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Costa Rica visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Costa Rica depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay — many nationals can enter visa-free as tourists. Costa Rica's immigration is run by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Costa Rican visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasCosta Rica visitor visas — short stays for tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to Costa Rica to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Costa Rica — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Costa Rica.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Costa Rica as a highly skilled individual.4 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Costa Rica long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Costa Rican visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Costa Rica — key facts
- Visa authority
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- Time zone
- CST (UTC−6)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.