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.
Tourist visa (Group 1 - Visa-Free 180 Days)
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
Entry stamp upon arrival allows up to 180 calendar days, non-extendable.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means required - minimum of US$100.00 per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
-
Purpose of visit
Eligible for tourist visits with entry stamp upon arrival.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Group 4 - Restricted Visa Required)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- Minimum 90 days
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Validity
- Up to 90 days total
- Entry
- Single entry
Requires approval from the Commission of Restricted Visas at the Directorate of Immigration in Costa Rica. Must be applied at least 90 days before expected travel.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means - minimum of US$100.00 per month or partial month of legal stay.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Restricted visa application form
-
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit restricted visa application at nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate with completed application form, passport, passport photos, application letter, and all supporting documents translated to Spanish.
-
Processing wait
Application forwarded to General Office of Migration in Costa Rica for approval by Commission of Restricted Visas. Processing takes minimum 90 days after documents sent to Costa Rica.
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee after approval as specified by the consulate.
-
Visa collection
Receive restricted visa if approved.
Tourist visa (Visa Exemption with US/Canada/Schengen Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Processing time
- N/A - entry stamp upon arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Entry
- Single entry
Valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from United States, Canada, or Schengen Area (C or D visa for Schengen, multiple entry only) must have at least 90 days of validity remaining upon arrival. Schengen visa must be Category C or D, multiple entry only, issued for no more than 90 days, and valid for at least one calendar day on intended date of entry. Authorized stay cannot exceed the remaining validity of the third-country visa or residence permit.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Nationals from visa-required countries holding valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from United States, Canada, or Schengen Area countries are eligible for visa-free entry.
-
Financial
Proof of economic means - minimum of US$100.00 per month of stay.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Group 2 - Visa-Free 30 Days)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- N/A - entry stamp upon arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means required - minimum of US$100.00 per month or partial month of legal stay.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
-
Purpose of visit
Eligible for tourist visits with shorter stay duration.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Group 3 - Consular Visa Required)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 30 calendar days
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Validity
- 30 days, extendable
- Entry
- Single entry
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized at Costa Rica consulate.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic means - minimum of US$100.00 per month or partial month of legal stay.
Minimum funds: $100 USD per month
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Visa application form
-
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit complete visa application form, passport photocopies of all pages, application letter directed to Costa Rica consulate, and all supporting documents translated into Spanish and legalized at Costa Rica consulate.
-
Processing wait
Application processed by consular authorities. Wait up to 30 calendar days for processing.
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee after approval as specified by the consulate.
-
Visa collection
Receive visa if approved.