
Does Costa Rica require a visa?
Visitors to Costa Rica require a visa unless they are citizens of one of the eligible countries who are visa exempt up to 90 days.
Do you need a passport to go 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.
How long does it take to travel to Costa Rica?
It's not enough to spend a week on a beach or in the mountains. If you really want to see what Costa Rica has to offer. For those that really want to take in the culture, food, scenery, wildlife and adventure, two weeks is the minimum. Rent a car or take a bus, either way you're going to want to make the trek to both of Costa Rica's coasts.
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 ...

Do you need a visa 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). US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica.
Can you go to Costa Rica with US visa?
According to the Costa Rica visa policy, if you have a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit for the European Union, Canada, or the United States, then you can enter Costa Rica without any issues. For US visas, holders of B and D visas are exempt from a visa to Costa Rica.
Can I apply Costa Rica visa online?
Costa Rica Visa Application Form | Apply Online Now.
Does Costa Rica give 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.
How long does it take to get visa for Costa Rica?
about 30 calendar daysHow long does it take to get a Costa Rica visa? The Costa Rica visa processing time is about 30 calendar days.
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 $100 USD per month of proposed stay.
Is Costa Rica part of USA?
We officially recognized Costa Rica as an independent state in 1849, and our first diplomatic presence in Costa Rica was established as the Consulate in San José in 1852. Our two governments work together to promote our shared goals of democracy, security, human rights, and prosperity in the region.
How much does a house cost in Costa Rica?
Cost Comparison Chart:United States v/s Costa RicaUnited States Average ($)Costa Rica Average ($)Housing (comparable 3 bedroom, 2 bath)$1000-3000$500-1200Gasoline (per gallon of regular)$3.00$5.00ADSL Internet monthly (1024/512 kb/sec)$34.95$28.25Home Phone Service (basic monthly fee)$29.95$7.0010 more rows•Aug 4, 2022
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.
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.
Which countries can enter Costa Rica without visa?
The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport....Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)AfghanistanIranCubaJamaicaDemocratic People's Republic of KoreaMyanmar ( Burma )EritreaPalestineHaitiSomalia2 more rows
What countries can travel to Costa Rica without a visa?
Citizens of Costa Rica do not need a visa to visit any of the European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement for passport-free travel, including France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain. However, by the end of 2022, they will be required to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to these same destinations.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
Yes. Indians need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. You are required to obtain a visa from the Costa Rican consulate in your country prior to traveling to Costa Rica. You will not be allowed entry at the border if you do not have this visa stamped in your passport.
Do US 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 US permanent residents need a visa for 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.
Are Costa Ricans US citizens?
Naturalization rates among Costa Ricans have remained fairly steady since 2000. In 2000, 1,895 individuals who identified their country of origin as Costa Rica became naturalized citizens of the United States.
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.
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 ...
Costa Rica Visa Requirements and Eligibility
Wondering if you require a visa to visit the home of stunning national parks like Corcovado?
Costa Rica Visa Form and Documents
If you are not eligible for a waiver, you must complete the visa application form and submit some documentation to your nearest embassy or consulate.
Costa Rica Visa Status Check
Want to check on the status of your application? The country’s Immigration ministry offers an online system to verify and check the status of your application.
How Much Is a Costa Rica Visa?
The cost varies depending on your nationality and which category of visa you fall under. Different embassies allow for different methods too so make sure to check the rules for the specific embassy where you’re applying.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Costa Rica Visitor Visa?
The processing time is usually about 30 calendar days. Make sure to apply in sufficient time ahead of your trip. You don’t want your travel plans to be thwarted because of not applying far enough in advance.
More Costa Rica Visitor Visa Questions and Information
Keep reading for more helpful answers about travel authorisation to visit one of the happiest countries in the world!
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.
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.
How much does a visa cost?
The application fees are shown below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common non-immigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205 The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.
How long is the visa application fee valid?
You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy. You must schedule your interview while the receipt is valid, which means your interview must be booked within one year of paying your fee. If you do not schedule an interview within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and you must pay the fee again and begin the process anew.
How much does a principal applicant have to pay for a blanket L visa?
This must be paid each time a new I-129-S is submitted. The principal applicant may be required to pay a higher $2,250.00 border security act fee if this is indicated on the I-129.
What is the benefit of a new visa?
The main benefit of the new visa is eliminating the “ border runs ” that were previously required to maintain perpetual tourist status . Foreign drivers license validity is extended along with the permission to remain.
When did the visa become law?
The visa became law in October of 2021 but there are still some kinks to work out in the wording and implementation.
What is the currency code for Costa Rica?
The symbol for the Costa Rican colón is ₡ and the currency code is CRC. Find the best exchange rates for transferring money to Costa Rica.
What is the most accepted payment method in Costa Rica?
Cash is the most accepted payment method in Costa Rica. Especially if you’re traveling in more rural areas where cards are not an option. The US dollars are also accepted in the capital but exchanging them to Costa Rican colones is best.
Where can I get the best exchange rate for Costa Rican colones?
You’ll find the best exchange rate for Costa Rican colones at your hotel or any bank. You can also easily withdraw colones from ATMs with your debit card and get a strong conversion rate. You’ll find the worst exchange rates at airports, so try to stay away from those.
What cards are accepted in Costa Rica?
Visa and Mastercard are most widely used in Costa Rica, with American Express cards coming in third. You may find ATMs and places that accept Discover cards, though Discover is overall rarely accepted.
Does Costa Rica charge a surcharge?
The Q Costa Rica, a Latin America news portal, reported that some Costa Rican merchants may add an illegal surcharge of up to 8% on credit card purchases. Make sure you ask merchants about fees before using your card.
Can you use plastic in Costa Rica?
You can freely use plastic in Costa Rica. Save money by finding a card without foreign transaction fees, and ask merchants for hidden fees.
Can you use traveler's checks in Costa Rica?
Using traveler’s checks. Traveler’s checks aren’t widely accepted in Costa Rica, but you could exchange them in some of the main banks. This can be an option if you don’t want to carry a lot of cash. However, the other money options are generally cheaper and without the hassle.

The First Group
The Second Group
- Citizens of the second group of countries do not require a visa. 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 gran…
The Third Group
- Citizens of the THIRD group of countries require a visa. The request for a restricted Costa Rica Visa must be addressed to the Commission of Restricted Visas. The application must be admitted by the applicant and their relative residing in Costa Rica or indeed their attorney. The relationship to the applicant as well as the qualifications have to be stated. The documentation has to be aut…
The Fourth Group
- Citizens of the fourth group of countries MUST obtain a visa from a Costa Rican consulate before traveling to Costa Rica. Visas will rarely be granted unless for a minor or major with a disability or spouse or parents for family reunification. The request for a restricted Visa must be addressed to the Commission of Restricted Visas, by the applicant and his relative residing in Costa Rica or hi…