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.
Medical visa (Medical Tourism - 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
Up to 180 days for medical treatment, non-extendable for US/Canada/EU nationals.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means - minimum of US$100.00 per month of stay, plus funds for medical treatment.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month plus medical treatment funds
-
Purpose of visit
Use standard tourist visa for medical treatment. Documentation from medical facility where treatment is scheduled advisable for extended treatments.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Costa Rica; Minimum coverage: Medical insurance recommended
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Medical visa (Medical Treatment 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 sufficient funds to cover medical treatment and stay.
Minimum funds: Sufficient for medical treatment and stay
-
Purpose of visit
Duration depends on length of treatment, extensions can be applied for if necessary.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Costa Rica; Minimum coverage: Medical insurance coverage recommended
How to apply
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Document submission
Submit visa application with medical documentation including application form, passport, medical records, treatment plan, financial proof, and all documents translated to Spanish.
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Processing wait
Application processed. Processing takes 30 calendar days for consular visa (Group 3), or 90+ days for restricted visa (Group 4).
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Visa collection
Receive medical treatment visa if approved.