Costa Rica is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and friendly people. Many tourists worldwide are drawn to its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. To make your trip to this tropical paradise hassle-free, you must know how to apply for a Costa Rica Evisa.
An Evisa, or electronic visa, is an online authorization that allows travellers to enter Costa Rica for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It has simplified the visa application process by eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy in person, making it more convenient and efficient for travellers. This ultimate guide will provide all the information you need to successfully apply for a Costa Rica Evisa: tips, tricks, and everything in between.
Check if your country supports Costa Rica Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Argentina | visa free |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa free |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa on arrival |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Gambia | visa required |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| India | e-visa |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa free |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | e-visa |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa on arrival |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa on arrival |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Sierra Leone | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | e-visa |
| Vanuatu | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | visa on arrival |
| Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
How to apply for Costa Rica Evisa
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before you begin the application process, it’s crucial to determine whether you need an Evisa to enter Costa Rica. The country offers visa-free travel for citizens of many countries, so you may not need to apply for an Evisa if you’re from one of these nations. You can check the official Costa Rican government website for a list of visa-exempt countries.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for a Costa Rica Evisa, the next step is to gather all the necessary supporting documents. These documents will vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit but generally include the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining before its expiration date
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Costa Rica (e.g., bank statements or a letter from your employer)
- A return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Costa Rica (e.g., hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Costa Rican host)
Step 3: Complete the online application form
The application process for a Costa Rica Evisa is simple. You must visit the official Costa Rican government Evisa portal, create an account, and complete the online application form. Be sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information, as any discrepancies could lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
Costa Rica Evisa Requirements
Passport and photograph requirements
Your passport is the most crucial document for your Evisa application. Ensure it is valid for at least six months from your planned entry into Costa Rica. In addition to your passport, you’ll also need to submit a recent passport-sized photograph. The photo should be in colour, taken against a white background, and display your full face without accessories (e.g., glasses or hats).
Proof of funds and travel itinerary
You’ll need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to ensure that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Costa Rica. This can be in bank statements, a letter from your employer, or any other document demonstrating your financial stability.
Additionally, you’ll need to submit a detailed travel itinerary outlining your planned activities, accommodation, and transportation while in Costa Rica. This information will help immigration officials determine the purpose of your visit and ensure that you have a legitimate reason for requesting an Evisa.
Health insurance and vaccinations
Depending on your nationality and the current health regulations, you may be required to present proof of health insurance coverage and specific vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever) when applying for your Costa Rica Evisa. Be sure to research these requirements well in advance to avoid any unexpected surprises during the application process.
Costa Rica Evisa Duration and Validity
The duration and validity of your Costa Rica Evisa will depend on your visit’s purpose and nationality. Generally, tourist Evisas are valid for 30 or 90 days, while business and transit Evisas may have different validity periods. It’s important to note that Evisa only permits you to enter the country; immigration officials will decide on the duration of your stay upon your arrival in Costa Rica.
If you wish to extend your stay in Costa Rica beyond the duration of your Evisa, you’ll need to apply for an extension with the local immigration authorities. Remember that overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or even being banned from re-entering the country in the future.
Costa Rica Evisa Process Time
The processing time for a Costa Rica Evisa can vary depending on factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the current workload of the immigration authorities. Generally, you can expect your Evisa application to be processed within 5-10 business days. However, applying well before your planned trip is always a good idea to avoid any last-minute complications or delays.
In some cases, expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. If you rush to obtain your Evisa, you can explore this option through the official government Evisa portal.
Costa Rica Evisa Cost and Payment Methods
The cost of a Costa Rica Evisa will depend on various factors, including your nationality, the type of visa, and the processing time. Generally, the fees for a tourist Evisa range from $20 to $160, while business and transit visas may have different costs. Check the official government website for the most up-to-date information on Evisa fees.
When applying for your Costa Rica Evisa, you must pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card. Some countries might also offer alternative payment methods, such as bank transfers or e-wallets. Evisa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied or withdrawn.
Tips and Tricks for a Successful Costa Rica Evisa Application
- Start early: Give yourself ample time to research and gather all the necessary documents for your Evisa application. This will help minimize stress and ensure you’re well-prepared for unexpected hurdles.
- Double-check your information: Before submitting your Evisa application, carefully review all the information you’ve provided to ensure it’s accurate and up-to-date. Small mistakes or discrepancies can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
- Keep digital copies of your documents: Having digital copies of your passport, photographs, and other supporting documents can be helpful in case you need to make any changes or updates to your application.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on the official government website for any updates or changes to the Evisa application process, fees, or requirements.
- Be patient: The Evisa application process can sometimes be time-consuming and frustrating. Stay patient and be prepared to deal with any delays or challenges that may arise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Costa Rica Evisa Application
- Applying with an expired or soon-to-expire passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Costa Rica.
- Submitting low-quality or incorrect photographs: Follow the photo guidelines provided by the Costa Rican government to ensure that your passport-sized photo meets the requirements.
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information: Double-check all the information you provide in your Evisa application to avoid potential delays or rejections.
- Not paying the application fee: Ensure you pay the required Evisa fee using an accepted payment method.
- Waiting until the last minute to apply: Apply for your Costa Rica Evisa well before your planned trip to avoid any last-minute complications or delays.
What to do if your Costa Rica Evisa is Denied or Delayed
If your Costa Rica Evisa application is denied or delayed, don’t panic. First, review the reasons provided by the immigration authorities and determine if you can address any issues or provide additional supporting documents. If you believe your application was denied unfairly or due to an error, you can appeal the decision through the official government Evisa portal.
In the case of a delayed Evisa application, be patient and regularly check the status of your application online. If you’re concerned about the delay, contact the Costa Rican immigration authorities for assistance.
Read: How to apply and get Croatia eVisa
Applying for a Costa Rica Evisa can be straightforward and hassle-free if you follow the tips and tricks outlined in this guide. With the proper preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a memorable trip to this beautiful and diverse country. So, start planning your Costa Rican adventure today and experience the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality this tropical paradise offers.