Costa Rica Visa Requirements 2026 — Complete Guide
| Costa Rica Visa Types & Requirements 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Fee | Notes |
| 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 Entry Requirements 2026
Costa Rica is one of the most visited countries in Central America and welcomes over 150 nationalities without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and most of Latin America enter visa-free. All visitors must hold a valid passport (minimum 1 day validity beyond stay, though 6 months recommended), proof of onward or return travel (exit ticket), and sufficient funds for the duration of stay. A mandatory tourism tax of USD 29 applies to all international arrivals — this is usually included in the airline ticket price but must be confirmed before travel.
Documents Checklist for Costa Rica Visitor Visa 2026
- Valid passport — ideally 6 months validity beyond your planned stay
- Completed visa application form (online or paper as applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph (35x45mm, white background, neutral expression)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation — hotel reservation or host invitation letter
- Financial means evidence — bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letter
- Travel health insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 / USD 30,000 coverage
Eligibility & Entry Conditions
Applicants must demonstrate genuine intent to visit temporarily and the ability to support themselves financially. A valid travel document, clean immigration history, and compliance with health requirements are assessed. Some nationalities may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the consulate or port of entry. Always check the official Costa Rica immigration portal at migracion.go.cr for the most current requirements, as policies can change with short notice.
How to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa in 2026
Most Costa Rica visa applications can be initiated online. Gather all required documents, complete the official application form, and pay the applicable fee. Some nationalities may be required to attend an in-person appointment at a consulate for biometrics. Once approved, your visa or entry authorisation will be issued electronically or stamped into your passport. Keep a printed or digital copy accessible at all times during your trip. For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our How to Apply for an eVisa guide and the Visa Documents Checklist.