The tourist visa is often referred to as a Costa Rica travel visa, due to the nature of Costa Rica visas. They allow the holder to travel to Costa Rica, where they will be subject to immigration control at the point of entry, and the immigration officers decide whether to allow the traveler to enter the country or not.

However, not everyone has to apply for a tourist visa for Costa Rica before they travel.

Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to Visit Costa Rica for Tourism?

You need a Costa Rica tourist visa if you’re travelling to the country for tourism-related purposes, or any purpose that does not exceed 30 days. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. Visa-exempt nationals who can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 days.
2. Visa-exempt nationals who can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 30 days.
3. Visa-required nationals who have to apply for a regular Costa Rica tourist visa (Consular Visa) at a Costa Rica Consulate in their country.
4. Visa-required nationals who have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This means that they must have someone in Costa Rica (a family member or appointed attorney) who can submit a visa request on their behalf to the Department of Restricted Visas.

Additionally, even if you are from a country whose nationals need a tourist visa for Costa Rica, you are exempt if you already hold a valid tourist visa for:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• Japan
• South Korea

See a complete list of who needs a Costa Rica tourist visa and who is exempt here.

What if You Don’t Need a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

If you are from the first or second group, you can travel to Costa Rica with simply your passport and get an entry stamp from the immigration officer as you go through border control.

If you are from the first group, your passport must be valid for at least another day from the date of entry.

If you are from the second group, your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica tourist visa application are:

• An application letter which should be directed to the Costa Rica consulate, and contain the following information:
  • Your personal information (name, age, date and place of birth
  • The reason you are travelling
  • Your passport number
  • Your nationality
  • Your place of residence
  • The intended date of arrival and departure from Costa Rica
  • Where you will stay while you are in Costa Rica
  • The date of writing
  • Your contact information
  • Your signature
• A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport has to be valid for at least another six months from the date you enter Costa Rica.
• Two pictures of yourself which follow these specifications:
  • Dimensions: 2 inches x 2 inches
  • Taken in front of a plain white background
  • You must have a neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
  • You may wear your glasses as long as they do not hide your eyes or face (no thick rims, no reflection, no tinted glass)
  • You may not wear headgear unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, it must not obstruct your face.
• Return flight ticket reservation. Costa Rica authorities advise travelers to avoid paying for the plane ticket until after they receive the visa.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay. You may submit bank statements from the last three months, a letter from employer, or proof of property.
• An official certificate of police clearance from your country.
• If you are coming from a place that’s at risk of Yellow Fever: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• If you are a visa-holder or Permanent Resident in another country: Proof of your visa or Residence Permit.

How to Apply for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a Costa Rica at a Costa Rican consulate in your country. If there is no Costa Rica consulate in your country, you must go to the nearest one. The Costa Rica tourist visa application process is as follows:

1. Contact the Costa Rican consulate to set up an appointment when you can submit the application.
2. Collect the required documents and submit them in person.
3. Fill in the Costa Rica application form, which you can find on the website of the Immigration Department of Costa Rica (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).
4. The consular officers will review your application and decide if you need any additional documents.
5. Once all the required documents are submitted, they will start to process your visa application.
6. You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Once your tourist visa is approved, they will affix it on your passport and you’ll have 60 days to travel to Costa Rica.

Keep in mind that different consulates may have different requirements and operational processes. As such, the first step in applying for a Costa Rica tourist visa should always be to contact the relevant Costa Rican consulate.

Additionally, some consulates have digitized the Costa Rica application process. If that is the case, the consulate is in charge of explaining the application procedure.

How Long Can You Stay in Costa Rica With a Tourist Visa?

A Costa Rica tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days but it may be issued for less.

If you need to stay in the country for longer, you can request a visa extension at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica.

Can I Extend My Stay in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica tourist visa extensions are issued for a maximum of 60 additional days. You can apply for the visa extension at the General Directorate of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) in Costa Rica before your current visa expires.

Additionally, even if you don’t need a Costa Rica tourist visa, you have to request for a tourism extension if you want to stay longer than your permitted time (eg. if you are a national of the first group and want to stay longer than 90 days).

What Documents Do I Need to Collect for a Costa Rica Visa Extension?

