Are you planning your dental trip to Costa Rica? Here's all you need to know about the Costa Rica Travel Requirements.

Costa Rica Entry Requirements

✅ A valid passport for the entire duration of your stay

✅ Evidence of return or onward travel

✅ Proof of yellow fever vaccination (if applicable)

✅ Proof of funds for at least 100 USD per month of proposed stay

Source: Travel State.Gov [1]

 

Costa Rica Tourist Visa

Costa Rica offers different visas depending on the purpose of your visit.

You can avail a tourist visa if you wish to receive medical treatments. The country does not offer a medical tourist visa.

The “Tourist Visa in Costa Rica” is also called a “Costa Rica Travel Visa.” [2]

Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Costa Rica?

Your country of origin determines the number of days to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.

Citizens of Middle East countries and a few African & South American countries require a visa to enter Costa Rica.

While passport holders from one of the following countries do not need a Costa Rica Tourist Visa for stays less than 90 days:

  • USA, Canada
  • European Union State
  • Japan, South Korea
  • Schengen countries like Switzerland, Iceland, etc.,

There are around 70 countries that do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for up to 90 days.

You can check out the Costa Rica Embassy website for your visa eligibility.

How to Apply for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

The Costa Rica visa application process is as follows: [3]

Step 1: Contact the Costa Rica consulate in your country

Step 2: Submit the required documents

Step 3: Fill out the Costa Rica application form

Step 4: Review of application by consular officers

Step 5: Expect a personal interview with a consulate or embassy staff member

Step 6: Wait for the visa to be processed (30 calendar days)

Step 7: If approved, pay 32 USD (non-refundable) and collect your visa [4]

Documents Required for Applying Costa Rica Tourist Visa

Here is the list of documents that are required for your Costa Rica Tourist Visa application process: [5]

  • Two passport photos
  • An application letter to the Costa Rica consulate
  • Photocopy of all the pages in your passport*
  • Return flight ticket reservation
  • Proof of financial sufficiency**
  • A certificate of police clearance from your country.
  • Proof of visa or permanent residence permit if you have a visa or permanent resident in another country.
  • Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you travel from a region that’s at risk of Yellow Fever.
*Your passport must be valid for at least another six months after your entry date
** This can be bank statements from the last 3 months, proof of property, or a letter from the employer.
Please confirm all visa requirements with the Costa Rica embassy website at least one month before your travel, as the above is intended as a guide

FAQs About Costa Rica Travel Visa

Yes, visa-exempt nationals will receive a visa on arrival. They obtain an entry stamp in their passport at the airport.

There is a 29 USD Costa Rica airport departure tax that all passengers need to pay to leave the country. [6]

Mostly the tax is included in your ticket price. If not included, you have to pay in person at the counter.

Tourist visa extensions in Costa Rica are issued for 60 days.

Before your current visa expires, you can apply for a visa extension at the General Directorate Immigration Office in Costa Rica.

Generally, it will take 30 calendar days to process the Costa Rica travel visa.

However, it might be longer if your application has a problem. The consulate or Costa Rica embassy will contact you if additional documents are required.

Ready to plan your dental travel to Costa Rica?

Yes, please!