born on Costa Rican soil (who are citizens by default), and to children of Costa Rican citizens born abroad, who are reported to the nearest Costa Rican embassy (whose birth, immediately after such report, is recorded in the ...
Why are Americans retiring in Costa Rica?
Why Retire in Costa Rica?
- World-Class Healthcare in a Third-World Country. Costa Rica is known globally for providing world-class healthcare, which is something that retirees need.
- Staying Connected. ...
- Pristine Climates. ...
- Traditional Tico Food. ...
- Outdoor Experiences. ...
- Plentiful Housing Options. ...
- Familiar Places. ...
Can US citizens go to Costa Rica right now?
U.S. citizens from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. can enter Costa Rica via designated land border crossing sites. Travelers to Costa Rica are not required to show proof of vaccination status or proof of a medical insurance policy to cover COVID-19 related illness.
What documents does a US citizen need to travel to Costa Rica?
Requirements for Entry:Passport valid for duration of stay. ... Return ticket or proof of onward travel to another country.Proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.Proof of funds for at least $100 USD per month of proposed stay.
Who can enter Costa Rica without a visa?
Who needs a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica? Passport-carrying nationals from the following countries are allowed 90 days' stay with no visa: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, UAE, USA and most western European Union countries.
How much is a visa from US to Costa Rica?
The Costa Rica visa fee is US$52. You have to pay a Costa Rica visa fee after your visa has been approved. The visa fee is non-refundable even if you are not allowed entry upon your arrival in Costa Rica. The consulate you are applying in will inform you of the payment method.
Do I need any vaccinations for Costa Rica?
The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Costa Rica: hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus. Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
How long can a US citizen stay in Costa Rica?
90 daysUS passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. As a tourist US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days. For a stay longer than 90 days a residence permit must be established.
Where can US citizens travel without a passport?
You can travel without a passport in the following countries:Puerto Rico.US Virgin Islands.Northern Mariana Islands.American Samoa.Guam.Canada.Alaska.Mexico.
How quickly can I get a b2 visa?
US Visa Processing Times for Different Visa TypesVisa TypeProcessing TimeB-1 visaA couple of weeks to 2 monthsB-2 visaA couple of weeks to 2 monthsH-1B visa3 to 6 monthsH-1B1 visa8 more rows
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican colónCosta Rica / CurrencyThe Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the currency of Costa Rica. The symbol for the Colon is ₡; the currency is subdivided into 100 centimos. Many places in Costa Rica accept the US Dollar unofficially. The name of the Colon is derived from the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon in Spanish).
Is Costa Rica a US territory?
We officially recognized Costa Rica as an independent state in 1849, and our first diplomatic presence in Costa Rica was established as the Consulate in San José in 1852. Our two governments work together to promote our shared goals of democracy, security, human rights, and prosperity in the region.
Should I carry my passport with me in Costa Rica?
Keep your documents safe A basic rule to travel to Costa Rica is you must have all your valid identification documents, such as passport and ID card, with you at all times. They are essential for conducting money transactions, such as currency exchanges and ATM withdrawals, for example.
Can I go to Costa Rica without a passport?
Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica? Yes, U.S. citizens must have a current valid passport and evidence of onward travel to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or travel to another country).
Can I go to Costa Rica with a passport card?
Question: Is a passport card valid for travel to Costa Rica, or is a book required? Answer: Yes, a passport book is required to enter Costa Rica.
Do US permanent residents need visa to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is known for its warm and welcoming people and beautiful beaches, forests, and landscapes. If you have a U.S. green card, you only need your passport, your green card, and a ticket showing you will leave the country within 30 days of arrival to enter. You don't need to apply for a Costa Rica visa.
What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?
If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here .
Where to apply for a visa in Costa Rica?
Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration ( Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería ).
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?
If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:
How long is a passport valid in Costa Rica?
The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?
Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
Nonimmigrant Visas. Travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange.
Do I Need a Visa To Enter Costa Rica ?
The requirements to enter Costa Rica depend on your country of nationality. Generally, citizens of the United States, Canada and the European Union countries do not require a visa application to enter Costa Rica since they will automatically be given a tourist visa at the immigration point of entry.
GROUP ONE - NO VISA REQUIRED
Those countries designated as NO VISA REQUIRED may enter Costa Rica without an entry Visa and may remain in Costa Rica for up to 90 days. The 90 days are not renewable and the tourist must leave the country after the visa has expired.
GROUP TWO - NO VISA REQUIRED
The following countries may also enter without a VISA and stay for up to 90 days so long as their passport is valid for at least three months
GROUP THREE - CONSULAR VISA IS REQUIRED
If you are a citizen of a Group Three country you need to obtain an entry VISA from a Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate abroad before you enter Costa Rica. If the visa is granted it is for a period of 30 days renewable up to maximum of 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
GROUP FOUR IS RESTRICTED VISA
This is the most restrictive category. This means that citizens of Category Four Countries must have an entry visa BEFORE they are allowed to enter Costa Rica. The visa must be reviewed by the Director of Immigration before it can be granted. If granted the visa is for a period of 30 days and renewable up to a maximum of 90 days.
