Costa Rica: Increased Period of Stay for Group One Visitors

• Applicability. The measure is available to foreign nationals of countries classified as Group One by the General Immigration Directorate. The list of countries is subject to change but currently includes the United States and Canada, among others.
• Maximum period of stay. The maximum period of stay in Costa Rica for visa-exempt tourists and business visitors in Group One is now 180 days for each visit. However, the actual allowed period of stay in Costa Rica will be at the discretion of immigration officials at ports of entry. Previously, the maximum allowable consecutive stay for visa-exempt visitors in Group One was 90 days.
• Extensions. Foreign nationals (of any Group) can apply to the General Immigration Directorate to extend their stay for up to 90 days only if a shorter period is granted at entry.
• Period of stay for other groups unchanged. The maximum period of stay in Costa Rica for tourists and business visitors in Groups Two, Three and Four will remain unchanged at 30 days (renewable up to a total of 90 days).
• Other general entry requirements. As a reminder, all foreign nationals entering Costa Rica as visitors must provide proof of financial means during their stay (at least USD 100 per month), and a return or onward airline or other travel ticket.​​ Foreign nationals arriving from high-risk countries must also present a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, issued at least 10 days prior to the date of arrival to Costa Rica.

• Longer stay. Foreign nationals from Group One countries traveling for tourism or business can now stay in Costa Rica for a longer period.
• Opportunity for longer stay may complicate choosing the right pathway. The expanded stay period under this immigration status creates a new option for entry and stay for business visitors who are paid from a company abroad. This pathway, therefore, may complicate the decision as to which pathway a foreign national should select for a visit to Costa Rica since the Visa for Remote Work offers similar rights and has similar restrictions on local pay.
• Restrictions. Though a business entry authorization in Costa Rica allows a wide range of business and professional activities, foreign nationals who will be paid by a company in Costa Rica do not qualify for this status and should work with their immigration professional to determine the appropriate immigration category for their activities (i.e., Short-Term Visa (Visa de Estancia), or Temporary Residence).

The measure is part of the government’s efforts to reenergize the tourism sector, which is one of the main sources of income in Costa Rica. According to data in the General Immigration Directorate’s migratory movements database, foreign nationals in Group One countries generate more revenue into the country than other groups and positively contribute to the reactivation of the national economy.

Additional changes to immigration policies may be forthcoming as the government continues to focus on energizing the tourism sector and the larger economy. A proposed law pending with the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly seeks to reduce the minimum income requirement for foreign nationals to qualify for the Short-Term Visa for Remote Workers or Service Providers to USD 2,000 (or USD 3,000 if accompanied by dependents), down from the current minimum amount of USD 3,000 (or USD 4,000 with dependents). Fragomen will report on relevant developments.