Tourist Visa (Visa-Required)

Tourist Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

30 days

Application Fee

52 USD

Stay Duration

30 to 90 days

Renewable

Varies

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Tourist visa for citizens of countries that require visa approval before travel. Grants temporary stay for tourism purposes with validity of 30-90 days depending on nationality and group classification.

The Costa Rican Tourist Visa (Visa de Turismo) is the primary entry mechanism for foreign nationals from countries that do not have visa-waiver agreements with Costa Rica. Established under the General Law of Migration and Alienage (Ley General de Migración y Extranjería), its purpose is to facilitate short-term entry for tourism, recreation, or professional activities that do not involve local remuneration. It serves as a formal screening process to ensure visitors meet the country's security and financial solvency standards before arrival.

This visa is ideal for travelers from Group 3 and Group 4 countries who wish to explore Costa Rica's natural landscapes or attend business conferences. A key feature is the distinction between the Consular Visa, issued directly by a consul for Group 3 nationalities, and the Restricted Visa (Visa Consultada), which requires authorization from the Commission of Restricted Visas in San José for Group 4 nationalities. Unlike visa-exempt entries, this process provides a formal legal entry permit prior to travel, reducing the risk of being turned away at the border.

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Requirements

Financial

Minimum Savings

100 EUR

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

6+ months validity from date of travel

Passport photos

Usually 2 photos, recent and clear

Completed application form

Official visa application from consulate

Proof of funds

Bank statements or other proof of economic means

Return ticket

Or proof of onward travel

Optional

Hotel reservation

Or accommodation confirmation

Optional

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Advantages

Clear legal path for non-exempt nationalities to enter the country
Allows for participation in non-remunerated business activities and conferences
Provides certainty of entry permission prior to departing the home country
Lower application fees compared to residency or long-term stay categories
Enables legal transit through Costa Rican territory for restricted nationalities
Standardized application process across global Costa Rican consulates

Considerations

Mandatory in-person appearance often required at a Costa Rican consulate
Lengthy and unpredictable processing times for restricted (Group 4) nationalities
Strict financial documentation requirements to prove economic solvency
Subject to high levels of discretionary approval by consular officers
Short window of validity for initial entry after the visa is stamped