New guidelines for entry and permanence visas to Costa Rica for Non-Residents
17 August 2022
In accordance with the guideline established by the Government of Costa Rica and the guideline number DG-0018-07-2022-DG-UV, from August 16thm the following rulings will be applicable for visas:
- The nationals from the second group will be granted a maximum term of stay of 30 days extendable up to 90 days.
- The Nicaraguans, at their entry to Costa Rica must have a passport with at least 3 month of validity and can stay legal in Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days. The y can also apply for 2 consular visas as long as they justify the application.
- The Colombians at their entry to Costa Rica must have a passport with at least 3 month of validity and can stay legal in Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days.
- Venezuelans who are outside of Venezuela, may apply for consular visa at the Costa Rican Consulates in the country where they are. Venezuelans who are in Venezuela must apply for the visa at the Costa Rican Consulate in Colombia.
- Nationals of countries requiring consular or restricted visas who have a visa or residency from the USA or Canada, will not need a visa to enter Costa Rica, as long as the visa is valid for at least 3 months.
- Those who require consular or restricted visa and have a document of legal permanence with a minimum validity of 3 months, in Switzerland, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Iceland and the countries of the EU, will be able enter Costa Rica without consular visa.
- Nationals of countries that require consular visa with stay as refugees or stateless persons, may apply for consular visa in the hosting country or at any Consulate of CR.
- The travel document issued by the hosting country or by the United Nations (UN) will be valid to enter Costa Rica.
- Consuls may issue tourist visas and provisional visas to any national of the consulate visa group, including refugees.
It is important to mention the visa is an expectation of entry to Costa Rica, and the authorization of entry will be at the discretion of the Professional Immigration Police, who will determine the number of days of stay in the country.
If you required further information you can contact us at migración@bdo.cr