Costa Rica

Questions & Answers about Costa Rica Visa

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Costa Rica visa

  • A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
  • A return ticket or onward travel documentation
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
  • Visa-exempt nationals can stay for up to 90 days; others may need to apply for a visa in advance

No, a tourist visa cannot be obtained upon arrival in Costa Rica.

The maximum duration of stay on a tourist visa in Costa Rica is 90 days.
  • Maximum duration of stay: 90 days

To extend a tourist visa in Costa Rica, you need to follow these steps:
  • Visit the nearest immigration office in Costa Rica.
  • Complete an application form for a visa extension.
  • Submit your completed application form along with the required documents.
  • Provide a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Submit your round-trip or onward flight ticket.
  • Show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Costa Rica.
  • Provide evidence of medical insurance coverage during your extended stay.
  • Pay the visa extension fee as required by the immigration authorities.
  • Wait for the immigration officials to process your application.
  • Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa extension.

  • A valid passport that is at least 6 months from expiration
  • A completed Visa application form
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay
  • A clean criminal record certificate
  • A medical certificate stating that you do not have any contagious diseases
  • An employment contract or letter from the company/employer stating the purpose and duration of your stay
  • Apostilled or legalized university degree or professional certificate (if applicable)
  • Payment of the visa application fee

  • Valid passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Costa Rica
  • Proof of financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses in Costa Rica
  • Proof of medical insurance coverage
  • Proof of round-trip air ticket or confirmed itinerary
  • Police clearance certificate

No, a transit visa is not required for a layover in Costa Rica.

  • Pets must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days prior to travel.
  • Rabies vaccination must be up to date, with a waiting period of at least 30 days before entering the country.
  • Pets must be accompanied by an International Health Certificate, issued by an official authority or veterinarian.
  • Pets must be free from diseases and external parasites at the time of arrival.
  • Cats must be vaccinated against Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
  • Dogs must be vaccinated against Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, and Parainfluenza.
  • Pets must be at least 3 months old to enter the country.
  • Exotic pets may require special permission from the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Yes, it is possible to change your visa status while in Costa Rica.

Andorran citizens do not need a visa to visit the Costa Rica.

The maximum duration of stay in Costa Rica for citizens of Andorra for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Costa Rica is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Costa Rica is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Costa Rican immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Andorran citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Costa Rica Andorran citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Antigua and Barbuda citizens do not need a visa to visit the Costa Rica.

The maximum duration of stay in Costa Rica for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Costa Rica is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Costa Rica is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Costa Rican immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Antigua and Barbuda citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Costa Rica Antigua and Barbuda citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Argentine citizens do not need a visa to visit the Costa Rica.

The maximum duration of stay in Costa Rica for citizens of Argentina for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Costa Rica is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Costa Rica is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Costa Rican immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Argentine citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Costa Rica Argentine citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Austrian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Costa Rica.

The maximum duration of stay in Costa Rica for citizens of Austria for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Costa Rica is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Costa Rica is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Costa Rican immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Austrian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Costa Rica Austrian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Bahamian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Costa Rica.

The maximum duration of stay in Costa Rica for citizens of Bahamas for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Costa Rica is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Costa Rica is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Costa Rican immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Bahamian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Costa Rica Bahamian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.