Official portal
https://www.migracion.go.cr/Specifics
- Onward-travel proof generally required at entry.
- Border runs to Panama or Nicaragua possible for stays beyond 90 days.
By passport nationality
Headline rule for the nine most-trafficked passport groups. Always confirm on Costa Rica’s immigration portal before booking; visa policy changes frequently.
- US passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for U.S. passport-holders.
- UK passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for UK passport-holders.
- EU passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for EU passport-holders.
- CA passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Canadian passport-holders.
- AU passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Australian passport-holders.
- IN passportConsular visa requiredUp to 30 daysPre-arrival: Costa Rican consular visa
- Consular visa or US/Canada/Schengen/UK visa allows visa-free entry.
- BR passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Brazilian passport-holders.
- JP passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Japanese passport-holders.
- CN passportConsular visa requiredUp to 30 daysPre-arrival: Costa Rican consular visa
- Consular visa or US/Canada/Schengen visa allows entry.
Practical guidance
For most short-stay tourists
The headline rule for Costa Rica is 90 days visa-free for western nationalities. US passport-holders specifically get visa-free for up to 90 days. See the by-passport block above for your specific nationality.
When to apply
For visa-required nationalities, apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa systems process in 1 to 7 days typically but can stall around major holidays or political events; do not book non-refundable travel against a pending application. Costa Rica’s official portal is www.migracion.go.cr; only apply through that portal or through your nearest Costa Rica embassy or consulate. Third-party visa services charge for what the government provides at cost.
Common rejection reasons
Passport with under 6 months validity from intended exit date. Fewer than two blank visa pages. No confirmed onward or return ticket. Travel insurance not naming Costa Rica explicitly (Schengen-style coverage minimums apply for many European destinations). Prior visa overstays anywhere, especially in neighbouring countries. Most rejections cite one of these five rather than a substantive concern about the traveller.
Related for Costa Rica
More on Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the safer destinations in Latin America and the most developed eco-tourism economy in Central America. The country abolished its army in 1948, runs a strong public-health system, and consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. The structural risks are concentrated and addressable: the San José petty-crime and smash-and-grab pattern, beach-area car break-ins and bag theft at Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Jaco, and Dominical, Pacific rip currents that kill several foreign tourists each year, the OVSICORI volcano monitoring picture (Poás, Arenal, Irazú, Turrialba, Rincón de la Vieja all active), the Caribbean coast (Limón) higher crime baseline, and the standard tropical-disease considerations (dengue endemic). This guide unpacks the entry mechanics, the regional risk map, the volcano and beach safety logic, and the practical contacts for a Costa Rican itinerary.
Frequently asked about Costa Rica
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
The headline rule is: 90 days visa-free for Western nationalities. Specific allowance depends on your passport nationality; the by-passport block on this page covers the 9 most-trafficked passports (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, India, Brazil, Japan, China). Always confirm on Costa Rica's official immigration portal before booking, visa policy changes frequently.
How long can I stay in Costa Rica on a tourist visa?
90 days visa-free for Western nationalities. For per-passport specifics see the block above. Overstaying carries fines and re-entry bans across most jurisdictions.
Can I extend my visa once I'm in Costa Rica?
Most countries allow a one-time extension via the local immigration office for an additional 30 to 90 days, processed within 7 to 14 working days. Costa Rica's policy varies; the safety guide's Getting In chapter covers it where applicable. Apply at least 2 weeks before your existing visa expires.