Costa Rica Visa Requirements 2026Entry Rules & Visa-Free Access by Passport

Visa-free nationalities
95
Visa on arrival
0
eTA / e-Visa
0
Total streamlined
95
Visa required in advance
103

Costa Rica's visa policy is moderately open relative to other destinations worldwide. If your nationality is not listed as visa-free, you will need to apply for a Costa Rica tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Visa-free

Countries Whose Citizens Can Visit Costa Rica Visa-Free (95)

Passport holders from these countries can enter Costa Rica without a visa - no embassy appointment, no advance fee.

Show all 95

Fees

Costa Rica Visa Fees (updated 2 Jul 2026)

  • Consular visa (visa consular)

    single entry; typically up to 30-day initial stay, extendable to 90/180 days by DGMEofficial sourcerree.go.cr ↗

    USD 30

  • Consulted/restricted visa (visa consultada, authorized by DGME)

    single entryofficial sourcerree.go.cr ↗

    USD 50

  • Multiple-entry visa (visa múltiple, authorized by DGME)

    multiple entryofficial sourcerree.go.cr ↗

    USD 100

Compare official tourist-visa fees across every destination →

Transit

Costa Rica Transit Visa

Costa Rica publishes a transit visa product for travellers passing through to another destination. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and whether you stay airside - see how transit visas work.

Visa de Tránsito (Transit Visa)

Airport transit through Costa Rica for nationals of Group 4 and specified African and Asian countries who do not have a qualifying onward visa to an exempt destination.

Required for Group 4 nationals and certain other nationalities transiting through Costa Rican airports. Visa is issued with a 3-month (90-day) validity from the stamp date; the holder may remain in transit for up to 60 calendar days post-stamping. Stay is non-extendable. Applicant must hold an air ticket reservation and, if applicable, a valid visa for the final destination country.

Apply here ↗

FAQ

Costa Rica Visa Requirements FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

It depends on your nationality - the lists above show every nationality that can enter Costa Rica visa-free. If your country is not listed, you will likely need to apply for a Costa Rica tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Which countries can visit Costa Rica without a visa?

95 countries can visit Costa Rica without a visa in 2026, including: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria. Use Earth Visa to check whether your specific passport grants visa-free access to Costa Rica.

How do I apply for a Costa Rica tourist visa?

If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry to Costa Rica, you typically need to apply at a Costa Rica embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements generally include:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds

Processing times and fees vary by nationality and visa category - see the visa types and fees on this page for the exact figures.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica without a visa?

The maximum visa-free stay duration in Costa Rica varies by nationality. Common allowances are 30, 60, or 90 days. See the visa-free country list above for specific stay durations per nationality.

By nationality

Costa Rica Visa Guides by Nationality

Step-by-step Costa Rica visa requirements, fees and document checklists for travellers from these countries. Nationalities in the access lists above link straight to their own guides.

Show all 103

Check your specific visa requirements for Costa Rica

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