Costa Rica: Expansion of Visa Exemption and Stricter Visa Requirements for Certain Foreign Nationals
October 9, 2023
The General Immigration Directorate (DGME) published a resolution that expands visa-exempt status to foreign nationals from visa-required countries who hold a multiple-entry Schengen C or D Visa, valid for at least one day at the time of entry to Costa Rica. The period of allowed stay in Costa Rica is a maximum of 30 days (except for nationals of Nicaragua or Colombia who are allowed up to 90 days), renewable up to a total of 90 days. Additionally, Mauritania and Pakistan have been re-designated as Group Four nationals, which means they now require a Restricted Entry Visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism and business. A Restricted Entry Visa must be approved by the Restricted Visa Commission in Costa Rica before a consulate may issue it. Previously, they required only a Consular Visa.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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