To apply for a tourism extension, you must present the following documents:

• A letter explaining why you’re requesting the extension which contains the following information:
  • Your full name and nationality
  • Your passport number and type
  • Your address in Costa Rica
  • Your phone number
  • Your birth date and place
  • The names of your parents
• A completed form of affiliation, which you can get at a photocopier in the central offices of the General Directorate of Immigration or download it from their website.
• Three recent passport-size pictures of yourself.
• Your original passport and copies of all the pages in the passport.
• A copy of your departure flight ticket.
• Proof of financial solvency to cover the duration of your requested stay.
• If you were invited in the country from an institution (public or private): A letter of financial support from said institution.
• If you’re in Costa Rica for medical treatment: A medical certificate and request from the medical institution confirming the need for an extension due to medical reasons.
• Proof of paid Costa Rica tourist visa extension fee ($100 or the equivalent in colones). You must pay the fee to the government bank account in the Bank of Costa Rica (Banco de Costa Rica).

Can you work with a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

No, you cannot take up employment in Costa Rica if you have a tourist visa. To work in a Costa Rican company you need to get a Costa Rica work permit and a work visa. On the other hand, if you are already employed and want to work remotely while residing in Costa Rica, you can apply for the Costa Rican digital nomad visa.

The post Costa Rica Tourist Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

The post Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica? appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

However, depending on what country you are from, visiting Costa Rica may not be as simple as booking a flight ticket. Several countries are required to apply for a Costa Rica visa before they’re allowed to enter the country.

This article will detail the Costa Rica Visa requirements and application process and other frequently asked questions.

Who Needs to Apply for a Visa to Costa Rica?

The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry. This category included nationals of the United States and European Union member states. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days.
2. Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 30 days.
3. Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence. The Costa Rica visa allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
4. Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas. If approved, it allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 30 days.

See here for a complete list of countries that need a Costa Rica Visa and those who do not.

What are the Costa Rica Visa requirements?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica visa application are:

• An application letter, directed to the Costa Rica consulate, containing:
  • The purpose of your travel
  • Your personal information (name, age, date and place of birth)
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Place of residence
  • Intended date of arrival and departure from Costa Rica
  • Where you will stay while you are in Costa Rica
  • The date
  • Contact information
  • Your signature
• A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport must be valid for an additional six months.
• Return flight ticket reservation. You’re advised not to pay for your ticket until your visa application has been approved.
• Two pictures of yourself with the following specifications:
  • 2 inches x 2 inches
  • White background
  • Neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
  • Glasses are allowed as long as they do not hide your eyes or face (no thick rims, no reflection, no tinted glass)
  • Head gear is not allowed, unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, it must not obstruct the face.
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as through bank statements from the last three months, letter from employer, of proof of property.
• Certificate of police clearance from your country.
• Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are coming from a place that’s at risk of Yellow Fever.
• If you are a visa-holder or Permanent Resident in another country: Proof of the visa/Residence Permit should be submitted.

The documents you submit must be translated into Spanish and legalized.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of requirements, as the Costa Rica consulate will request further documentation as they see fit depending on your case.

How to Apply for Costa Rica Visa?

The Costa Rica visa application process differs depending on the type of visa you need: Costa Rica Consular Visa or Costa Rica Restricted Visa.

Costa Rica Consular Visa application

If you are from a country that requires a Costa Rica Consular Visa, then you must apply for it yourself at the Costa Rica consulate responsible for your jurisdiction.

The Costa Rica visa application process is as follows:

• Contact the Costa Rica consulate to make a Costa Rica visa application appointment.
• Submit the required documents (see “Requirements” below).
• Complete the Costa Rica application form, available on the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería website, the Immigration Department of Costa Rica.
• The Costa Rica consulate may contact you to ask you to obtain additional documents that they think are necessary. They may also request an interview. The visa will begin processing only after all the documents are submitted.
• Wait for the visa to be processed. You will be notified about the decision duly.
• If your Costa Rica visa application is approved, you have 60 days to use the visa to enter the country.

Some consulates allow visa-required foreign nationals to submit their Costa Rica visa application digitally. If the digital visa application procedure is enabled for your country, the relevant consulate is responsible for explaining the application procedure to you.

