Can I extend my 90-day stay?

Yes, but it's easier to do a visa run to Nicaragua or Panama and re-enter for another 90 days. Extensions in Costa Rica require visiting immigration offices in San José and can take weeks.

Do I need vaccinations for Costa Rica?

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're coming from a yellow fever area. No other vaccinations are mandatory, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for luxury travelers planning adventure activities.

What if my passport expires in 5 months?

Renew it before traveling. Airlines will deny boarding and Costa Rican immigration will refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months. This rule is strictly enforced.

Can I work in Costa Rica on a tourist visa?

No. Tourist status prohibits any paid work. Digital nomads technically can't work for Costa Rican companies but remote work for foreign companies is a gray area. For legal work, you need a different visa category.

How to Get a Visa for Luxury Travel to Costa Rica

Most travelers don't need a visa for Costa Rica - just a valid passport and proof of onward travel. US, Canadian, EU, UK, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free. For luxury travel, focus on passport validity (6+ months remaining) and having proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, and most Latin American countries get 90 days visa-free. Check the Costa Rican embassy website for your specific country. If you need a visa, apply at least 30 days before travel.
Ensure passport validity. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. This is strictly enforced - airlines will deny boarding if your passport expires within 6 months.
Prepare proof of onward travel. You need a return ticket or onward travel proof. Immigration officers check this. If you're doing open-ended luxury travel, book a refundable onward ticket or buy the cheapest regional flight you can cancel later.
Document your accommodation. Have your hotel confirmations ready. Luxury resorts like Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo or Nayara Gardens provide official booking confirmations that immigration officers recognize immediately.
Show financial capacity. While rarely checked for luxury travelers, have bank statements or credit card statements showing you can afford your stay. $100-150 per day is the unofficial minimum they look for.

Can I extend my 90-day stay?: Yes, but it's easier to do a visa run to Nicaragua or Panama and re-enter for another 90 days. Extensions in Costa Rica require visiting immigration offices in San José and can take weeks.
Do I need vaccinations for Costa Rica?: Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're coming from a yellow fever area. No other vaccinations are mandatory, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for luxury travelers planning adventure activities.
What if my passport expires in 5 months?: Renew it before traveling. Airlines will deny boarding and Costa Rican immigration will refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months. This rule is strictly enforced.
Can I work in Costa Rica on a tourist visa?: No. Tourist status prohibits any paid work. Digital nomads technically can't work for Costa Rican companies but remote work for foreign companies is a gray area. For legal work, you need a different visa category.