The General Immigration Directorate (DGME) has introduced several updates to Costa Rica’s visa and entry regulations, refining exemptions, documentation requirements, and accepted travel documents. Among other changes, for travelers from visa-required countries who are exempt from obtaining a Costa Rican visa because they hold a multiple-entry visa or residence in the United States or Canada, the authorized stay cannot exceed the remaining validity of that visa or residence. Travelers exempt on the basis of a Schengen Category C or D visa must ensure the visa is multiple entry only, issued for no more than 90 days, and valid for at least one calendar day starting on their intended date of entry into Costa Rica. Their stay in Costa Rica cannot exceed the visa's remaining validity. Schengen C or D visas that take effect after the traveler’s intended entry date will not be accepted. A new provision now allows entry into Costa Rica with a United Nations travel document (laissez-passer), provided it meets the minimum validity required for each nationality’s passport under Costa Rica’s visa regulations. Additionally, Group Three (consular visa required) nationals may now be granted two consular visas simultaneously when a justified need exists to enter the country on two separate occasions. Lastly, Honduras has been reclassified from Group Three to Group Two (visa-exempt), aligning with existing regulations. Honduran nationals aged 18 and over must still present a non-apostilled Police Clearance Certificate upon entry, except when transiting or holding an eligible visa or immigration status from another country.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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