Planning an international trip as a Costa Rican passport holder? Knowing the exit travel requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. From having the correct documentation to understanding specific country requirements, this guide will help you navigate the process effortlessly.
Being well-prepared can save you time, money, and stress, making your travel experience much more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the essential travel requirements for Costa Rican passport holders as they prepare to exit the country.
Table of Contents
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Costa Rica – Map
General Entry Requirements for Costa Rican Passport Holders
Valid Passport and Visa
A valid passport is the cornerstone of international travel. Costa Rican passport holders must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure. Depending on the destination, a visa might also be required. It’s essential to check the visa requirements for your destination country well in advance. Failure to secure the necessary visa could result in denied entry.
Proof of Economic Means
Many countries require travelers to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Costa Rican passport holders should be prepared to show proof of economic means, such as bank statements or proof of employment. This documentation helps to assure immigration authorities that you can cover your expenses while abroad.
Return or Onward Travel Ticket
Most countries will ask for proof of onward travel, which means you need to have a return ticket or a ticket to another destination. This requirement is in place to ensure that travelers do not overstay their allowed period in the country. Always carry a copy of your return or onward travel ticket when traveling.
Maximum Legal Stay
The length of time you can stay in a foreign country varies depending on the destination. Some countries allow Costa Rican passport holders to stay for up to 90 days without a visa, while others may have different rules. It’s vital to know the maximum legal stay allowed and to adhere to it strictly to avoid penalties or fines.
Vaccination Requirements
Certain countries require vaccinations for entry, such as the yellow fever vaccine for some African and South American countries. Costa Rican travelers should consult with healthcare professionals and check the health requirements of their destination. Carrying an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) might be necessary.
Country-Specific Entry Requirements
Traveling to the UK
For Costa Rican passport holders traveling to the UK, it’s important to note that a visa is generally not required for short visits of up to six months. However, travelers must still meet the standard entry requirements, including showing proof of sufficient funds and onward travel.
Traveling to the United States
Traveling to the United States requires Costa Rican passport holders to obtain a visa. The most common one for tourists is the B-2 visa. It’s crucial to apply for the visa well in advance of your planned travel dates. Additionally, travelers need to provide a return ticket and proof of economic means.
Traveling to South America
Different countries in South America have varying entry requirements. For example, no visa is needed for short stays in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. However, a visa is required for Bolivia and Venezuela. Always check the specific entry requirements for each South American country you plan to visit.
Traveling to Sub-Saharan Africa
Traveling to Sub-Saharan Africa often involves more stringent entry requirements. Many countries require a visa and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Costa Rican passport holders should be prepared to provide detailed travel itineraries, proof of accommodation, and return or onward travel tickets.
Contacting Relevant Authorities
Costa Rican Embassy in the UK
The Costa Rican Embassy in the UK can provide valuable information and assistance for Costa Rican travelers. They can help with visa information, travel advisories, and other important travel-related matters. Always keep the contact information of the embassy handy when traveling.
Embajada de Costa Rica en DC
For those traveling to the United States, the Costa Rican Embassy in Washington, D.C., is a crucial resource. They offer services ranging from visa information to emergency assistance. It’s wise to register with the embassy upon arrival in the U.S. for added security.
Health and Safety Considerations
Health Risks and Recommendations
Travelers should be aware of any health risks associated with their destination. This includes understanding the quality of drinking water, potential diseases, and required vaccinations. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Costa Rica – Countries list
Afghanistan - visa required
Albania - visa-free/90 days
Algeria - visa required
Andorra - visa-free/90 days
Angola - visa required
Antigua and Barbuda - eVisa
Argentina - visa-free/90 days
Armenia - eVisa/120 days
Australia - eVisa
Austria - visa-free/90 days
Azerbaijan - eVisa/30 days
Bahamas - visa-free/90 days
Bahrain - eVisa
Bangladesh - visa on arrival/30 days
Barbados - visa-free/30 days
Belarus - visa required
Belgium - visa-free/90 days
Belize - visa-free/30 days
Benin - eVisa
Bhutan - eVisa
Bolivia - visa-free/90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa-free/90 days
