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Travel Requirements

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:

Argentina
Norway
Austria
Panama
Belgium
Paraguay
Brazil
Poland
Canada
Portugal
Denmark
Puerto Rico
Finland
Romania
France and Germany dependencies
South Korea
Greece
Spain
Holland and dependencies
Sweden
Hungary
Switzerland
Israel
Trinidad & Tobago
Italy
United Kingdom
Japan
United States of America
Liechtenstein
Czech Republic
Luxembourg
Uruguay

 

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:

Antigua & Barbuda
New Zealand
Bahamas
Philippines
Barbados
Russia
Belice
Saint Kitts/Nevis
Bolivia
San Marino
Bulgaria
St. Lucia
Chile
St. Vincent
Dominica
Singapore
El Salvador
Slovakia
Estonia
South Africa
Granada
Suriname
Guatemala
Taiwan
Guyana
Turkey
Honduras
The Vatican
Ireland
Venezuela
Kenya
Monaco
Mexico

** Citizens of all countries not listed above are required a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.

As in most countries, in order to visit Costa Rica, the traveler must show his or her passport. The passport must be valid during the following 6 months from the entry date to Costa Rica.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

  • Do I need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
    Yes, a valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.
  • Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
    Depending on your country of origin you may enter Costa Rica without a visa.
  • Can I enter Costa Rica with a one way ticket?
    All visitors must have a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.
  • Is the water drinkable in Costa Rica?
    The water is potable in most of the country; but we recommend using bottled water, especially in areas around the coast.
  • Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?
    All major credit cards are widely accepted. You will find ATM machined distributed throughout the country.
  • Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?
    You are allowed to drive with your normal driver’s license for three months.