Guide to the entry requirements for Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places to visit that has endless nature. You can get lost in the natural beauty to escape your daily life. Of course, to enter the country, you will need to know everything about the entry requirements for Costa Rica.

The best part is that entering Costa Rica is not a tedious process. Here is everything you need to know about the visa requirements of Costa Rica.


visit costa rica visa requirements
Entry requirements for Costa Rica: do YOU need a visa for visiting Costa Rica or not?

Costa Rica tourist visa

Passport nationals of the following countries have almost no entry requirements for Costa Rica, as they can benefit from a ninety-day trip without a visa:

  • USA
  • UAE
  • Argentina
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • New Zealand
  • Ireland
  • Panama
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Most countries of the European Union

However, if you are visiting Costa Rica as a national of these countries, you need a valid passport that extends beyond the date of your arrival. Besides that, entry requirements for Costa Rica imposed by the government require such travelers to have a return ticket to another destination or their home country within ninety days of arrival.

There are also other countries that can enter Costa Rica without a visa. However, these countries must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the arrival date. These countries include countries within Asia, the Caribbean, Oceania, and South America.

On the other hand, nationalities that require a visa to enter Costa Rica include Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Kenya, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and many others.


costa rica entry requirements covid
The entry requirements for Costa Rica became tougher during the pandemic

Entry requirements for Costa Rica amid COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed the landscape of traveling for good. There are additional requirements all tourists must fulfill before the officials allow them to enter Costa Rica. For example, all tourists must complete a digital form, known as the Health Pass, seventy-two hours before their arrival in the country.

As part of the entry requirements for Costa Rica, each person has to fill out this form, including minors entering the country. Besides that, fully vaccinated tourists can enter the country, and they have to attach their vaccination certificate along with the Health Pass. On the other hand, unvaccinated individuals will have to purchase a travel policy to enter the country.


Top things to do in Costa Rica

Now that you are familiar with the visa requirements of Costa Rica, here are some of the top things you can do while you are in the country:

tortuguero costa rica visa
Deal with the visa requirements for Costa Rica to see Tortuguero National Park

1. Visit Tortuguero National Park

You can only access this national park with a small plane or a boat. However, when you get there, you will fall in love with the beauty and nature this place has to offer. There is unique wildlife everywhere along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, which is why it is an animal lovers’ paradise.

Here, you will find mangroves, rainforests, beaches, and much more. The best part about this national park is that you will get to see a variety of species of sea turtles. These turtles nest on the beaches between February and October.


arenal volcano costa rica tourist visa
Get your Costa Rica visa & visit Arenal Volcano in 2022

2. Explore the Arenal Volcano Area

The Arenal Volcano area is present in the central area of Costa Rica, and it is one of the most popular landmarks. The volcano is active, but it has not had an eruption since 2012. The volcano stands over 1,600 meters tall, and the surrounding lands are filled with activities you can do and natural beauty you can explore.

If you want to visit a quaint town in this area, you must go towards La Fortuna. It has a central park, great accommodation, and cuisine, and a charming church you will love to see. If you are there for the day, you can also make your way toward the La Fortuna Waterfall.


enter costa rica cloud forest
Once you’re familiar with the visa requirements of Costa Rica, you can just enjoy your vacation!

3. Have fun in the Costa Rica cloud forests

The highlands of Costa Rica are filled with cloud forests. These are rich green areas that are high in humidity and moisture because they are constantly covered with clouds. The humidity is excellent for the plants and animals, as it allows them to thrive, and the cloud coverage balances the warm temperatures.

There are several cloud forests in Costa Rica you must visit at least once in your lifetime. The most popular cloud forest you must go to is the Monteverde Rainforest. You can do many things here, such as zip-lining, hiking, and much more.

You will also find villages here that include museums, restaurants, and quaint lodges for the best accommodation. So, be sure to check out one of the cloud forests when you are in Costa Rica.


enter costa rica san jose
Discover San Jose as soon as you deal with all the Costa Rica entry requirements

4. Spend time in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica

San Jose is in the middle of the country and is the capital of Costa Rica. It is one of the best places to know more about art, history, architecture, culture, and much more. If you want to understand Costa Rica through a deep lens, San Jose is the place you must start at.

Here are some of the top things you must see when you are in San Jose:

  • San Jose Central Market
  • National Museum
  • Jade Museum
  • National Theatre
  • Museum of Contemporary Art & Design
  • Gold Museum
  • And much more.

The central market is the best place to dive into the local cuisine and try the various dishes that Costa Ricans are masters at. If you want to go outside the city, you can always take day trips to food tours, beer tours, city tours, coffee tours, and much more. San Jose is a city that will never bore you because there is always something to do.

Discover more things to do in Costa Rica on vacation!


Final words

That was your complete guide to understanding the visa requirements of Costa Rica and what you can do once you are in the country. There is a lot of diversity, and you will find everything from beaches to forests, and much more. You can also stay in the cities and enjoy a fast life if that is what you prefer.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to Costa Rica soon and enjoy everything the country has to offer to tourists. You will make memories of a lifetime in a majestic place in no time.


Who shed some light on entry requirements for Costa Rica

Mirela Letailleur The Travel Bunny

Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe. Creator of unique free travel guides and local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.

Read more about Mirela Letailleur

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