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.
Transit visa (Transit - Group 1 Countries)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- N/A
- Fee
- Free
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Can transit through Costa Rican airports without exiting the airport. Airport transit only, not exiting immigration.
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: Yes; Must show return: No
Transit visa (Transit Visa Required)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Processing time
- Varies by consulate
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Validity
- 30 days from issuance
- Entry
- Single entry
Includes all Group 4 countries plus additional nationals as per 2026 update. Apply in advance of travel.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Maximum period of 48 hours to transit through Costa Rica once entered the country. First entry to Costa Rica must be carried out within 30 days from visa issuance date.
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: No
How to apply
-
Document submission
Apply for transit visa at Costa Rican embassy or consulate with application form, passport, onward flight ticket, and visa for final destination (if required).
-
Processing wait
Transit visa processed. Processing time varies by consulate.
-
Visa collection
Receive transit visa valid for 48 hours, must be used within 30 days of issuance.