Costa Rica: Expansion of Visa Exemption and Stricter Visa Requirements for Certain Foreign Nationals

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.