Costa Rica Restricted Visa application

Costa Rica Restricted visa applications must be submitted by a family member of the applicant who is living in Costa Rica or an appointed attorney. Restricted visas are issued for family reunification or tourism purposes. The Restricted Visa application process is as follows:

• The person who is applying on your behalf must apply to the Commission of Restricted Visas, via a request letter that includes the following:
  • Your name
  • Your nationality
  • Your profession
  • The reason for your visit
  • How long you will stay in Costa Rica, including arrival and departure date
  • Where you will stay in Costa Rica (address)
  • Where they must address the Costa Rica visa approval (the nearest Costa Rica consulate)

If the Commission of Restricted Visas in the Directorate of Immigration authorizes your Costa Rica visa, the relevant consulate will issue a visa, allowing you to travel.

Keep in mind that different consulates may have different requirements and procedures, which is why contacting a Costa Rica consulate should always be the first step when applying for a Costa Rica visa.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for USA Nationals

US nationals do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism purposes (up to 90 days) – they can travel with simply their passport and will receive an entry stamp on their passport by the immigration officers.

However, upon arrival, the passport must be valid for at least another day, and they must show they have access to at least $300.

For stays longer than 90 days, they must obtain a Costa Rica residence permit.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for Indian Nationals?

Indian nationals need to apply for a Consular Visa before they travel to Costa Rica. They can apply using the application procedure as described above.

How long does it take to get a Costa Rica visa?

The Costa Rica visa processing time is about 30 calendar days.

How Much is the Costa Rica Visa fee?

The Costa Rica visa fee is US$52.

You have to pay a Costa Rica visa fee after your visa has been approved. The visa fee is non-refundable even if you are not allowed entry upon your arrival in Costa Rica.

The consulate you are applying in will inform you of the payment method. Sometimes you may have to make the payment at an embassy, as consulates may not accept payments.

You must show the receipt of the Costa Rica visa fee payment, however.

Is a Costa Rica Visa All the Permission You Need to Enter the Country?

No, it is not. After you receive a Costa Rica visa, you will still be subject to immigration control at the Costa Rica point of entry. If the immigration officers at border control decide to grant you entry, they will stamp your passport with the decision.

If you are not allowed to enter, you must return back to your country. Your visa fee will not be refunded.

Can you Extend a Costa Rica Visa?

Yes, you can. You can extend a Costa Rica tourist visa for an additional 60 days by applying at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica. You must submit proof of why you are requesting the extension.

Learn more about Costa Rica tourist visas here.

Do I Need a Passport to Enter Costa Rica?

Yes, all foreign nationals, including United States citizens, who intend to enter Costa Rica must be in possession of a valid passport. The validity of your passport depends on your country.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals on Group 1 need to have a passport that is valid for at least one day after they enter.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals on Group 2 need a passport that is valid for at least another three months from the date of entrance.

Visa-required nationals must have a passport that is valid for at least another six months from the date they apply for the visa.

What is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?

Yes, all foreign nationals who enter Costa Rica have to pay a departure tax before they leave. The tax is about US$28-29, and you can pay it in the local currency, in USD or with a credit card.

However, check with your airline agency to see whether the departure tax is already included on your flight ticket, as some airline companies tend to do.

How Can You Go to Costa Rica to Work or Study?

Authorizations to work and study in Costa Rica are issued in the country. However, you must get a provisional visa from the Costa Rica consulate in your country/nearest to you. Then, after traveling to Costa Rica, you must apply for a temporary residence permit and finalize your application at the Costa Rica Immigration Office.

Learn more:

• Costa Rica Student Visa
• Costa Rica Work Visa
• Costa Rica Rentista Visa
• Costa Rica Residence Permits
• Costa Rica Pensionado Visa

Can Visa Holders of the US and Europe Enter Costa Rica?

Yes, if you have a visa for a Schengen and EU country, the USA, Canada, or South Korea, you can use it to enter Costa Rica, provided that the visa is still valid. You can remain for the period you have left in your existing visa or how long you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica.

