🇨🇷 Costa Rica · Visa policy

Costa Rica Visa Requirements 2026

Visa-free 180 days Free

Visa requirements for Costa Rica: visa-free entry for up to 180 days. Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.

Last updated 30 May 2026 · Source: Warnely editorial team

Costa Rica visa at a glance

Policy: Visa-free entry
Length of stay: 180 days
Cost: Free
Passport: Valid for duration of stay.

Visa-free 6 months for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ. Onward ticket required.

90 days visa-free (UK/US).

Customs allowances

500g tobacco, 5L alcohol.

Prohibited items

Wildlife product export restricted. Drug laws strict.

This is editorial summary, not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the destination country's official immigration website or your nearest embassy before travel. Requirements vary by passport — the rules above reflect the most common cases for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ visitors.

Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica visas

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

Visa-free entry applies for Costa Rica: Visa-free 6 months for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ. Onward ticket required.

How much does a Costa Rica visa cost?

Entry to Costa Rica is free under the current visa-free entry policy for eligible passports. There is no visa fee. Always check whether your nationality is eligible before booking flights.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica?

The standard visa-free entry allows 180 days per entry. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.

What passport validity does Costa Rica require?

Valid for duration of stay.