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7 ways to enter

Costa Rica visas

Costa Rica tourist visa

Your passport determines whether you can visit without a visa for 180 or 30 days. Other travellers need a visa, unless they qualify through a visa or residence permit from another country.

Ways to get a Costa Rica tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry for 180 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of all European Union member states and the other countries listed for this option.

    Stay
    Up to 180 days.

  2. Visa-free entry for 30 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the countries and territories listed for this option.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

  3. Entry with a qualifying foreign visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Citizens who would normally need a Costa Rican visa may qualify through a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from an eligible country.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.
    Valid for
    The qualifying visa or residence permit must generally be valid for more than six months on arrival.

  4. Visa from an embassy or consulate

    Visa needed

    Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry need a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate.

  6. Visa-free entry with a public affairs passport

    No visa needed

    Citizens of China whose passports are endorsed "for public affairs".

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption must get a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed countries can visit without a visa for 180 or 30 days. Some holders of other countries' visas or residence permits and certain special passports also qualify.

Good to know

  • Keep within the stay allowed by your entry route.
  • If restricted visa rules apply to you, get approval from the Commission for Restricted Visas before arrival.
  • An extension to 90 days is mentioned for some 30-day stays, but the eligible passports are not identified.
  • Passport validity requirements of one day and three months on arrival are mentioned, but the matching passport groups are not identified.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Costa Rica?

Visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption must get a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate. Citizens of the listed countries can visit without a visa for 180 or 30 days. Some holders of other countries' visas or residence permits and certain special passports also qualify.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Costa Rica?

There are 7 options: Visa-free entry for 180 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for 30 days (no visa at all); Entry with a qualifying foreign visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Visa from an embassy or consulate (a visa from an embassy); Restricted visa with prior approval (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free entry with a public affairs passport (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a diplomatic or official passport (no visa at all).

Who can go to Costa Rica without a tourist visa?

Citizens of all European Union member states and the other countries listed for this option. Citizens of the countries and territories listed for this option. Citizens who would normally need a Costa Rican visa may qualify through a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from an eligible country. Citizens of China whose passports are endorsed "for public affairs". Holders of diplomatic or service or official passports from the listed countries.

How long can I stay on a Costa Rica tourist visa?

Up to 180 or 30 days, depending on your passport or exemption.

What rules do I have to follow on a Costa Rica tourist visa?

Keep within the stay allowed by your entry route. If restricted visa rules apply to you, get approval from the Commission for Restricted Visas before arrival.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Costa Rica?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Costa Rica visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Costa Rica be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Costa Rica tourist visa rules?

On Costa Rica's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in Costa Rica?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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