Botswana - visa-free/90 days
Brazil - visa-free/90 days
Brunei - visa-free/14 days
Bulgaria - visa-free/90 days
Burkina Faso - eVisa
Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Cameroon - eVisa
Canada - visa required
Cape Verde - visa on arrival (EASE)
Central African Republic - visa required
Chad - visa required
Chile - visa-free/90 days
China - visa required
Colombia - visa-free/90 days
Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
Congo - visa required
Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
Croatia - visa-free/90 days
Cuba - tourist card/90 days
Cyprus - visa-free/90 days
Czech Republic - visa-free/90 days
Denmark - visa-free/90 days
Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Dominica - visa-free/180 days
Dominican Republic - E-Ticket/30 days
Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
Egypt - visa on arrival/30 days
El Salvador - visa-free/180 days
Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
Eritrea - visa required
Estonia - visa-free/90 days
Eswatini - visa required
Ethiopia - eVisa/90 days
Fiji - visa required
Finland - visa-free/90 days
France - visa-free/90 days
Gabon - eVisa/90 days
Gambia - visa required
Georgia - visa-free/360 days
Germany - visa-free/90 days
Ghana - visa required
Greece - visa-free/90 days
Grenada - visa-free/90 days
Guatemala - visa-free/90 days
Guinea - eVisa/90 days
Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
Guyana - visa-free/90 days
Haiti - visa-free/90 days
Honduras - visa-free/90 days
Hong Kong - visa-free/30 days
Hungary - visa-free/90 days
Iceland - visa-free/90 days
India - eVisa/30 days
Indonesia - eVisa
Iran - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iraq - eVisa
Ireland - visa-free/90 days
Israel - visa-free/90 days
Italy - visa-free/90 days
Jamaica - visa-free/30 days
Japan - visa-free/90 days
Jordan - visa on arrival / eVisa
Kazakhstan - eVisa
Kenya - eTA/90 days
Kiribati - visa-free/90 days
Kosovo - visa-free/90 days
Kuwait - visa required
Kyrgyzstan - eVisa
Laos - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Latvia - visa-free/90 days
Lebanon - visa on arrival/30 days
Lesotho - eVisa/14 days
Liberia - visa required
Libya - eVisa
Liechtenstein - visa-free/90 days
Lithuania - visa-free/90 days
Luxembourg - visa-free/90 days
Macao - visa on arrival/30 days
Madagascar - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Malawi - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Malaysia - visa-free/30 days
Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
Mali - visa required
Malta - visa-free/90 days
Marshall Islands - visa on arrival/90 days
Mauritania - visa on arrival
Mauritius - visa on arrival/60 days
Mexico - visa-free/180 days
Micronesia - visa-free/30 days
Moldova - visa-free/90 days
Monaco - visa-free/90 days
Mongolia - eVisa
Montenegro - visa-free/90 days
Morocco - visa required
Mozambique - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Myanmar - eVisa
Namibia - visa required
Nauru - visa required
Nepal - visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
Netherlands - visa-free/90 days
New Zealand - visa required
Nicaragua - visa-free/90 days
Niger - visa required
Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
North Korea - visa required
North Macedonia - visa-free/90 days
Norway - visa-free/90 days
Oman - eVisa
Pakistan - eTA/30 days
Palau - visa on arrival/30 days
Palestinian Territories - visa-free
Panama - visa-free/90 days
Papua New Guinea - eVisa
Paraguay - visa-free/90 days
Peru - visa-free/90 days
Philippines - visa-free/30 days
Poland - visa-free/90 days
Portugal - visa-free/90 days
Qatar - free visa on arrival/30 days
Romania - visa-free/90 days
Russian Federation - visa-free/90 days
Rwanda - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis - visa-free/90 days
Saint Lucia - visa-free/42 days
Samoa - visa on arrival/90 days
San Marino - visa-free/90 days
Sao Tome and Principe - eVisa
Saudi Arabia - visa required
Senegal - visa on arrival/30 days
Serbia - visa-free/90 days
Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
Sierra Leone - eVisa
Singapore - visa-free/30 days
Slovakia - visa-free/90 days
Slovenia - visa-free/90 days
Solomon Islands - visa required
Somalia - visa required
South Africa - visa-free/30 days
South Korea - eTA/90 days
South Sudan - eVisa
Spain - visa-free/90 days
Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa-free/90 days
Sudan - visa required
Suriname - tourist card/90 days
Sweden - visa-free/90 days
Switzerland - visa-free/90 days
Syria - eVisa
Taiwan - visa required
Tajikistan - visa-free/30 days
Tanzania - visa on arrival / eVisa
Thailand - visa on arrival / eVisa/15 days
Timor-Leste - visa on arrival/30 days
Togo - eVisa/15 days
Tonga - visa required
Trinidad and Tobago - visa-free/90 days
Tunisia - visa-free/90 days
Turkmenistan - visa required
Tuvalu - visa on arrival/30 days
Türkiye - visa-free/30 days
Uganda - eVisa
Ukraine - visa required
United Arab Emirates - visa-free/90 days
United Kingdom - visa-free/180 days
United States of America - visa required
Uruguay - visa-free/90 days
Uzbekistan - visa-free/30 days
Vanuatu - visa required
Vatican City - visa-free/90 days
Venezuela - visa-free/90 days
Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
Yemen - visa required
Zambia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Zimbabwe - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days