🇨🇷 Costa Rica visa requirements

Most of the world gets 90 days visa-free in Costa Rica. US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens are in this group. Others get 30 days. A few need to apply ahead.

Who walks in visa-free?

If you're from the United States, Canada, the UK, or Australia, you're likely getting a 90-day entry stamp. Most of Europe too. The exact list is long, but these are the big ones. If your passport is from a country not on the list, you'll probably get 30 days. A few countries need a pre-approved visa. This isn't common for digital nomads, but check if you're unsure. Don't assume.

How long can you actually stay?

Officially, your entry stamp dictates your stay, often 90 days. But here’s the catch: you need proof of onward travel to get that full 90. This means a return ticket or a ticket out of the country within your visa period. If you don't have it, they might only stamp you for 30 days.

Overstaying is where things get expensive. While specific fines can vary, expect to pay around $100 USD per month for an overstay, and they can deny entry for up to 7 years. You can apply for an extension once, for another 90 days. This requires a visit to immigration offices outside San José. A common tactic is to do a "visa run" to Nicaragua or Panama for a day to reset your entry stamp. This works for many, but authorities can deny re-entry if they feel you're abusing the system. Technically, you need to leave and re-enter to get a new entry stamp, not just go to the border and turn back.

Can you work remotely on a tourist stamp?

Yes, but it's a legal grey area. Costa Rica doesn't explicitly forbid working remotely on a tourist visa. The reality is, most digital nomads do it. Immigration officials are generally more concerned with you having sufficient funds and proof of onward travel. They aren't usually checking your laptop for work documents.

The Digital Nomad Visa is the official route. It's for people earning money from outside Costa Rica. If you plan to stay longer than your tourist stamp allows, or if you want full legal certainty, that's the path. But for shorter stays, many people operate on tourist status without issue. Enforcement on remote work for tourists is low.

What's new with Costa Rican entry?

Costa Rica has been rolling out changes, most notably the Digital Nomad Visa. This programme launched in 2021 and has seen some adjustments. The application is done online. Fees for extensions and other immigration processes can change, so always check the official Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) website for the latest figures.

There was talk of an eVisa system for some nationalities, but this hasn't fully materialized for tourist entries in the way some countries have implemented it. For now, most border crossings and airport entries rely on the physical passport stamp. The DGME website is your best bet for up-to-date information on any new policies or fee adjustments, especially regarding extensions or specific entry requirements.