Visa-Free Entry

Costa Rica sorts nationalities into groups. Group 1, which includes the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and much of the Americas and Asia-Pacific, can stay visa-free for up to 180 days, with the exact number written on the entry stamp by the officer. Group 2 passports get 30 days. Visitors need an onward ticket and may be asked for proof of funds. It is a tourist status, so local work is not allowed; remote workers staying longer can use the digital nomad stay.

95 nationalities are on the eligible list. Anyone not listed applies through a different route.

• Passport eligible for visa-free entryRequiredGroup 1 passports get up to 180 days and Group 2 passports 30 days. Others need a consular visa.
• Within the visa-free allowanceRequiredUp to 180 days for Group 1, at the officer's discretion, and 30 days for Group 2.
• Passport valid for at least 6 monthsRequiredGroup 1 passports must be valid for the whole stay; some airlines insist on six months.
• Onward or return ticketRequiredAirlines and immigration require proof of onward travel within the permitted stay, and this is enforced.
• Not a work permitInfoTourist entry does not allow local work. The digital nomad stay lets you work remotely for foreign employers legally.

• Passport
• Onward or return ticket
• Proof of funds if asked

1. Check your stamp

   The officer writes the number of days granted on the stamp. Check it before leaving the counter.

   1

Tourist stays are not normally extended. Leave before the stamped date or apply for another status.

• Ask for the full period you need at the border
• Carry proof of onward travel; it is checked
• The officer may grant fewer than 180 days
• Overstays can lead to an entry ban

• Dirección General de Migración y ExtranjeríaGovernment of Costa Rica2026-10-12
• Costa Rica: maximum period of stay extended for Group 1 passport holdersEnvoy Global2026-10-12