🇨🇷Costa Rica Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Central America· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Costa Rica?
It depends on your passport. Out of 195 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 95 enter Costa Rica visa-free and 100 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
95
nationalities
Consular visa
100
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Data updated on · Official source
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Costa Rica visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Costa Rica applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
- TunisiaVisa required
- SpainVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- United KingdomVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- United StatesVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- ItalyVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- AlgeriaVisa required
- RussiaVisa-freeStay: 30 days
- GermanyVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- CanadaVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- ColombiaVisa required
- SwitzerlandVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- NetherlandsVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- AustraliaVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- ArgentinaVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- UkraineVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- HungaryVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- SenegalVisa required
- Côte d'IvoireVisa required
- CameroonVisa required
- MoroccoVisa required
Costa Rica visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Costa Rica publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa | Business | 90 days | 30-50 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Rentista visa (passive income) | Long stay | 2 years | 50 USD | 60 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Digital Nomad visa | Work | 1 year (renewable to 2) | 100 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | 1 year | 30-50 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Family Reunification | Family | 2 years | 50 USD | 60 business days | Portal | |
| Pensionado visa (retiree) | Retirement | 2 years | 50 USD | 60 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Inversionista (Investor) | Investor | 2 years | 50 USD | 60 business days | Multiple | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
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Information
Capital
San José
Population
5,160,000
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC ₡)
Languages
Spanish, English
Continent
Central America
Calling code
+506
Timezone
America/Costa_Rica
Area
51,100 km²
Government
Presidential Republic
National day
September 15 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.cr
About
Costa Rica is a Central American nation known for its political stability and robust democratic institutions. The country has a diversified economy and is recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Avoid gang-controlled areas, especially in coastal provinces
- Do not display signs of wealth (jewelry, expensive electronics)
- Use official taxis or trusted transportation services
- Stay vigilant in tourist areas where pickpockets operate
Terrorism(Low)
- The terrorist risk is low but authorities remain vigilant against drug trafficking activities.
Transport
- Avoid driving at night outside main urban areas
- Use official public transportation or licensed taxi services
- Keep doors locked and windows closed while in transit
Natural risks(Moderate. Costa Rica is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and seasonal floods.)
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures in case of an earthquake
- Avoid coastal areas during the rainy season (May to November)
- Check weather alerts before traveling
Health(Good. Costa Rica has a relatively developed healthcare system with available public and private services.)
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended for certain regions
- Prevention against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya (use insect repellents)
- International health insurance recommended
- Tap water generally drinkable in urban areas
Practical tips
- Register your presence with your embassy
- Keep copies of important documents separately from originals
- Maintain increased vigilance in public transportation and tourist areas
- Avoid political protests and mass gatherings
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
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Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in San José · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
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Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
Safe
10% in restaurants, optional but appreciated
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
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Costa Rica
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Costa Rica
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Costa Rica
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Jean Paul Montanaro
Costa Rica
Luis Alberto Arias
Costa Rica
Warner Brenes Quesada
Costa Rica
Mariam
Costa Rica
Luis Quintero
Costa Rica
Gotta Be Worth It
Costa Rica
Edgar Arroyo
Costa Rica
Diego Madrigal
Costa Rica
Edgar Arroyo
Costa Rica
Edgar Arroyo
Costa Rica
Edgar Arroyo
Costa Rica
Koen Swiers
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Drone Tours
Costa Rica
Jean Paul Montanaro
Costa Rica
Carlos Suárez
Costa Rica
Andrés Góngora
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Car rental (DiscoverCars)
Compare local rental companies, free cancellation on most offers.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Costa Rica across 195 nationalities: 95 visa-free, 100 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Costa Rica visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 30 USD (Business visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Is it dangerous to travel to Costa Rica?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate. Costa Rica is generally considered one of the safest countries in Central America, but some areas pose risks related to organized crime and drug trafficking.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?▾
The official currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC ₡). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Costa Rica?▾
The capital of Costa Rica is San José. The main spoken languages are: Spanish, English.
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