Discover Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a biodiversity hotspot in Central America, captivates with its rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches. As of March 2025, citizens from over 90 countries, including the USA, Canada, EU, and most Latin American nations, enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days (Group 1) or 30 days (Group 2). Others (Groups 3 and 4) must obtain a consulate visa, with fees and requirements varying by nationality.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry with 1 blank page.
Visa (if required)
Visa-free for Groups 1 & 2; Groups 3 & 4 need consulate visa ($52 USD).
Passport Photo
2 recent photos (2 x 2 inches, white background) for consulate visa applications.
Travel Itinerary
Proof of return or onward ticket within 90 days, required at entry.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking or host details, recommended for entry.
Travel Insurance
Recommended; covers medical emergencies (not mandatory).
Proof of Funds
Evidence of $100 USD/month (cash/card), required at entry.
Visa Fee (if applicable)
Visa-free: Free; consulate visa: $52 USD (Groups 3 & 4).
How to Apply
Application Steps
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Visa
Enter Costa Rica
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Visa
Enter Costa Rica
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm if visa-free (Group 1: 90 days, e.g., USA; Group 2: 30 days, e.g., India) or visa required (Groups 3 & 4, e.g., Haiti).
2. Gather Documents
Prepare passport, itinerary, funds proof, and photos if applying for a visa.
3. Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit application at Costa Rican consulate with $52 USD fee, 1-2 weeks prior.
4. Submit & Pay
Pay $52 USD at consulate (cash/card); visa-free requires no payment at entry.
5. Processing
Consulate visa: 5-10 business days; visa-free: immediate entry with stamp.
6. Receive Visa
Collect visa from consulate or get entry stamp at border/airport.
7. Enter Costa Rica
Present passport, visa (if required), and docs at entry (e.g., Juan Santamaría Airport).
Visa Fees
- Visa-free entry (Group 1, 90 days): Free for countries like USA, Canada, EU.
- Visa-free entry (Group 2, 30 days): Free for countries like India, Philippines with US/Schengen visa.
- Consulate Visa (Groups 3 & 4, 30-90 days): $52 USD, single-entry (e.g., Haiti, Cuba).
- Extension (additional 90 days): $100 USD, apply at Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.
*Fees subject to change. Confirm details at migracion.go.cr.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica in 2025?
Group 1 (e.g., USA, EU) gets 90 days visa-free; Group 2 (e.g., India) gets 30 days; Groups 3 & 4 need a consulate visa.
What are the visa groups?
Group 1: 90 days (e.g., USA); Group 2: 30 days (e.g., India); Group 3: visa with interview; Group 4: restricted visa (e.g., Cuba).
Can I extend my stay in Costa Rica?
Yes, apply for a 90-day extension at Migración y Extranjería for $100 USD before initial stay expires.
What’s Costa Rica’s passport rank in 2025?
Ranked 26th globally, with visa-free access to 152 destinations (Henley Passport Index).
Is a yellow fever vaccine required?
Yes, if arriving from a risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
References
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería: migracion.go.cr
- Costa Rica Tourism Board: visitcostarica.com
- Embassy of Costa Rica (USA): costarica-embassy.org