Who Needs to Apply for a Visa to Costa Rica?
The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:
- Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry. This category included nationals of the United States and European Union member states. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days.
- Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 30 days.
- Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence. The Costa Rica visa allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
- Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas. If approved, it allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
What are the Costa Rica Visa requirements?
The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica visa application are:
- An application letter, directed to the Costa Rica consulate, containing:
- The purpose of your travel
- Your personal information (name, age, date and place of birth)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Place of residence
- Intended date of arrival and departure from Costa Rica
- Where you will stay while you are in Costa Rica
- The date
- Contact information
- Your signature
- A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport must be valid for an additional six months.
- Return flight ticket reservation. You’re advised not to pay for your ticket until your visa application has been approved. Read here how to book a flight ticket without paying the full price.
- Two pictures of yourself with the following specifications:
- 2 inches x 2 inches
- White background
- Neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
- Glasses are allowed as long as they do not hide your eyes or face (no thick rims, no reflection, no tinted glass)
- Head gear is not allowed, unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, it must not obstruct the face.
- Proof of sufficient financial means, such as through bank statements from the last three months, letter from employer, of proof of property.
- Certificate of police clearance from your country.
- Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are coming from a place that’s at risk of Yellow Fever.
If you are a visa-holder or Permanent Resident in another country: Proof of the visa/Residence Permit should be submitted.
How to Apply for Costa Rica Visa?
The Costa Rica visa application process differs depending on the type of visa you need: Costa Rica Consular Visa or Costa Rica Restricted Visa.
What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for USA Nationals
US nationals do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism purposes (up to 90 days) – they can travel with simply their passport and will receive an entry stamp on their passport by the immigration officers.
However, upon arrival, the passport must be valid for at least another day, and they must show they have access to at least $300.
For stays longer than 90 days, they must obtain a Costa Rica residence permit.
What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for Indian Nationals?
Indian nationals need to apply for a Consular Visa before they travel to Costa Rica. They can apply using the application procedure as described above.
How long does it take to get a Costa Rica visa?
The Costa Rica visa processing time is about 30 calendar days.
Is a Costa Rica Visa All the Permission You Need to Enter the Country?
No, it is not. After you receive a Costa Rica visa, you will still be subject to immigration control at the Costa Rica point of entry. If the immigration officers at border control decide to grant you entry, they will stamp your passport with the decision.
If you are not allowed to enter, you must return back to your country. Your visa fee will not be refunded.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter Costa Rica?
Yes, all foreign nationals, including United States citizens, who intend to enter Costa Rica must be in possession of a valid passport. The validity of your passport depends on your country.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals on Group 1 need to have a passport that is valid for at least one day after they enter.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals on Group 2 need a passport that is valid for at least another three months from the date of entrance.
Visa-required nationals must have a passport that is valid for at least another six months from the date they apply for the visa.
What is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?
Yes, all foreign nationals who enter Costa Rica have to pay a departure tax before they leave. The tax is about US$28-29, and you can pay it in the local currency, in USD or with a credit card.
However, check with your airline agency to see whether the departure tax is already included on your flight ticket, as some airline companies tend to do.
Can Visa Holders of the US and Europe Enter Costa Rica?
Yes, if you have a visa for a Schengen and EU country, the USA, Canada, or South Korea, you can use it to enter Costa Rica, provided that the visa is still valid. You can remain for the period you have left in your existing visa or how long you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica.
Business Visa Application Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa
- A visa is not required for this destination for a stay of up to 90 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page
- Hold proof of onward and return flights
- Hold all documents required for the next destination
- Hold documents showing proof of travel purpose (e.g. business cover or support letter, conference registrations, etc.)
- Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay
- It is recommended that you confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Tourist Application Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa
- A visa is not required for this destination for a stay of up to 90 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page
- Hold proof of onward and return flights
- Hold all documents required for the next destination
- Hold documents showing proof of travel purpose (e.g. business cover or support letter, conference registrations, etc.)
- Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay
- It is recommended that you confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa
Do you need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
US nationals do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country).
How can I get visa for Costa Rica?
Contact the Costa Rica consulate to make a Costa Rica visa application appointment. Submit the required documents (see “Requirements” below). Complete the Costa Rica application form, available on the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería website, the Immigration Department of Costa Rica.
How much is a work visa for Costa Rica?
The cost of Costa Rica’s work visa, the Special Category Residence visa, is the same as any temporary residence permit: 28,300 CRC (50 USD). Expats should also keep in mind that this is just the application fee.
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