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Costa Rica visa requirements for Colombian citizens

Colombian citizens need a visa for Costa Rica, from its embassy or consulate.

Passport

COL

Colombia

Going to

CRI

Costa Rica

Visa needed

Colombian and Nicaraguan visitors need a visa unless a visa-free rule applies.

Visa
Required
Last updated
11 November 2026

Make your trip easier

Do you already have any of these?

Some countries make entry easier if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from another country.

Special rules for Colombian citizens in Costa Rica

  • No visa required if holding a Multiple Entry Visa for the United States, Canada.

What to do

  1. Find Costa Rica's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.

  2. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.

  3. Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.

Get your Costa Rica visa sorted

A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.

Ways into Costa Rica

Check your passport country and foreign visas or residence papers.

  • Visa required For your passportColombian and Nicaraguan visaColombian and Nicaraguan visitors need a visa unless a visa-free rule applies.
    Stay
    90 days
    Entries
    Single

    How to apply

    1. Contact the consulate for its appointment and document list.
    2. Submit your application and supporting papers.
    3. Get your visa stamped before travel.
    4. Confirm the deadline for using your visa.

    Documents required

    • Passport valid at least 90 days
    • Application and signed request
    • Travel booking
    • Proof of money
    • Police record
    • Other papers the consulate requests
    • Return ticket
    • The guide gives 60 working days after stamping; confirm your visa's travel deadline.
    • Two visas may be approved together for separate visits with a clear reason.
    Official page
  • Visa not requiredUS or Canadian visaSome visitors can skip a Costa Rican visa using a US or Canadian visa.
    Fee
    Free

    How to apply

    1. Check that your visa allows multiple entries.
    2. Check it has started and has 1 day left.
    3. Check that its visa type is accepted.
    4. Show your visa and entry papers at the border.

    Documents required

    • Passport meeting your country's rules
    • Accepted US or Canadian multiple-entry visa
    • Onward ticket
    • 100 USD per month or part-month
    • Return ticket
    • US C1, C2 and C3 visas do not qualify; D and C1/D qualify.
    • Your stay depends on nationality and cannot outlast the foreign visa.
    Official page
  • Visa not requiredUS or Canadian residenceSome visitors can skip a Costa Rican visa using US or Canadian residence papers.
    Fee
    Free

    How to apply

    1. Check that your residence papers allow multiple entries.
    2. Check that they have at least 1 day left.
    3. Check the separate 90-day rule for refugee travel documents.
    4. Show your original papers at the border.

    Documents required

    • Passport or accepted travel document
    • Accepted residence papers
    • Onward ticket
    • 100 USD per month or part-month
    • Return ticket
    • Refugees using the separate travel-document rule need status valid for 90 days from arrival.
    • Your stay depends on nationality and cannot outlast your residence document.
    Official page
  • Visa not requiredEuropean residence exemptionAccepted European residence papers may let you visit without a Costa Rican visa.
    Fee
    Free

    How to apply

    1. Ask the consulate whether your residence papers qualify.
    2. Check multiple-entry rights or at least 90 days remaining.
    3. Prepare your papers and any required translation.
    4. Show your papers at the border.

    Documents required

    • Passport meeting your country's rules
    • Accepted residence papers
    • Translation if required
    • Onward ticket
    • 100 USD per month or part-month
    • Return ticket
    • Refugee and asylum residence papers do not qualify for this route.
    • Your nationality and the border officer decide your allowed stay.
    Official page
  • Visa not requiredSchengen visa exemptionAn accepted multiple-entry Schengen visa may let you visit without a Costa Rican visa.
    Fee
    Free

    How to apply

    1. Check that your visa is type C or D.
    2. Check multiple entries and a validity of 90 days maximum.
    3. Check that the issuing country is on the guide's list.
    4. Check it has started and has 1 day left.
    5. Show your visa and entry papers at the border.

    Documents required

    • Passport meeting your country's rules
    • Accepted multiple-entry Schengen visa
    • Onward ticket
    • 100 USD per month or part-month
    • Return ticket
    • Your stay depends on nationality and cannot outlast the Schengen visa.
    • A visa that starts after your arrival does not qualify.
    Official page
Sources (16)Last updated 11 November 2026

Embassies for this trip

Book an appointment before you go.

All embassies
  • Embassy

    Embassy of Costa Rica in Colombia

    Carrera 11a #93-67, Edificio Parque Ejecutivo

Coming from Colombia

  • Plugs A BNo adapter
  • MoneyCRC ₡
  • Time−1h
  • DrivingOn the rightSame as home
  • LanguageSpanishSpoken at home too
  • Emergency911 police

Planning your Costa Rica trip

Best time to go: December to April is the dry season. May to November is the rainy season; September and October have the most rain and the fewest tourists.

  • National parks and protected areasThese protect a rich variety of plants and wildlife across almost 28% of Costa Rica.
  • Pacific and Caribbean beachesBoth coasts have well-known beaches, with relatively short travel distances between the two sides.
  • Active volcanoesSeveral active volcanoes can be visited safely.
  • Central Cordillera mountainsThe mountains offer a cooler climate than the coast, while their Caribbean slopes receive very heavy rainfall.
Read the full Costa Rica guide

Scams to watch for in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American republic between Nicaragua and Panama, with two coastlines.

Capital
San José
Money
Costa Rican colón (₡)
Languages
Spanish
Time zone
UTC-06:00
Cars drive on the
right side
Calling code
+506
Read the Costa Rica guide

Other Americas passports

Going to Costa Rica

Easier trips nearby

Places close to Costa Rica with simpler entry for you.

Questions

Are there special rules for Colombian citizens visiting Costa Rica?

Where can Colombian citizens enter Costa Rica?

Only through: May transit without visa if transit is through San José Airport and for no longer than 12 hours..

Do colombian citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?

Colombian citizens need a visa for Costa Rica, from its embassy or consulate.

Where do I apply for a Costa Rica visa?

At Costa Rica's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.

Is it easier to visit Costa Rica if I already have a US, UK or Schengen visa?

With a valid visa from US and Canada, the rule becomes "no visa needed".

Do costa rican citizens need a visa for Colombia?

Costa Rican citizens do not need a visa for Colombia. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 180 days.

Do other Americas passports get easier entry to Costa Rica?

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados Belize, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.

Which countries near Costa Rica are easier for colombian citizens?

Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras Panama, and 3 more let colombian citizens in without applying before travel.

What should I carry to Costa Rica?

Find Costa Rica's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.

What money is used in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican colón (₡). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.

What language do people speak in Costa Rica?

Spanish.

How strong is the Colombia passport?

It ranks #39 and reaches 113 destinations without applying ahead.

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