Modification to the Tourist Entry Visa to Costa Rica

Modification to the Tourist Entry Visa to Costa Rica

Good News! The tourist entry visa to Costa Rica has been extended to a maximum of 180 days.

Nationals from countries in the first group—those who do not require a prior consular visa to enter the country—will benefit from an extended stay as tourists.

This is beneficial in several ways:

1. For tourists: Individuals who wish to enter Costa Rica solely for tourism will now have a longer stay to enjoy their vacation.

2. For potential expatriates: Those considering relocating to Costa Rica can use this extended period to settle in and decide whether they wish to pursue residency.

3. For residency applicants: People applying for residency can now stay in Costa Rica for the entire duration it takes for the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) to process their application, even after their tourist visa expires. This reform offers them more peace of mind.

This reform, which came into effect on September 8, 2023, increases the maximum stay from 90 days to 180 calendar days. However, the actual duration of the tourist visa will depend on the discretion of the immigration official at the time of entry, who may grant a shorter stay.

For nationals of countries in the second group (those who need a travel document with at least 90 days of validity but do not require a visa), as well as nationals of third group countries (requiring a consular visa) and fourth group countries (requiring a restricted visa), the stay will still be limited to a maximum of 30 calendar days, with the possibility of an extension.

Additionally, all foreigners, regardless of their nationality or visa group, must meet the following requirements to enter Costa Rica:

• A valid passport or travel document with mechanical reading capability, in accordance with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and with the minimum validity as determined for each group.

• A visa, if required.

• Proof of financial solvency, with at least USD $100.00 per month (or fraction of the month) of legal stay in the country.

• A return ticket or onward travel ticket.

• No restrictions on entering the national territory.

For any questions, please feel free to contact our immigration department at migracioncr@lexincorp.com.

List of countries in the first group:
MINIMUM PASSPORT VALIDITY: Up to one day.

Sus dependencias reciben igual tratamiento.

Incluye Inglaterra, Gales y Escocia.

Escrito por: Nathalie Blau