🛂 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS TO Costa Rica
Costa Rica welcomes visitors from around the world. Entry requirements vary depending on nationality and country of origin. Travelers are advised to review the following information prior to arrival.
📘 1. PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must present a valid passport upon entry to Costa Rica.
The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry into the country.
✈️ 2. VISA REQUIREMENTS
🔹 Visa-free entry for up to 90 days
Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries may enter Costa Rica without a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Andorra, Belgium, Brazil, Bahamas, Barbados, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Canada, Croatia, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Principality of Monaco, Puerto Rico, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Republic of China, South Africa, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Trinidad & Tobago, United States of America, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vatican City.
🔹 Entry for 30 days with possible extension
Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries may enter Costa Rica for an initial stay of 30 days. Once in the country, they may apply for an extension of stay up to 90 days at the Immigration Office:
Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Bolivia, Dominica, El Salvador, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Kingdom of Tonga, Kiribati, Mauritius, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Nauru, Philippines, Palau, Russia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, São Tomé and Príncipe, Suriname, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Turkey, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
🔹 Visa required
Citizens of all countries not listed above must obtain a Costa Rican visa from a Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate prior to traveling.
🎟️ 3. ONWARD OR RETURN TICKET
Immigration authorities may request proof of:
✔ A return ticket, or
✔ An onward ticket showing departure from Costa Rica before the authorized length of stay expires.
💉 4. YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
Costa Rica requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travelers arriving from, or who have recently visited, countries where Yellow Fever is endemic.
The International Certificate of Vaccination must:
- Show the Yellow Fever vaccine
- Be issued at least 10 days prior to arrival
Countries considered at risk include:
Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, São Tomé & Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Suriname, Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela.
🧠 5. OTHER HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Currently, there are no general mandatory vaccination requirements to enter Costa Rica (such as routine vaccines). However, it is recommended to keep your regular vaccination schedule up to date and take health precautions depending on the type of trip you plan to take.
🛬 PRACTICAL SUMMARY (for travelers)
✔ Passport valid for at least 6 months
✔ Possible visa exemption depending on your nationality
✔ Return ticket or proof of onward travel
✔ Yellow fever vaccination certificate only if arriving from a risk area
✔ No other mandatory vaccines are generally required
💡 USEFUL TIPS
📌 Always check the latest official immigration and health requirements before traveling, as these may change.
📌 Keep your travel insurance active and up to date.
📌 If you are coming from or have traveled through countries with a risk of yellow fever, obtain your international vaccination certificate in advance.
