Get Your Costa Rica Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for tourism, business, and eco-adventure travel in Central America
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Costa Rica Visa
Simple 4-step process - most applications approved within 24-72 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Costa Rica's visa requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Costa Rica Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We submit to Costa Rica Immigration
Your verified application is transmitted directly to Costa Rica's official immigration portal. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa by email
Your approved Costa Rica visa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Costa Rican immigration along with your passport. Welcome to Costa Rica - Pura Vida awaits!
Costa Rica Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Single or multiple entry for tourism, beaches, and eco-adventures
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities, meetings, and investment exploration
Transit Visa
Up to 72 hours
For travelers passing through to other Central American destinations
Student Visa
Duration of study
For academic programs at Costa Rican educational institutions
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or invitation letter from host
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Completed visa application form
Visa Policy
Costa Rica maintains one of the most welcoming visa policies in Central America, with citizens from over 90 countries enjoying visa-free access. The country's immigration system is designed to facilitate tourism while supporting its thriving eco-tourism industry.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can enter Costa Rica without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Visitors must hold a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds (approximately $100 USD per month of stay).
Visa Required Countries
Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Costa Rica visa before arrival. The visa application process can be completed online or through a Costa Rican embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes 10-15 business days.
Visa Requirements
Essential Documents for All Applications
All Costa Rica visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation, eco-lodge reservation, or invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Costa Rica.
Financial evidence: Bank statements showing approximately $100 USD per month of stay, or credit card statements demonstrating sufficient funds.
Additional Business Visa Requirements
Business travelers must provide an invitation letter from a Costa Rican company, employer support letter, and details of business activities planned during the visit.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
The Costa Rica visa application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient:
Step 1: Gather Documents - Collect all required documents including passport scans, photographs, travel bookings, and financial proof before starting your application.
Step 2: Complete Application Form - Fill out the visa application with accurate personal information, travel dates, and accommodation details. Double-check all information for accuracy.
Step 3: Submit and Pay - Upload all documents and pay the visa fee through secure payment processing. Keep your payment confirmation for reference.
Step 4: Track and Receive - Monitor your application status through our tracking system. Once approved, your visa will be emailed as a printable PDF document.
Processing Times
Standard processing takes 10-15 business days. Express processing may be available for urgent travel needs. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure date.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: the dry season (December to April) offers sunny skies perfect for beach activities and wildlife watching, while the green season (May to November) brings afternoon showers, lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Both coasts have different weather patterns.
Currency and Payments
The Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. ATMs are available in towns but carry some cash for rural areas and small vendors.
Health and Safety
No vaccinations are required for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America with a stable democracy and no military. Standard travel precautions apply.
Getting Around
Domestic flights connect San Jose to popular destinations. Rental cars are popular for exploring at your own pace, though roads vary in quality. Public buses are affordable and reach most destinations. Organized tours are excellent for adventure activities.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
2,800+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.8Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"Amazing service for my Costa Rica trip! Got my visa approved quickly and the support team was incredibly helpful with all my questions about visiting Arenal and Manuel Antonio."
"Visited Monteverde and Tortuguero. The visa process through DoVisa was seamless. Highly recommend for anyone planning a Costa Rica eco-adventure!"
"Good experience overall. Processing took about two weeks which was as expected. The document checklist was very useful and immigration at San Jose was smooth."
"Business visa for investment meetings in San Jose processed without any issues. Professional service from start to finish. Pura Vida!"
"Straightforward process and helpful customer service. Applied for my tourist visa and received it within the expected timeframe. Costa Rica was incredible!"
"Family vacation to see wildlife and beaches. DoVisa handled all five of our applications efficiently. The kids loved seeing the sloths and monkeys!"
"Third time using DoVisa for Central American trips. Consistently reliable service. Costa Rica trip was unforgettable thanks to hassle-free visa processing."
"Good value for the service provided. The application form was easy to complete and the tracking feature kept me informed throughout the process."
"Visited Costa Rica for a surfing trip to Tamarindo. Visa was approved quickly and entry at the airport was smooth. Will definitely use DoVisa again!"
Costa Rica Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Costa Rica visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a visa before travel. Check the Costa Rica Immigration website or contact DoVisa support to confirm requirements for your specific nationality.
How long can I stay in Costa Rica with a tourist visa?
