Costa Rica Visa Fees 2026 — Complete Cost Breakdown
| Costa Rica Visa Fees 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Details |
| Visa-Free Entry (150+ nationalities) | Free | 90 days, exit ticket + USD 29 tourism tax required |
| Tourism Tax | USD 29 | Compulsory for all arrivals, included in most flight tickets |
| Exit Ticket Requirement | Varies | Proof of onward/return travel mandatory at entry |
| Consular Visa (restricted nationalities) | USD 30–50 | Required for nationalities not on the exempt list |
| Temporary Residence | USD 100–200 | Work, retirement, investment, or family |
| Pensionado / Rentista Visa | USD 100 | Retirement visa — proof of monthly pension USD 1,000+ |
Overview of Costa Rica Visa Costs in 2026
Costa Rica entry is free for over 150 nationalities but a mandatory tourism tax of USD 29 applies to all arrivals (usually bundled in flight tickets). No visa fee applies to exempt nationalities. Nationalities requiring a consular visa pay USD 30–50. Temporary residence permits cost USD 100–200 depending on category. The Pensionado Visa (retirement) costs USD 100 plus documentation. Costa Rica does not charge an exit tax for international departures (this was eliminated). All fees are in USD and payable at the consulate or immigration office.
Payment Methods & How to Pay
Costa Rica visa fees are typically payable online by major credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard) when applying through the official portal. Consulate applications may accept bank draft, money order, or cash in local currency depending on location. Always confirm accepted payment methods with your nearest Costa Rica embassy or consulate before your appointment. Fees shown are standard rates; service charges from visa centres (VFS Global, TLScontact, etc.) may be added. Fee waivers are sometimes available for children under 6, diplomatic passport holders, and certain humanitarian cases.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the visa application fee, travellers to Costa Rica should budget for: travel health insurance (usually required), biometric enrolment fees at visa application centres (typically USD 15–30), courier/return document fees if applying by post, and any healthcare or immigration health surcharges where applicable. Long-stay and work visa applicants often face higher administrative costs. Check the migracion.go.cr official fee schedule before applying.
Fee Changes Since 2024
Costa Rica visa fees are reviewed periodically by the government. Notable changes in 2024–2026 include updates to eVisa pricing and the introduction or revision of digital application systems. For nationalities with reciprocity arrangements, fees may differ from standard published rates. Always check the current fee schedule directly on the official Costa Rica immigration portal. Our main Costa Rica visa guide is updated regularly.