Costa Rica
General visa requirements for travelling to Costa Rica. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (Short-term Business Visitor Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 30 calendar days (Group 3) or 90+ days (Group 4)
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Entry
- Single entry
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means - minimum of US$100.00 per month of stay.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
-
Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, negotiations - no income generated within Costa Rica.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from employer or business invitation from Costa Rican company detailing purpose of visit, duration of stay, and activities to be conducted
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit business visa application at Costa Rican embassy or consulate with application form, passport, business invitation/letter, passport photos, financial proof, and all documents translated to Spanish.
-
Processing wait
Application processed. Processing takes 30 calendar days for consular visa (Group 3), or 90+ days for restricted visa (Group 4).
-
Visa collection
Receive business visa if approved.
Business visa (Business Visitors - Group 1 Countries)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- N/A - entry stamp upon arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 180 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means - minimum of US$100.00 per month of stay.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
-
Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, negotiations - no income generated within Costa Rica.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from employer or business invitation from Costa Rican company detailing purpose of visit, duration of stay, and activities to be conducted