How to get a visa to Costa Rica

Planning to visit Costa Rica? Lucky you! A whopping wealth of unforgettable experiences await in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. But before you start scheduling all those trips to national parks, beaches and volcanoes, read on to find out how to get a Costa Rica visa, and whether you need one in the first place. 

Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica? 

Visiting Costa Rica as a tourist for under 90 days? You don’t need a visa — entry to Costa Rica is allowed for tourists from all countries.

To enter Costa Rica as a tourist, you need a valid passport, plus proof of your intent to exit the country before your entry stamp expires, which is usually within 90 days.

Note that your country of origin determines how long you can stay in Costa Rica as a tourist. Note also that while granting stays of up to 90 days is standard, immigration officials determine the duration of your stay.

In some cases, the official might also ask that you provide evidence of economic solvency for your stay in Costa Rica.

Check the Costa Rica tourist board site and the official Costa Rica government website for details.

UK citizens

British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Rather, you can stay as a tourist visitor for up to 90 days, subject to fulfilling the requirements outlined above.

US citizens

As for UK nationals, US nationals don’t need a visa to Costa Rica for visits up to 90 days, and the same requirements apply. 

That is to say, you need a passport that’s valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. You also need evidence of onward travel, or a return ticket within the 90-day period.

How to get a visa to Costa Rica

If you're planning to visit Costa Rica for purposes other than tourism, or want to visit as a tourist for longer than 90 days, consult the official government website. 

There you can check the requirements depending on the purpose of your visit, and how long you want to stay.

Can I get help with getting the visa? 

If you think you might require a visa, it’s best to consult the official government website or contact the Costa Rica embassy in your country.

Even if you don’t require a visa — for example, as a tourist planning to stay for up to 90 days — you could further lighten your planning load by browsing our customisable Costa Rica itineraries, and talking to our local Costa Rica travel experts.

How quickly will I get the visa?

How long it takes to obtain a Costa Rica visa will depend on what kind of visa you require, which in turn depends on the purpose of your visit, and how long you’d like to stay.

Consult the official government website for details. You need to scroll down for English language information covering every kind of visa, from those required for prospective students, volunteers, academics or researchers, to artists' permits.

How long is a Costa Rica visa valid?

As above, how long a Costa Rica visa is valid depends on what kind of visa you require and apply for. Consult the official government website to check your specific circumstances.

How much does a Costa Rica visa cost?

Again, when it comes to how much a Costa Rica visa costs, that depends on what kind of visa you require and apply for. Consult the official government website.

Can I extend my visa while in Costa Rica?

It is possible to extend your visa while in Costa Rica. You'll need to complete a form and submit it in person to the Central Migration Offices in La Uruca, San José, or at a regional migration office.

Be sure to read up on full details of the visa extension process, and apply in good time.

For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Daunted by the prospect of planning? Fear not! Our customisable Costa Rica itineraries and local Costa Rica travel experts are on hand to inspire and help.