Costa Rica Extends Visa-Free Stay Duration for Travelers
Costa Rica doubles the visa-free stay for visitors from 58 countries to 180 days to boost tourism, aligning with neighboring nations.
The Costa Rica Tourism Board has recently doubled the visa-free stay duration for tourists from 58 countries—including France, Belgium, Canada, and the U.S.—from 90 to 180 days.
New Visa Policy for Costa Rica
In an effort to revitalize its tourism sector and strengthen the national economy, Costa Rica has aligned its visa policy with its regional neighbor Salvador to increase visa-free stays from 90 to 180 days for eligible travelers. The update applies to travelers from 58 countries already listed in Group 1 of the General Guidelines for Entry and Stay Visas for Non-Residents.
According to the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners, this adjustment primarily benefits high-value visitors who contribute substantially to the country’s economic recovery.
Key Conditions and Restrictions
Entry permits are strictly for tourism or business purposes only.
Paid employment or residency applications are not permitted during the visa-free period.
Immigration authorities determine exact entry lengths—ranging from 10 to 180 days.
Full List of 58 Countries Benefiting from Extended Stay
Citizens of the following Group 1 nations and territories may now stay up to 180 days without a visa:
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican
