Entry visas to Costa Rica
According to the General Guidelines for entry and stay visas for non-residents number DG-30-10-2023-AJ, the following changes have been made:
- Entry visas (1 up to 180 days for group 1):
The maximum time of stay in Costa Rica for foreigners belonging to the first group has been extended from 90 days up to 180 days. Only those persons granted less than a 90-day stay can request an extension to 90 days.
Please note that the number of days given at the time of entry is up to the Immigration inspector.
Entry visas (Visa Schengen exemption):
Foreigners who belong to group three (consular visas) and group four (restricted visas), may enter using a Schengen visa type “C” or “D” multiple type, as an exception.
In addition, as previously stated in the visa guideline, there are exceptions for persons holding:
- US visas. Please note that visas C1, C2 and C3 are not acceptable.
- Canadian visas.
- Residents of European Union countries.
Costa Rican driver´s license homologation: The regulatory changes being indicated are not yet in effect
Foreigners having an active Immigration application or legal immigration status in the country will be allowed to apply for a Costa Rican driver’s license.
*It has been determined that it is no longer necessary to have a DIMEX or to stay more than 90 consecutive days in the country.
*In addition, it has been established that foreigners under the tourist status will be able to drive in Costa Rica for the same period that has been granted on their entry stamp.
Consular registration
As of October 2023, the consular registration requirement has become effective for all immigration applications.
*This requirement varies with each consular representation in Costa Rica.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].