You need a visa for United Arab Emirates if you have a Costa Rican passport

A visa on arrival is also issued at the border for this route. Applying beforehand avoids the queue at the airport.

These visas exist for United Arab Emirates, but they cannot be applied for online with Costa Rican nationality. Tell us about your trip and we will come back with the options and a price.

Visa required

Frequently asked questions

Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for United Arab Emirates?

Yes. Costa Rican citizens need a visa for United Arab Emirates. It is not available online — the application goes through an embassy or consulate.

Can Costa Rican citizens get a visa on arrival in United Arab Emirates?

Yes, a visa on arrival is issued at the border for this route. Applying before you travel avoids the queue at the airport.

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What United Arab Emirates may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Recent passport photo with white background
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Confirmed return flight reservation
Proof of funds (bank statement recommended)
Completed visa application form

Entry requirements for Costa Rican travellers

These rules apply specifically to Costa Rican passport holders entering United Arab Emirates as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

Required
Mandatory proof of accommodation
Travelers must have proof of accommodation during their stay in United Arab Emirates.
Visit Dubai Last checked 2026-08-10
Required
Mandatory proof of minimum funds
Travelers must provide proof of sufficient funds to enter United Arab Emirates.
United Arab Emirates Government Last checked 2026-08-10
Required
Mandatory proof of return or onward ticket from United Arab Emirates
Travelers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from United Arab Emirates.
- This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travelers: -Nationals of United Arab Emirates; -Foreign nationals residing in United Arab Emirates.
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, aDubai Last checked 2026-08-10
Required
Mandatory travel health insurance
Travelers must have travel health insurance when traveling to United Arab Emirates.
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, aDubai Last checked 2026-08-10
Required
Travelers require a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry
Travelers need a valid passport to enter United Arab Emirates. The traveler's passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the traveler arrives in United Arab Emirates.
- Travelers must have a passport with at least 2 words in the names sections. Travelers with 1 name (1 word) on their passports cannot enter United Arab Emirates. Passports with 2 names added as observations or annotations are accepted. This requirement doesn’t apply to travelers with a United Arab Emirates resident card. Travelers with the gender “U” or “X” included on their passport cannot enter or transit United Arab Emirates.
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, aDubai Last checked 2026-08-10
May be required
Customs declaration may be required before arrival
Travelers arriving in United Arab Emirates who are carrying AED 60,000 (USD 16,300.00) or more in total value must complete the online Customs Declaration Form. This includes cash, checks, money orders, gold, jewelry, precious stones, or items subject to import taxes. All other travelers do not need to complete this form.
Dubai Customs Last checked 2026-08-10
May be required
Customs declaration may be required before departure
Travelers exiting United Arab Emirates who are carrying AED 60,000 (USD 16,300.00) or more in total value must complete the online Customs Declaration Form. This includes cash, checks, money orders, gold, jewelry, precious stones, or items subject to import taxes. All other travelers do not need to complete this form.
Dubai Customs Last checked 2026-08-10
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Abu Dhabi
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Abu Dhabi.
Last checked 2023-11-02
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Dubai
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Dubai.
Last checked 2023-11-01
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Sharjah
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Sharjah.
Last checked 2023-11-02
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for United Arab Emirates
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to United Arab Emirates.
Last checked 2026-08-10
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Sharjah.
Last checked 2023-11-02
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to United Arab Emirates.
Last checked 2026-08-10
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Abu Dhabi.
Last checked 2023-11-02
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required for Dubai
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Dubai.
Last checked 2023-11-01
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required for transit
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test when transiting through Abu Dhabi.
Last checked 2023-11-02
Not required
Transit visa is not required
International travelers don’t need a visa to transit through United Arab Emirates.
Last checked 2026-08-10
May be required
Import permit for traveling with pets - dogs and cats
Travelers bringing pets, specifically dogs and cats, into the United Arab Emirates are required to complete an Import Permit Form online. Additional requirements depend on the type of animal. Airlines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets - dogs and cats. Check with your airline to determine airline-specific requirements, and the government source for more details.
UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment Last checked 2026-08-10