The post Costa Rica Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

In some cases, no visa is needed as countries have mutual agreements that citizens are free to travel. When a tourist visa is issued, it will have a time limit, often 30 or 90 days. For most people, this is plenty of time, and even if you overstay, the consequences are minimal. However, some governments are very strict and do not like people to overstay their welcome. The punishments can range from fines to prison sentences and restrictions on ever returning. The three countries below have some of the harshest penalties, so be sure to understand the validity of the visa and when you would need to apply for a tourist visa extension to avoid problems. 

1) Thailand

If you overstay your visa in Thailand, you are committing a serious crime. Staying even two or three days longer than allowed can see you sent to local prisons, which are unsanitary and cramped. The punishment does not end there; the mildest form of punishment sees offenders banned from returning for more than five years and immediate deportation. However, due to the perceived level of crime, it is much more likely that you will be fined up to $10,000, and the black marks on your passport will make it much harder to get visas for other countries as your records are checked on every application. You will also need to get a travel visa extension granted to cover the overstay, or you could make things a lot worse. 

2) Russia

Russia is another country you do not want to risk getting stuck in with an expired visa. You will be arrested, fined and deported. After being arrested, you will be placed in jail, and they will make you apply to the authorities for an exit visa. You may not leave on an expired tourist, and an exit visa can take up to 20 days. During this time, you will be a prisoner and have little to no contact with family and friends. Again you will then be restricted from reentering for a period – generally, at least three years and your records will be marked, making it harder to travel.

3) China

Overstaying your visa in China is also not an experience you want to risk. You will be arrested and unable to leave the country. In a move similar to Russia, you will have to apply for an exit visa which takes time to be approved. While you are waiting, you pay a daily fine that increases for each additional day it takes to approve the exit visa. The best advice for all countries with visa entry is to ensure you apply for a tourist visa extension well in advance if you know you will exceed the initially agreed length of stay. This way, you can avoid problems, and as with most things, ignorance of the rules is not a valid defence and will not get you out of the punishments. 

The post 3 Countries with Serious Punishments if a Tourist Visa Expires appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

US Citizens 

1. Kuwait: Often referred to as the Jewel of the Middle East, it comes as no surprise that this is a destination of choice for tourists heading out of the US. You can apply for a visa when you land, and it is currently a level one safe destination as ranked by the travel advisory service. 
2. Paraguay: The authorities in Paraguay are happy for travellers to obtain their visas on arrival. This South American country has a troubled past but currently is enjoying a more peaceful way of life and is also a level one safe destination. 
3. Zambia: One of the great appeals for tourists arriving in Zambia is the myriad of safari animals and wildlife that calls this magnificent country home. Visitors may also want to climb Kilimanjaro, and the visa-on-arrival system of this level 1 safe destination country makes that easy.
4. Zimbabwe: Another national park destination for animal lovers, US citizens can grab their tourist visas on arrival and head off to explore the wilds – level 1 safe destination.
5. Togo: Picturesque and beautiful; Togo is a level 2 destination, so be cautious, but it does enable you to get your visa sorted after you land. 

UK Citizens

1. Egypt: Visit the pyramids, see the Pharaoh’s tombs and enjoy the warmth with an on-arrival 30-day tourist visa if you are a UK citizen. 
2. Seychelles: If you are looking for a dream beach destination, then Seychelles is an excellent choice with long stretches of sand, a favourable climate and plenty of delicious local cuisine a stone’s throw from the sand. If you have UK citizenship, you can apply for your visa once you have landed here, and a tourist visa is valid for 90 days. 
3. Madagascar: Another dream destination for those wanting to see game animals in their natural environment. There are several national parks, and there is something truly magical about a sunset over the trees here. You can get a tourist visa when you arrive, valid for 90 days. 
4. UAE: The UAE has some pretty impressive city architecture, and this includes some fantastic sky-level restaurants. There is also a famous water park, Snoopy Island and the Dubai fountain ripe for exploration. You can apply to stay for 30 days on arrival, any longer, and you must apply for an extended tourist visa. 
5. Kuwait: UK citizens are also eligible for an on-arrival visa in Kuwait valid for up to 90 days. 

The post 5 Countries Where You Can Apply for a Tourist Visa After Landing appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.