The initial tourist visa or visa-free entry permits stays of up to 90 days. Extensions are generally not granted within Costa Rica. To stay longer, most travelers do a "visa run" by leaving the country for 72 hours and re-entering. Some nationalities can apply for a residency permit for extended stays.
What documents are required for a Costa Rica visa application?
Essential documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background); completed application form; proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); return flight itinerary; and proof of sufficient funds ($100 USD per month recommended). Business visas require additional documents including an invitation letter from a Costa Rican company.
How long does Costa Rica visa processing take?
Standard visa processing takes 10-15 business days. Processing times may vary depending on your nationality, the completeness of your application, and current processing volumes. We recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to allow adequate time for processing and any potential requests for additional documentation.
Can I extend my stay in Costa Rica?
Extensions within Costa Rica are rarely granted for tourist visas. The most common approach is the "visa run" - leaving Costa Rica for at least 72 hours (typically to Panama or Nicaragua) and re-entering to receive a fresh 90-day stamp. For long-term stays, consider applying for a residency permit such as the popular Rentista or Pensionado programs.
What vaccinations are required for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica does not require any mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Costa Rica is widely considered the safest country in Central America with a stable democracy and no military since 1949. Tourist areas are generally very safe. Exercise standard travel precautions: avoid displaying expensive jewelry, stay in well-lit areas at night, and secure valuables. Petty theft can occur in busy areas, so use hotel safes and keep belongings secure.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC). However, US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments. ATMs are available in towns and dispense both Colones and US Dollars. Carry some cash for markets, small restaurants, and rural areas.
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season from December to April offers the best weather with sunny skies and minimal rain. This is peak tourist season with higher prices. The green season from May to November brings afternoon rain showers but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The Caribbean coast has different weather patterns with September-October being driest.
Can I work in Costa Rica with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not permit employment in Costa Rica. Working without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans. If you wish to work in Costa Rica, you must obtain a work permit through a Costa Rican employer or apply for an appropriate residency category. Digital nomads should note that remote work for foreign companies is a legal gray area.
Do children need their own visa for Costa Rica?
Yes, every traveler including children requires their own valid travel document and visa (if applicable). Children must have their own passport. When traveling with minors, especially if only one parent is present, carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent translated into Spanish to avoid potential issues at immigration.
What are the main entry points into Costa Rica?
The main entry point is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose, with direct flights from North America, Europe, and South America. Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia serves Guanacaste beach destinations. Land borders with Panama at Paso Canoas and Nicaragua at Penas Blancas are popular for overland travelers.
Is there a visa on arrival option for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica does not offer a traditional visa on arrival system. Most visitors either enter visa-free (for eligible nationalities) or must obtain a visa before arrival. If you require a visa, apply in advance through the Costa Rica Immigration Department, a Costa Rican embassy, or through DoVisa. Arriving without proper documentation may result in denied entry.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Costa Rica?
Overstaying your visa in Costa Rica results in fines of approximately $100 USD per month of overstay, payable when departing. Extended overstays may complicate future entry. If you need more time, the recommended approach is a "visa run" to a neighboring country for 72 hours before your current authorization expires. Always track your permitted stay duration.
What is 'Pura Vida' and what does it mean?
Pura Vida literally translates to "pure life" and is Costa Rica's national motto and philosophy. It's used as a greeting, farewell, expression of gratitude, and general positive affirmation. The phrase embodies the Costa Rican lifestyle of appreciating life's simple pleasures, staying positive, and living in harmony with nature. You'll hear it constantly throughout your visit!
Can I visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts during my trip?
Yes, Costa Rica is small enough to visit both coasts in one trip. The country is approximately 200 km wide at its narrowest point. The Caribbean coast (Limon, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) offers a different vibe with Afro-Caribbean culture and reggae rhythms. The Pacific coast (Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Osa Peninsula) has dramatic beaches and world-class surfing.
Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?
While travel insurance is not mandatory for entry, it is highly recommended. Costa Rica offers excellent private healthcare but costs can be high. Insurance should cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and adventure activities if you plan to zip-line, surf, or hike volcanoes. Some visa-required nationalities may need to show proof of insurance as part of their application.
What wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot home to over 5% of the world's species. Common sightings include sloths, howler monkeys, capuchins, toucans, scarlet macaws, sea turtles, and colorful frogs. National parks like Corcovado, Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio offer excellent wildlife viewing. The country has dedicated itself to conservation with 25% of its land protected.
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