Planning your dream trip to Costa Rica? Ensuring you have the correct travel documentation is the first step toward a stress-free adventure. From passport validity and exit taxes to specific entry requirements for minors and visa exemptions, being prepared is essential for a smooth arrival.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Costa Rica's entry regulations, helping you navigate the immigration process with confidence so you can focus on exploring the country's stunning biodiversity and vibrant culture.
Requirements to enter Costa Rica
You will need a valid passport for the duration of your stay in the country. Immigration may deny entry if your passport is damaged. You must also provide a return ticket or proof of onward travel to another country, proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa, and proof of funds for at least $100 USD per month of your proposed stay. Authorities may permit stays up to 90 days without a visa but are not required to do so. Be sure to leave by your required date of departure, as immigration authorities may issue a fine on foreigners who overstay their visas. Even a short overstay may result in significant delays, deportation, and/or denial of entry to Costa Rica in the future.
Exit Tax
Check with your airline to see if the $29 USD exit tax is included in the cost of your ticket. For more information, visit the Costa Rican Immigration Agency website.
Entry and Exit for Minors
All children born in Costa Rica acquire Costa Rican citizenship at birth and must have an exit permit issued by immigration authorities in order to depart the country. Non-Costa Rican minors who are ordinarily resident in Costa Rica may also be subject to this requirement. This is strictly enforced. Though not a requirement, parents traveling with minors may consider carrying notarized consent for travel from the non-present parent.
Who needs a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica?
Passport-carrying nationals from the following countries are allowed 90 days’ stay with no visa: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, UAE, USA and most western European Union countries. However, you should have a valid passport valid for a minimum of a day beyond your date of arrival and a ticket to either your home country or another destination that indicates you will depart within 90 days.
There is another list of countries whose citizens can enter Costa Rica with no visa, but whose passports must be valid for at least three months beyond their arrival date, including several countries within the Caribbean, South America, Oceania, and Asia. Nationalities required to obtain a visa to enter Costa Rica include a number of African and Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, as well as a handful of South American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. To check if your country is on the list of those required to obtain a visa, check the Costa Rican Embassy website.
If you are unsure about whether you need a visa for your Costa Rica vacation, contact us here for more information about visa requirements for Costa Rica.
