Determining When a Visa to Costa Rica is Needed
The visa that you need for a trip to Costa Rica will depend on many factors. Your nationality, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your visit will determine whether you need a visa or not for your upcoming trip. If you are hoping to visit this stunning country this year, today we're going to share with you everything you need to know to plan your next visit. With travel resuming around the world, we expect Costa Rica to be a popular destination with tourists looking to explore the country's beautiful nature and escape their day-to-day life. Keep in mind, most travelers visiting Costa Rica for 90 days or less will not need a visa.
Steps if a Visa is Required
Contact Embassy
Look up the embassy that falls in your jurisdiction.
Visit embassy
Go to embassy or mission with application details.
Receive visa
Once visa is received, keep it safe with travel documents.
Costa Rica Entry Policy
Costa Rica Visa for US Citizens
If you are a US citizen planning a trip to Costa Rica this year, you won't need a visa to enter the country. As long as your stay doesn't exceed 90 days, you won't have to apply for a visa beforehand to enter. To enter Costa Rica, you will need a valid passport and proof of a return ticket to leave the country in the next 90 days. If you are looking to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, a Temporary Residence Visa will be needed. For visitors to Costa Rica from other countries, you'll want to verify the visa requirements for your nationality. Many other countries have similar privileges as those for the US and don't require a visa to visit Costa Rica.
Temporary Residence Visa
For travelers to Costa Rica who wish to stay for longer than a short vacation, you'll want to consider the Temporary Residence Visa. These are available for a wide range of purposes, including for retirees, students, and teachers. To apply for this type of visa, you'll need to process your paperwork at the Immigration Office of Costa Rica. A request letter will need to be provided, sharing your reasons for applying for temporary residency in the country. This is a much more complex process than a simple tourist visa, so ensure you check the requirements for your application. Expect to show documentation to support your application and show that you are able to support yourself whilst in the country.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Travelers visiting Costa Rica from South America or Sub-Saharan Africa will need to show proof of their yellow fever vaccine. You'll need to present your certificate upon arrival into the country, and anyone in your party over the age of nine months will need to be vaccinated. A yellow fever certificate is valid ten days after the vaccination, and the certificate will be valid for life.
Costa Rica is a popular destination with travelers, especially visitors from the US, who appreciate its close proximity to their home country. US citizens can enjoy spending up to 90 days exploring this beautiful country, but if you do plan to stay longer, consider the Temporary Residence Visa options available to you. For anyone visiting from a country with a risk of yellow fever, it's crucial that you are fully vaccinated before your trip. Wherever you are traveling from, take the time to check out current restrictions to ensure you experience no delays or issues during your trip to Costa Rica this year.