Change in tourist entry visa to Costa Rica

Change in tourist entry visa to Costa Rica

Good news! The tourist entry visa to Costa Rica has been increased to a maximum of 180 days. Nationals of the countries of thefirst groupThose who do not require a prior (consular) visa to enter the country will see an increase in the length of their stay as tourists. This is beneficial in several ways:

1. First, those who only wish to enter as tourists will be able to opt for a longer period of time to enjoy their vacation in the country.
2. Those considering expatriation in Costa Rica could use this extended period to settle in the country and confirm whether or not they wish to apply for residency.
3. People applying for residency, while they can remain in the country for as long as it takes the General Directorate of Immigration and Foreign Affairs (DGME) to resolve their application without any problems, even after their tourist visa expires, find greater peace of mind in this reform.

The aforementioned reform went into effect on September 8, 2023, and consists of an increase in the maximum visa period, which was previously 90 days, to 180 calendar days. However, the maximum visa period for tourists will depend on the discretion of the DGME official conducting entry control, who may issue a shorter visa. For the second group, which includes other countries (not listed in the first group) for which a travel document valid for at least 90 calendar days is required and which do not require an entry visa, as well as nationals of the third group (consular entry visa) or the fourth group (restricted visa), the visa period will remain at a maximum of 30 calendar days, with the possibility of extension. Similarly, any foreigner, regardless of their nationality or visa group, must meet the following requirements when seeking to enter Costa Rican territory:

1. A valid, machine-readable passport or travel document, in accordance with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and with the minimum validity determined by the entry guidelines for each group, respectively.
2. Visa, when required.
3. Proof of financial solvency, minimum of USD $100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or fraction of a month of legal stay in the country.
4. Ticket, ticket or return ticket to the country of origin or for continued travel.
5. Not having any impediment to entering the national territory.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our immigration department at migracioncr@lexincorp.comList of countries in the first group:MINIMUM PASSPORT VALIDITY: UP TO ONE DAY

*Their dependencies receive equal treatment. **Includes England, Wales and Scotland.Written by: Nathalie Blau