Visa and travel Requirements to visit Costa Rica

Passport and Entry Document Requirements

Ensuring your travel documents are in order is the first step to a seamless journey. Please review these requirements carefully.

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Costa Rica. We strongly advise checking your passport’s expiration date now to avoid any last-minute complications. Ensure it does not expire while you are abroad.
• Condition of Passport: The passport must be in good condition, free from any significant damage, tears, or alterations. You must also have at least one completely blank page available for Costa Rican immigration stamps.

Tourist Visa Exemption: Who Can Enter Without a Visa

Costa Rica categorizes countries into four groups to determine visa requirements. Fortunately, the majority of our travelers, including those from North America and Europe, fall into “Group 1,” which allows for the most straightforward entry process.

Group 1 Nationalities (Up to 90-Day Stay)

Citizens of countries in this group do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica as a tourist. This group includes, but is not limited to, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, and Australia.

Upon arrival, an immigration officer will grant you a permitted stay of up to 90 days. Please note that this duration is not automatic; the officer determines the exact number of days you are permitted to stay and will stamp it in your passport.

Finding Your Country’s Requirement

To confirm your specific entry requirements and the maximum stay you are eligible for, it is essential to consult the official source. Please find your nationality on the list provided by the Costa Rican immigration authority.

• Official List: Costa Rican General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME)

Mandatory Entry Requirements for All Visa-Exempt Travelers

Even if you do not need a visa, you must present the following documents to your airline at check-in and to immigration officials upon arrival in Costa Rica. Failure to do so may result in being denied boarding or entry.

Proof of Onward Travel (Exit Ticket)

This is a pre-booked and confirmed ticket to exit Costa Rica within the stay authorized by immigration (typically 90 days). It serves as proof that you do not intend to stay indefinitely.

• Acceptable forms include a return flight ticket, a flight ticket to another country, or a bus ticket to a neighboring country like Panama or Nicaragua.
• We recommend having a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone readily accessible for inspection.

Proof of Economic Solvency

This is the official requirement to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit. The guideline is a minimum of USD $100 per month of your intended stay.

While immigration officials rarely ask tourists for this proof, it is an official regulation. It is wise to be prepared with one of the following:

• Recent bank statements showing a sufficient balance.
• Your primary credit cards.

Special Entry Considerations

Yellow Fever Vaccination

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory only if you are arriving from specific countries designated as at-risk areas, primarily in South America and sub-Saharan Africa. This includes countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

• The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before your date of travel to Costa Rica.
• If your travel itinerary includes a stop in one of the listed countries before you arrive in Costa Rica, you must comply. Please check the complete, official list to see if this applies to you.
• Official Information: Consult the list of designated countries for the most current information.

Minors Traveling to Costa Rica

To ensure the safety and welfare of children, Costa Rica has specific documentation recommendations for minors.

• Traveling with both parents: Typically, no special documentation is required beyond the minor’s valid passport.
• Traveling with one parent, a guardian, or alone: It is strongly recommended to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This letter should authorize the travel, state the destination, and provide contact information. To prevent any issues at immigration or with your airline, we advise checking for the most current and specific requirements with both your airline and the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your home country.

Official Resources and Final Checks

Entry policies are determined by the Costa Rican government and can change. We urge you to perform a final check of the requirements before your departure.

• DGME Website: The ultimate source of truth for all immigration and visa matters is the official website: www.migracion.go.cr.
• Costa Rican Embassy/Consulate: For the most personalized and up-to-date information, please consult the website of the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
• Disclaimer: Please be aware that entry requirements are subject to change without prior notice. It is the traveler’s sole responsibility to obtain and present all necessary and valid travel documents.