Costa Rica Visa for Korean Citizens 2026

Do Korean Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Costa Rica. Stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business require no advance visa or pre-travel authorisation. Simply arrive with a valid passport and onward/return travel.

Requirements for Korean Citizens

• Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended beyond your planned departure from Costa Rica)
• Return or onward travel ticket out of Costa Rica (immigration may ask for this)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or host address)
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately USD 100 per week; credit card or cash)
• Travel health insurance (strongly recommended)

How to Apply

No visa application is required for stays up to 90 days.

1. Book your trip — ensure your passport will be valid for the duration of your stay.
2. Purchase a return or onward ticket — Costa Rican immigration may deny entry without proof of departure.
3. Arrive at a Costa Rican port of entry — present your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation to the immigration officer.
4. Receive your entry stamp — the officer will stamp your passport with up to 90 days.

For stays beyond 90 days, you must leave Costa Rica (even briefly) or apply for a longer-term residency. Contact the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería at migracion.go.cr for details.

Tips for Korean Travellers to Costa Rica

• Always carry a printed or digital return ticket — Costa Rican immigration officers regularly request it.
• Costa Rica is part of the CA-4 agreement (with Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala) — time in those countries may count toward your 90-day limit.
• Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended given Costa Rica's active volcano and jungle terrain.
• The official currency is CRC (Costa Rican Colón); USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Driving in Costa Rica requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national driving licence.