What are the Costa Rica Visa requirements?
The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica visa application are:
How to Apply for Costa Rica Visa?
The Costa Rica visa application process differs depending on the type of visa you need: Costa Rica Consular Visa or Costa Rica Restricted Visa.
What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for Indian Nationals?
Indian nationals need to apply for a Consular Visa before they travel to Costa Rica. They can apply using the application procedure as described above.
Can you Extend a Costa Rica Visa?
Yes , you can. You can extend a Costa Rica tourist visa for an additional 60 days by applying at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica. You must submit proof of why you are requesting the extension.
What is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?
Yes, all foreign nationals who enter Costa Rica have to pay a departure tax before they leave. The tax is about US$28-29, and you can pay it in the local currency, in USD or with a credit card.
How Can You Go to Costa Rica to Work or Study?
However, you must get a provisional visa from the Costa Rica consulate in your country/nearest to you. Then, after traveling to Costa Rica, you must apply for a temporary residence permit and finalize your application at the Costa Rica Immigration Office.
Can Visa Holders of the US and Europe Enter Costa Rica?
Yes, if you have a visa for a Schengen and EU country, the USA, Canada, or South Korea, you can use it to enter Costa Rica, provided that the visa is still valid. You can remain for the period you have left in your existing visa or how long you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica.
How long does a passport need to be valid in Costa Rica?
Your passport must be valid at least 1 calendar day beyond the date that you enter Costa Rica. Passports must contain a blank visa stamp page. Children under 18 may travel with a joint passport with their parents, legal guardians or travel companion.
What age do you have to be to travel to Costa Rica?
In response to Coronavirus outbreak, Costa Rica has set additional entry requirements to all travelers' age 12 and older. These are the extra requirement requirements: Proof of travel medical insurance issued and purchased from either an insurance company that has coverage in Costa Rica or an insurance company incorporated in Costa Rica ...
How much is the minimum coverage for a Costa Rican insurance policy?
IMPORTANT: The minimum coverage is set at $50,000 for international policies, while the minimum coverage for policies sold by Costa Rican insurers is set at $20,000 .
When will Costa Rica reactivate cruises?
Entry by sea - On Sept. 1, Costa Rica reactivated cruise tourism for the 2021-2022 season. As a requirement, vessels must guarantee complete vaccination schedules against the COVID-19 virus in all crew members and 95% of passengers who are of age to be vaccinated.
What is an onward ticket in Costa Rica?
Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country. By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport: A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country.
Do tourists have to abide by the sanitary protocols in Costa Rica?
Tourists visiting Costa Rica are requested to abide by the sanitary protocols in place when participating in tourist activities throughout the country.
Can tourists choose an insurance company?
Tourists can select any international insurance company that meets the following requirements:
Can international tourists travel to Costa Rica?
All international tourists are permitted to enter Costa Rica by air, land and sea.
How long does a work visa last?
Work/student visa must be stamped in the passport and must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Permanent residents must have their residency card (or green card) and must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date. Length of the stay may not exceed 30 days.
How long does a visa expire?
Visa EXEMPT for passport holders with a valid VISA from the United States/Canada/Schengen/Japan 1 Visa must be stamped in the passport and must be valid for at least 1 day from the arrival date. 2 Length of the stay may not be greater than the validity of the visa 3 Length of the stay may not exceed 30 days
Do you have to pay exit tax in Costa Rica?
Immigration officials sometimes insist on seeing a copy of the return tickets. All tourists must pay exit tax before leaving Costa Rica. Pay the exit tax before going into the security or check-in line. If you go to the airline counter or security first, you will be sent back to pay the exit tax.
Is Costa Rica a must visit country?
Costa Rica is a must visit country for everyone. Costa Rica visa requirements are fairly simple. Visa is EXEMPT for most nationalities. And those who need a visa are also EXEMPT if they hold a valid visa from the US, Canada or Schengen.
When Do You Not Need a Visa?
Costa Rica has a visa waiver program. In short, this allows nationals from certain countries to enter Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa.
Documents Needed for a Costa Rican Visa
Regardless of which type of visa you apply for, you need a standard set of documents. You may need extra documents based on the type of visa you’re applying for, but all require the following:
Types of Temporary Costa Rican Visas
Costa Rica offers a pensionado (retirement) visa specifically for those who want to retire in Costa Rica.
Requirements for Permanent Residency in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two main routes into permanent residency depending on your current visa status or relationship status.
Residency by Investment
One category we haven’t discussed properly yet is residency by investment. Known as the inversionista (investment) visa, it gives foreign nationals the ability to buy their residency in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Citizenship
For many, the end goal of permanent residency is citizenship. Obtaining citizenship by naturalization gives you the Right to Abode, meaning you can’t be kicked out of the country.
Now, on to You
Hopefully by now, you now have a clear picture of the Costa Rican visa requirements. Obtaining a visa in Costa Rica is generally a straightforward process.
