Most foreign visitors need to apply for a consular visa to enter Costa Rica. Applications can be submitted through the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country. Typically, you’ll need to provide a valid passport, proof of financial means, round-trip flight tickets, and a certificate of no criminal record, among other documents. Visa fees and processing times are subject to the embassy’s official announcements.
You may be eligible for visa-free entry for tourism if you meet one of the following conditions: holding a valid multiple-entry visa or legal residence permit issued by the United States or Canada (excluding U.S. C1, C2, and C3 transit visas); holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen C or D visa; or holding legal residence in European countries such as the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland with a validity of at least 90 days. With visa exemption, the maximum stay is generally 30 days, and your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Please also note: if you transit through or enter Costa Rica from countries with a risk of yellow fever—such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, or Venezuela—you must present proof of yellow fever vaccination administered at least 10 days prior. Otherwise, you may be denied entry.
| Category | Daily Budget | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | About $56–$99 | Hostels or guesthouses, local eateries, public transport |
| Comfortable | About $125–$210 | 3-star hotels, car rental, guided tours, and hot springs |
| High-end | $280 and above | Rainforest resorts, private guides, chartered flights, and diving excursions |
Costa Rica is relatively expensive compared to other Latin American countries. National park entrance fees, guided tours, and car rentals are major expenses, so it’s wise to budget ahead. Local prices typically include a 13% VAT, and some restaurants add a 10% service charge.