Entry Requirements and Visa for Costa Rica

Travelers

For French Citizens

For tourist travel, French citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 3 months. A passport valid beyond the planned return date is sufficient. However, a return or onward ticket (including by land), as well as proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, may be requested.

Other Nationalities

The same applies to Canadians, Swiss citizens, nationals of the European Union, and a few other nationalities.

Long Stays

Beyond applying for a work visa, temporary residency, or the simpler "Digital Nomad" visa—which still require some paperwork and proof of sufficient funds of at least $2,000–$3,000 USD per month—there is another long-standing option used by many foreigners. This is what is known as a "visa run," which involves leaving the country every 90 days and then re-entering to have your passport stamped for an additional 3 months in Costa Rica. However, while this practice is tolerated, it is not a guaranteed right. This means that each time, you risk being denied entry by authorities with no recourse.

In Case of Violation

Though Costa Rica is far from the worst in this regard, authorities have recently been cracking down on unauthorized stays or overstaying the legal duration. This can result in fines (typically calculated per "monthly bracket") and future entry bans.

Vehicles

More than residents, it is primarily travelers crossing Central America—or even coming from North America—with their own vehicle who are affected.

That said, the procedures for entering Costa Rica with a vehicle are well-established, though they require careful administrative steps and all the usual documents for such cases. In the end, you will obtain a Temporary Import Permit and specific vehicle insurance, typically valid for 90 days or the duration allowed by your visa.

Consulates

In France

General Consulate: 4 Square Rapp, 75007 Paris. Tel.: 01 45 78 50 91.

Other Countries

• Belgium: General Consulate, 489 av. Louise, 1050 Ixelles. Tel.: +32 2 640 55 41.

• Canada:

-- General Consulate: 350 Sparks Street, Suite 701, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8. Tel.: (613) 562 2855.

-- Toronto Consulate: 60 Bloor Street West, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3B8. Tel.: (416) 901 5633.