1. Tourist Visa
2. Requirements for Temporary Residence in Costa Rica
3. Requirements for Permanent Residence in Costa Rica
4. Permits

 1. Tourist Visa

Not all people who wish to travel to Costa Rica need a tourist visa; this will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and duration of stay. Visa requirements are based on international agreements or treaties. However,  the visa does not guarantee entry to Costa Rica and, as in the United States, this depends on the immigration officer upon arrival. 

Please consider the following information:

1. Americans do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country)

2. Citizens of other nationalities do not  need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica if they have a United States, a European Union country or a Canadian tourist visa, a visa for crew or a business visa (multiple entry). Note: Such visa must be stamped in the passport and be valid for at least three months.

3. If the foreigner has permanent residence, a student visa, a work visa or refugee status in the United States and/or any country of the European Union and Canada, he/she does not  need a visa to enter Costa Rica. In addition, he/she must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and a round trip ticket. Note 1: This type of visa must be stamped in the passport, and must be valid for at least six months. Note 2: Permanent residents must submit their residency card (i.e. green card), which must be  valid for at least six months. Note 3: The residence proof stamped on a passport, parole or work cards are not accepted. If this is what you have, you need to find out if you need a tourist visa at the Consulate of your jurisdiction.

4. For foreigners who do not meet any of the above requirements, the tourist visa will depend on their nationality and they should apply for it at the Consulate of their jurisdiction.

5. If you will be traveling to Costa Rica from South America and/or sub-Saharan Africa, you will need the YELLOW FEVER VACCINE. The countries considered at risk are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana and Venezuela. You can travel to Costa Rica ten days after the shot.  Exceptions

6. Please visit our FAQ section; there you will find information that will be useful for your trip to Costa Rica.

2. Requirements for temporary residence in Costa Rica

• Temporary residence for people married to a Costa Rican national (only spanish)
• Temporary residence for religion (only spanish)
• Temprary residence for Executives, Managers and Technical staff (only spanish)
• Temporary residence as Investor (only spanish)
• Temporary residence for Scientists, Professionals or Interns (only spanish)
• Temporary residence as Technician (only spanish)
• Temporary residence for Athletes (only spanish)
• Temporary Residence for Staff Correspondents and News Agencies (only spanish)
• Temporary residence as Annuitants (only spanish)
• Temporary residence for Retirement (only spanish)

Note: You can apply for these types of residency in the General Office of Migration in Costa Rica.

 
3. Permanent Residency Requirements for having ties with a Costa Rican

• Permanent residence for having ties with a Costa Rican national (only spanish)

Note: You can apply for this type of residence in the General Office of Migration in Costa Rica.

4. Permits 

• Special permit for students, scholars and volunteers (only spanish)
• Special permit for workers (only spanish)

Note: You can apply for these special categories General Office of Migration in Costa Rica.