
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 travel 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 do I need to go 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.
Can US citizens travel 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).
What countries need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)AlbaniaAlgeriaArab DemocraticColombiaComorosDemocratic Republic of LaosDominican RepublicEast TimorEgyptGambiaGeorgiaGuineaIndiaIndonesiaJordan14 more rows
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.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican colónCosta Rica / CurrencyCosta Rica's national currency is known as the colón (plural: colones), but dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and other places around the country.
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.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
SpanishCosta Rica / Official languageSpanish in Costa Rica is spoken with a distinctive national accent and employs peculiar usages. Costa Ricans replace the diminutive ending -tito with -tico (hence their nickname), a practice known elsewhere but uncommon in Central America.
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.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Costa Rica?
Citizens of the first and second group of countries do not require a Costa Rica visa. They will receive a visa on arrival and obtain an entry stamp in their passport. After receiving the entry visa, make sure to always double check the entry and exit stamps!
Is Costa Rica visa on arrival?
Nationals of Costa Rica with a normal passport can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. They can apply to extend their stay.
How much is a visa for Costa Rica?
US$52The 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.
How long does your passport need to be valid to travel to Costa Rica?
3 monthsA valid passport. The passport has to be valid for at least 3 months after arrival date to Costa Rica. **Please check by nationality, click here** A return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to your country or to go to another country).
Do you need insurance to go to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica mandates that tourists buy travel medical insurance in order to visit.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
British nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 90 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
How to send a Costa Rica visa?
If the applicant resides in a country where there is not a Costa Rica consulate, it should be indicated in the request, and listing the closest Costa Rica consulate in the country where the person is at, or if it should be sent to the applicant’s representative. In the latter case, the representative will be responsible for delivering the notification to the applicant so that he has a copy before he enters Costa Rica.
How long do you have to stay in Costa Rica to get a tourist visa?
They must have a valid passport with at least one day left and arrive in Costa Rica with a return ticket proving they will leave the country within the tourist visa period, usually granted for 90 days upon arrival in Costa Rica. The length of the tourist visa granted is at the discretion of the immigration official at the point ...
How long do you have to stay in Costa Rica?
They must have a valid passport with at least three months left and arrive in Costa Rica with a return ticket proving they will leave the country within the provided length of time in the visa. The length of the tourist visa granted is at the discretion of the immigration official at the point of entry to Costa Rica, but is usually granted for a stay of 90 days.
What is a Costa Rican letter?
Signed and authenticated letter issued by the Costa Rican entity that requests the entry of the foreign person.
What is required to get a visa in the US?
Proof of legal status in the United States. Visas will be issued to individuals with a legal status in the United States. Individuals who do not meet these requirements should apply for a visa in their country of origin.
How long do you have to wait to apply for a visa again?
You will have to wait a minimum of six months to apply again if your visa application is denied.
Who must address a restricted visa request?
The request must be addressed to the Commission of Restricted Visas, by the applicant and his relative residing in Costa Rica or his attorney, stating their qualities and the relationship to the applicant, and include the following information and documentation authenticated by an attorney duly accredited for said purposes.
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:
How to get permanent residency in Costa Rica?
The above-mentioned “pensionado” and “ rentista” programs will grant you a temporary residency. Once you’ve been a temporary resident for three years , you can apply for permanent residence.
Can US citizens travel to Costa Rica?
Us citizens don’t need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. US citizens can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without any permit. And if you want to stay longer? You can do something called “perpetual tourism”. For one day, you can leave Costa Rica to any neighboring country and come back and be able to stay another 90 days in the country legally. While this is a cheap and easy option, this entry type does not grant you residency or rights to work in Costa Rica.
Does Costa Rica have a retirement visa?
There is a 3rd option: retirement visas. Costa Rica grants a temporary residency visa under the category of “pension ado” to foreign-nationals willing to immigrate to the country, who can demonstrate to have a lifetime pension, such as social security, annuities, retirement funds, military pensions, or other guaranteed retirement benefits.
Can foreigners buy real estate in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica allows foreigners to buy real estate there, which is a rarity. Since property prices in the country are lower than in the US, many expats who plan to move to Costa Rica long-term chose to purchase a place of their own. Another reason for buying a property in Costa Rica is that it is pretty challenging to find a suitable long-term deal for rent. This is because local landlords, especially in the expat and/or tourist locations, make more money with short-term rentals.
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.
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.
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 ...
Which countries require passports for 4 months?
Countries requiring passports valid for at least 4 months on arrival include Micronesia and Zambia. Countries requiring passports with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the date of intended departure include Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Nauru, Moldova and New Zealand.
What are non-visa restrictions?
Non-visa restrictions. Many countries have entry restrictions on foreigners that go beyond the common requirement of having either a valid visa or a visa exemption. Such restrictions may be health related or impose additional documentation requirements on certain classes of people for diplomatic or political purposes.
How long can you travel without a visa to New Zealand?
New Zealand. Visa required. May transit without visa if transit is through Auckland Airport and for no longer than 24 hours, subject to meeting character requirements and obtaining an Electronic Travel Authority prior to departure.
How long do you have to have a passport to enter Bermuda?
Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry.
Can a foreigner be declared a persona non grata?
The government of a country can declare a diplomat persona non grata, banning their entry into that country. In non-diplomatic use, the authorities of a country may also declare a foreigner persona non grata permanently or temporarily, usually because of unlawful activity.
Do you need a photo to enter a country?
Many countries also require a photo be taken of people entering the country. The United States, which does not fully implement exit control formalities at its land frontiers (although long mandated by domestic legislation), intends to implement facial recognition for passengers departing from international airports to identify people who overstay their visa.
Do you need a passport to travel to Paraguay?
A very few countries, such as Paraguay, just require a passport valid on arrival. Some countries have bilateral agreements with other countries to shorten the period of passport validity required for each other's citizens or even accept passports that have already expired (but not been cancelled).
