Costa Rica tourist visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Did you know that Costa Rica is one of the most visited countries in Central America? The country is considered a tourist paradise because of its location and weather. Costa Rica is an island with some of the nicest beaches in the world, and thousands of foreigners visit every year to spend their vacation here. There's a lot to do here, such as sunbathing at the beach, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, visiting caves, and exploring the flora and fauna of the area. The capital city, San Jose, is also a beehive of activities, especially at night when the city bursts into life with social activities. However, to enjoy all the beautiful wonders Costa Rica has to offer, you need a Costa Rica tourist visa.

Who Needs A Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

The tourist visa is for foreigners who are not citizens of visa-exempt countries. A few countries are on the visa-exempt list, so their citizens can enter Costa Rica without a visa, but if you are unsure whether you qualify for visa exemption, scan the visa-exempt list to be sure. You need to apply for a visa if you don't qualify. Note that visas are influenced by international treaties between Coast Rica and foreign governments.

For instance, the temporary immigration measures established that US citizens can enter without a visa but only if they can prove to immigration officers that they are coming for the purpose they claim. The immigration authorities have the authority to accept a traveler into Costa Rica even if they have a visa.

Conditions For Visa Exempt Travelers

Costa Rican law establishes that as a traveler from a visa exempt country, you can visit Costa Rica, but you need to fulfill the following conditions.

• The applicant must have a valid passport and a ticket to exit Costa Rica within 3 months after they arrive; those who wish to stay beyond 90 days must apply for a permit

• Visitors are advised to carry their passports and return tickets at all times whenever they are outdoors

How To Apply For A Tourist Visa?

The visa application process for a tourist entry visa is very easy and only requires a few steps. We highlight them below.

• Visit VisaHQ to open the application form portal to

• Select your citizenship and choose Costa Rica as your destination

• Select "Tourist Visa" as your visa of choice

• Fill out the application form with accurate details

• Attach your documents in their relevant fields

• Submit for processing

There is a visa fee you must pay for processing. This fee is paid with a credit or debit card, and it is non-refundable. This means that you will not be refunded the cash if your application is rejected. To prevent rejections, make sure you only use valid documents and crosscheck for errors before clicking the submit button.

Tourist visas are issued online via the email address you provide within 3-4 working days after application submission to check your inbox and spam folder regularly.

 Documents for Costa Rica Tourist Visa

Here are the tourist visa requirements.

Passport: A valid passport showing the applicant's face and data clearly. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have two blank pages for immigration stamps.

Photograph: A recent colored photograph uploaded in 3x4mm format showing your face clearly.

Proof of Accommodation: A copy of your hotel reservation showing the hotel's contact details.

Return ticket: A return flight ticket to your country within 90 days after your arrival

Health insurance: The health protocols established that applicants must provide health medical insurance to cover potential medical expenses while in Costa Rica. The insurance must contain a financial package to cover the national health emergency.

Proof of funds: A statement of account showing proof of funds to cover your expenses during your stay.

It is key to note that your country of origin will determine how long you can stay in Costa Rica as a tourist. Also, the immigration officer may request a bank statement to prove your financial solvency, so bring your bank statement along with you. Another thing to note is that the Immigration officers on duty have the authority to decide how long you can stay in the country regardless of your visa before you leave Costa Rica

Furthermore, visitors are not allowed to carry more than $10,000 out of Costa Rica unless they sign a declaration form with the Customs Authorities.

Please be advised to leave the country on or before the day your visa expires.

To expedite the Costa Rica tourist visa application process, you don't have to spend long queues at the Costa Rica consulate or a visa center; simply log onto VisaHQ to apply for it online in less than 30 minutes.