Visa Requirements for Costa Rican Citizens
Costa Rica passport holders
Planning to travel abroad with a Costa Rican passport? Over 1.5 million Costa Ricans traveled internationally in 2024, taking advantage of one of Central America's strongest passports. Costa Rican citizens enjoy visa-free access to 149 destinations including all of Europe, the UK, Japan, and most of South America. For destinations requiring advance visas, expect fees of US $185 (approximately ₡94,350) for the United States, CAD $100 (approximately ₡37,000) for Canada, and AUD $20 to $150 (approximately ₡6,600 to ₡49,500) for Australia. This guide covers visa requirements, processing times, document checklists, and approval rates based on official government data.
Global Travel Access
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Costa Rican passport holders enjoy exceptional travel freedom, ranking first in Central America and among the top 30 globally. Costa Ricans can visit all 29 Schengen countries, the United Kingdom (up to 6 months), Japan, South Korea, and most of South America without a visa. However, advance visas are required for the United States, Canada, Australia, and China. The US Embassy in San José processes B1/B2 tourist visas with wait times typically ranging from 2 to 8 weeks. Canada requires either a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on the purpose of travel. Most visa applications can be submitted through embassy websites or authorized visa application centers in San José and surrounding areas.
Passport Strength: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 149 destinations worldwide
Popular Destinations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can Costa Rican passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?
Costa Rican citizens can visit 149 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. This includes all 29 Schengen countries (90 days), the United Kingdom (6 months), Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), Singapore (30 days), Brazil (90 days), Argentina (90 days), Colombia (90 days), Chile (90 days), and Peru (183 days). Costa Rica ranks first in Central America for passport strength and travel freedom.
How much does a US visa cost for Costa Rican citizens?
The US B1/B2 tourist and business visa costs $185 (approximately ₡94,350) for Costa Rican applicants. This non-refundable application fee is paid before scheduling your visa interview at the US Embassy in San José. Additional fees may apply for visa issuance depending on your nationality and reciprocity agreements.
What is the Canada visa fee for Costa Ricans in 2025?
The Canada visitor visa costs CAD $100 (approximately ₡37,000) for Costa Rican citizens. If you have previously held a Canadian visa or currently hold a valid US visa, you may be eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at just CAD $7 (approximately ₡2,600). Processing times range from 2 to 8 weeks for the standard visitor visa.
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, Costa Rican citizens do not need a visa to visit Europe. Costa Ricans can travel visa-free to all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Starting in 2025, Costa Ricans will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization online for €7 before traveling, but this is not a visa.
What documents do Costa Rican citizens need for most visa applications?
Standard visa requirements for Costa Ricans include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs (specifications vary by country), bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds, employment letter or proof of income, confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings, travel insurance (recommended for all destinations), and cover letter explaining travel purpose and ties to Costa Rica.
What is the visa approval rate for Costa Ricans applying to the US?
The US B1/B2 visa approval rate for Costa Rican applicants is approximately 75% to 80% based on recent fiscal year data. Approval rates are higher for applicants with strong ties to Costa Rica, previous international travel history (especially to visa-free countries), and clear documentation of stable employment and financial resources.
Can Costa Ricans get a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, Costa Rican citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) for stays up to 30 days at no cost. This makes the UAE one of the easiest destinations for Costa Ricans to visit. The visa-on-arrival is granted automatically at immigration and can be extended for an additional 30 days for a fee.
Which countries have the highest visa rejection rates for Costa Ricans?
Costa Rican applicants typically face the highest rejection rates for US visas, with approximately 20% to 25% of applications denied. Canada has a rejection rate of around 15% to 20% for Costa Rican applicants. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, weak ties to Costa Rica, and incomplete applications.
How can I improve my visa approval chances as a Costa Rican citizen?
To maximize visa approval chances: apply at least 4 to 8 weeks before travel, provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income and savings, include proof of property ownership or long-term employment in Costa Rica, document previous international travel stamps (especially to visa-free countries like Europe and Japan), provide a detailed travel itinerary with confirmed bookings, and demonstrate clear reasons to return to Costa Rica after your trip.