Costa Rica•North AmericaVaries
Free
2 days
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Transit pass for nationals of select countries permitted up to 48-hour stopovers in Costa Rica en route to another destination.
The Transit Visa (Visa de Tránsito) is a short-stay authorization for foreign nationals from designated countries passing through Costa Rica en route to another destination. Established by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners, it ensures that travelers who are not visa-exempt have proper authorization to briefly stopover while changing aircraft or carriers.
This visa permits stays of up to 48 hours and does not allow exploration or work in Costa Rica. Applicants must provide a valid passport (90+ days validity), confirmed onward travel tickets, and proof of employment or income. Processing varies by consulate, typically up to 30 days. Dependents may be included if criteria are met.
This visa is ideal for transit passengers from non-visa-exempt countries who need formal authorization to change flights or carriers at Costa Rican airports.
| Initial grant | 2 days |
Afghanistan
Angola
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Congo - Brazzaville
Cuba
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
India
Iran
Iraq
JamaicaMust be transiting through Costa Rica to another country.
Passport must be in good condition with at least 90 days of validity from the date of entry.
Must have travel tickets indicating entry and departure dates.
For double-entry transit visas, the second entry must occur within 90 days of the first.
Must not exceed 48 hours of stay in the country.
Must provide proof of employment (or income certification for self-employed individuals).
Must provide a criminal record certificate.
Transit visa application form.
Proof of payment for consular fees.
Travel tickets (entry and departure).
Letter from employer (stating duration, responsibilities, and salary) or income certification from a Certified Public Accountant for self-employed.
Criminal record certificate.
Valid passport (minimum 90 days validity).
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