
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. ...

What documents do you 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.
Who can enter Costa Rica without visa?
Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)AlbaniaAlgeriaArab DemocraticAzerbaijanBahrainBeninBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBurkina Faso (Upper Volta)CambodiaCameroonCentral African RepublicColombiaComorosDemocratic Republic of Laos14 more rows
Are US citizens allowed to enter Costa Rica?
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.
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 travel insurance for Costa Rica?
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the insurance requirement and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been eliminated. NOTE: the insurance requirement is eliminated for VACCINATED travelers and all travelers under 18 yrs old (vaccinated or not) as of August 1, 2021.
How long can a US citizen live in Costa Rica?
90 daysUs citizens don't need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. US citizens can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without any permit.
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 should I avoid in Costa Rica?
Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa RicaBuy drugs. Drugs are cheap and plentiful in Costa Rica, especially cocaine. ... Speed. ... Swim in front of a surf break. ... Take a dip in the river. ... Think you can get a base tan. ... Skip out on mosquito repellent. ... Fail to hydrate. ... Interfere with the wildlife.More items...•
What visa do I need for Costa Rica?
US nationals do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country).
Can I apply Costa Rica visa online?
Costa Rica Visa Application Form | Apply Online Now.
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
How safe is it to travel to Costa Rica?
Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime. Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica.
Does Costa Rica have 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. Electronic visa holders must arrive via Libreville International Airport.
Do green card holders need visa for Costa Rica?
According to Costa Rican consular services, if you have a Green Card, then you don't have to apply for a Costa Rica visa to visit this Central American country. All you need to show the immigration officers at the port of entry is: Your passport. Your Green Card.
Do Canadian permanent residents need visa for Costa Rica?
CANADIAN PERMANENT RESIDENTS AND HOLDERS OF CANADIAN WORK OR STUDENT VISAS. Permanent residents in Canada or bearers of a student or work visa duly stamped in their passport that allows multiple entries, are exempt from a Costa Rica tourist visa.
Is Costa Rica part of USA?
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.
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.
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.
How long is a Costa Rica visa valid?
NOTE: As always tourist visas are issued to visitors upon arrival. However, since Nov 2020 the length of stay indicated on the visa has been reduced from the previous automatic 90 days to the number of days of required Covid insurance on your pase de salud . If you have one week of insurance your tourist visa will be valid for exactly one week (see how to extend your Costa Rica tourist visa ).
How long can I travel to Costa Rica?
Passport holders from all of the countries listed below are allowed entry into Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days (non-renewable) without obtaining a consular Visa in advance. In other words, just show up and they’ll let you in unless Interpol or the FBI is after you or there are other extenuating circumstances.
What is the penalty for ignoring health orders in Costa Rica?
All of the above information applies only to visas and immigration permission to be present in the country. As noted there are no official fines or consequences for ignoring these rules. However, ignoring a health order may result in a fine of 450,200 – 2,300,000 colones (U.S. $750 – $4,000). That means it’s absolutely essential that you purchase the required insurance to cover every day you are present in the country whether you have a valid visa or not. As laughable as the legal system is Costa Rica does not mess around when it comes to economic protections and penalties.
What happens if you are denied entry to Costa Rica?
Typically if you are denied entry to Costa Rica the airline that you arrived on is held responsible by immigration, must pay a fine, and must fly you home within 24 hours. Since this is expensive and inconvenient for the airline they typically try to be sure you will be permitted to enter.
Do you need a visa to travel on a passport?
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 ).
Do you need a health certificate to visit Costa Rica?
For 99% of visitors there are no health certificates or immunizations required to enter Costa Rica
Do you have to have a passport if you are traveling with your parents?
Everyone regardless of age and regardless of whether they are traveling with their parents or not must have their own passport and electronic health pass.
How long do you have to have a health pass to travel to Costa Rica?
All visitors must also complete an online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica. The Health Pass can be found at https://salud.go.cr. In addition to the coronavirus-related measures, U.S. tourists must also have a valid passport and proof of intent to exit Costa Rica within 90 days.
When do you need proof of insurance in Costa Rica?
Until August 1 , all visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica.
How long is quarantine in Costa Rica?
Tourists testing positive for COVID-19 while in Costa Rica will be issued a sanitary quarantine order. Sanitary quarantine orders will be issued from 10 to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection. Tourists who are issued a sanitary order must secure lodging for the duration of the quarantine.
How long do you have to complete a health pass in Costa Rica?
All visitors must also complete an online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica. The Health Pass can be found at https://salud.go.cr.
When will Costa Rica extend the grace period?
citizens with temporary and permanent residency in Costa Rica has also been extended until early September.
Can foreigners enter the country?
Foreigners will be able to enter the country if they carry a vaccination certificate or card that contains at least the following information:
Does Costa Rica require a medical test?
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health recommends travelers consider testing needs when planning travel and make appointments for testing immediately upon arrival 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.
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.
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 do you have to have a passport to enter Bermuda?
Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry.
Can I travel to Saudi Arabia with an Israeli stamp?
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage claims that having an Israeli stamp does not disqualify someone from visiting Saudi Arabia.
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.