(a) * Persons holding passports issued by the former homelands of Transkei and Venda do need a visa authorised by the Immigration Department in San José. (b) Nationals of countries listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card. (c) Nationals of the following countries may enter Costa Rica with a consular visa for stays of up to 30 days: Belarus, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Peru, Thailand and Zimbabwe; nationals of these countries will have to apply for a consular visa in their country of origin or if they are permanent residents in a country of group (b) 2. in the country where they have permanent residency. (d) All other nationals require a visa. In some cases, an authorisation from the Immigration Department in San José is also necessary and visitors should consult the Consulate for an up-to-date list. Temporary visitors must hold return or onward tickets, except those holding a visa showing an exit ticket is not required.

Passport valid for at least six months at date of entry required by all.

Required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of the UK and its dependencies for stays of up to 90 days;
(b) 2. nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (British passport holders only), Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and USA for stays of up to 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, The Philippines, Russian Federation, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa*, Surinam, Taiwan (China), Turkey, Vatican City and Venezuela for stays of up to 30 days;
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight within 12 hours, provided holding confirmed onward tickets and not leaving the airport (except nationals of China (PR) who do need a transit visa authorised by the Immigration Department in San José).

Tourist. Visas cost approximately £12 ($20). All passengers requiring a visa must hold documents required for the next destination.

Visas are valid for 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality. Contact the Immigration Department in Costa Rica for renewal or information on the extension procedure.

Consulate (or Consular section of Embassy; see Passport/Visa Information). Applications should be made in person.

(a) Completed application form. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Passport valid for six months at time of entry. (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay. (e) Return or onward ticket.

Apply to the Consulate or Consular section of Embassy.

One to two, depending on nationality of applicant. Some visas need the authorisation of the Immigration Department in Costa Rica (ask the Consulate or Consular section of Embassy for details) and may take up to three weeks.

Embassy and Consulate of the Republic of Costa Rica in the UK
Flat 1, 14 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3LH, UK
Tel: (020) 7706 8844.
Website: http://costarica.embassyhomepage.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1500 (embassy); 1000-1300 (consulate).

Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in the USA
2114 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 234 2945 or 328 6628 (consular enquiries).
Website: www.costarica-embassy.org