Costa Rica Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
To enter Costa Rica, visitors must hold a passport valid for at least the duration of their intended stay. However, many airlines require at least six months' validity remaining on the passport from the date of arrival.
Passport Note
Passport and visa regulations are subject to change, and airlines may have different requirements. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should check with the relevant embassy before departure, particularly when transiting through a third country. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these requirements.
Visas
Citizens of many countries can visit Costa Rica without a visa for tourism purposes, though the permitted length of stay varies depending on nationality and is determined by the immigration authorities on arrival. Visa-exempt nationalities include the following:
Africa: Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, South Africa.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay.
Asia: Brunei Darussalam, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Nationals from countries not listed above are advised to contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate to verify visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Visa fees vary depending on the applicant's nationality, the type of visa required and the embassy or consulate processing the application.
Validity
The validity and permitted length of stay for Costa Rican visas vary depending on nationality and visa type. Visa-exempt visitors are commonly granted stays of up to 30, 90 or 180 days on arrival, at the discretion of immigration authorities.
Application to
Travellers who require a visa should apply through the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate. Requirements typically include a valid passport, completed application form, photographs, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds.
The official immigration authority of Costa Rica is the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).
Working days
Visa processing times vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the Costa Rican embassy or consulate handling the application. Processing can range from a few working days to several weeks, so applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
Entry with pets
You're advised to check the National Animal Health Services site www.senasa.go.cr for the latest list of requirements.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.