Visa Requirement Summary

A tourist visa is required for travelers visiting Costa Rica for tourism purposes. The visa allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, and a return ticket to your home country. It is important to note that visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so it is recommended to check with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country before traveling. Additionally, travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining. Enjoy your trip to Costa Rica!
Stay Duration: 50 days
Quick Facts
Fast-track your Costa Rica vacation with a tourist visa! No visa needed for stays under 90 days. Just bring a valid passport and return ticket. Enjoy!

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the official website of the Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate in your country to find the visa application form.

2. Fill out the visa application form completely and accurately. Make sure to provide all necessary information, such as personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit.

3. Gather the required documents for the tourist visa application, which may include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation.

4. Schedule an appointment at the Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate in your country to submit your visa application. Some embassies may accept walk-in applications, so be sure to check their specific requirements.

5. Attend the visa appointment and submit your completed application form and supporting documents. Be prepared to answer any questions the consular officer may have about your travel plans.

6. Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality. Check the embassy's website for the current fee schedule.

7.

Online Application Links

1. Costa Rica eVisa Application Portal: https://migracion.go.cr/ (Costa Rica Immigration Website)

2. Costa Rica Tourist Visa Online Application: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements (Visit Costa Rica Website)

Documents Required

List of Documents

- Valid passport

- Passport-sized photos

- Completed visa application form

- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental agreement)

- Travel itinerary (flight tickets, travel insurance)

- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay

- Letter of invitation (if applicable)

- Copy of return flight ticket

- Proof of yellow fever vaccination (if traveling from a high-risk country)

- Bank statements

- Employment verification letter

- Travel insurance

- Birth certificate

- Marriage certificate (if applicable)

- Police clearance certificate

Fees

Visa Fees
The cost of a visa application for Costa Rica is $160 USD for a tourist visa. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when submitting the application. Additional fees may apply for other types of visas or services. It is important to check the most up-to-date information on visa fees before applying.
Additional Costs
In addition to the standard visa application fee, travelers to Costa Rica may encounter additional costs such as service fees or express processing fees. These extra charges can vary depending on the specific services required and the processing time requested. It is recommended to check with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on any additional costs that may apply to your visa application.

Processing Time

Standard Processing Time
The standard processing time for visa approval in Costa Rica is typically around 2-4 weeks. This can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the volume of applications being processed. It is important to submit all required documents accurately and in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the approval process. If you have any specific questions about the processing time for your visa application, it is recommended to contact the Costa Rican consulate or embassy for more information.
Express Processing Options
If you need your documents processed quickly in Costa Rica, there are expedited processing options available. These options can help you get your paperwork processed faster than the standard processing time. Expedited processing may come with an additional fee, but it can be worth it if you are in a hurry. Contact the relevant government agency or service provider to inquire about expedited processing options and how to take advantage of them.

Validity

Visa Duration
Visa duration for Costa Rica varies depending on the type of visa. Tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days, with the possibility of extending for up to 90 more days. Work visas and residency permits can range from one to three years.
Entry Type
Single-entry for Costa Rica.

Extensions

Extension Process

To extend your visa in Costa Rica, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Immigration Office in San Jose or a regional office before your current visa expires.

2. Fill out the extension application form and provide any required documents, such as proof of financial stability or a valid passport.

3. Pay the visa extension fee, which can vary depending on the length of the extension requested.

4. Attend an interview at the Immigration Office, if required.

5. Wait for a decision on your visa extension, which can take up to a few weeks.

6. If approved, you will receive a new visa stamp in your passport with the extended expiration date.

It's important to start the extension process before your current visa expires to avoid any penalties or potential deportation. If you have any questions or need assistance, consider hiring a local immigration lawyer to help navigate the process.

Extension Fees
Extension fees for visas in Costa Rica vary depending on the type of visa and the length of the extension. Generally, the cost can range from $100 to $200 for a 90-day extension. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and it is recommended to check with the immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, there may be additional fees for processing and administrative costs. It is advisable to plan ahead and apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid any penalties or complications.
Validity of Extensions
In Costa Rica, the validity of visa extensions varies depending on the type of visa. Tourist visas can be extended for up to 90 days, while temporary resident visas can be extended for up to two years. It is important to note that visa extensions must be applied for before the current visa expires, and there may be additional requirements and fees involved in the extension process. It is recommended to consult with the Costa Rican immigration authorities or a legal professional for specific information on visa extension durations.

Additional Information

Special Requirements

When traveling to Costa Rica, there are a few special requirements to keep in mind. Visitors must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay. Additionally, travelers from certain countries may need a visa to enter Costa Rica, so it is important to check this before your trip.

There are no specific medical exams or vaccination certificates required to enter Costa Rica. However, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), chickenpox, polio, and the yearly flu shot.

It is also important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of illness or injury during your stay in Costa Rica. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you receive the necessary medical care if needed.

Overall, as long as you have a valid passport, check visa requirements, and have travel insurance, you should have

Travel Advisories
Costa Rica currently has no major travel advisories or warnings. However, visitors are advised to exercise normal precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and belongings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and using reputable transportation services. It is also recommended to stay up to date on local news and follow any guidance from local authorities. Overall, Costa Rica is a safe and popular destination for tourists.
Local Laws and Customs

When traveling to Costa Rica, it's important to be aware of the local laws and customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

- Drugs: Costa Rica has strict laws against drug possession and trafficking. It is illegal to possess any type of drug, including marijuana.

- Wildlife: Costa Rica is known for its diverse wildlife. It is illegal to harm or disturb any animals in national parks and protected areas.

- Driving: The legal blood alcohol limit for driving in Costa Rica is 0.05%. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle.

- Beaches: Nudity is not allowed on public beaches in Costa Rica. It is also important to respect the environment and avoid littering.

- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Costa Rica, but it is appreciated for good service.

By familiarizing yourself with these local laws and customs, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Costa Rica.

Quick Facts About the Country

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America known for its stunning natural beauty and commitment to environmental conservation. It is home to over 5% of the world's biodiversity, with lush rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches.

Costa Rica is one of the world's oldest democracies and has not had a standing army since 1948. It is also a leader in renewable energy, with over 99% of its electricity coming from renewable sources.

The country is a popular destination for eco-tourism, with activities such as zip-lining, surfing, and hiking through the cloud forests. Costa Ricans, known as Ticos, are friendly and welcoming people who take pride in their country's natural beauty and commitment to sustainability.

Cost Amount (per day)
$ 40.00
Total Score
4 / 5 Stars
Safety
Great
English Speaking
Great
Quality Of Life
Great
Family
Excellent
Community
Great
Fun
Great
Food Safety
Excellent
Education Level
Great
People Density
Okay
Hospitals
Great
Nightlife
Great
Free Wifi In City
Great
Friendly To Foreigners
Great
Freedom Of Speech
Excellent
Female Friendly
Great
LGBT Friendly
Great