Honduras: Visa Exemption Revoked for Nationals of Costa Rica as Reciprocal Measure

The reciprocal measure follows Costa Rica’s requirement for Honduran nationals to obtain a Consular Entry Visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism and business, implemented on October 6, 2023.

As Costa Ricans must now obtain Consular Visas to enter Honduras, they are subject to the following rules and requirements:

• Maximum stay. The Consular Visa typically allows a maximum stay of up to 90 calendar days, extendable for up to 30 additional days, for a maximum total stay of 120 consecutive days.

• General requirements. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applicants must generally submit the following key documents (among others) when applying for the Consular Visa:
  • • an apostilled/legalized medical certificate (or proof of a medical examination at the discretion of immigration authorities);
    • COVID-19 and yellow fever vaccination certificates;
    • apostilled/legalized police clearance certificate issued within the last six months;
    • proof of economic means such as bank statements;
    • clean Interpol report;
    • authenticated letter of responsibility signed by the host individual in Honduras;
    • proof of economic means of the host individual;
    • police clearance certificate of the host individual issued within the last six months;
    • documents that support the purpose of the trip;
    • certification of absence of any investigations or complaints against the applicant and the host individual issued by the Public Ministry in Honduras.

Additionally, the host individuals in Honduras must attend an interview at the National Immigration Institute. Travelers should check with their corresponding consular post for specific requirements and timeframes.

• Exceptions. Certain Costa Rican nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold a Canadian, U.S., or Schengen visa valid for at least six months. Based on practical experience, those holding a visa from a European Union, or a European Economic Area country may also be exempt.
• Residents of Honduras. The Consular Entry Visa requirement applies only to foreign nationals entering Honduras as visitors for tourism or business. Foreign nationals who are work-authorized/residents of Honduras and who hold a valid Residence Card do not require a visa to enter Honduras and should enter with their Residence Card.

This visa requirement adds administrative hurdles, additional costs and potential delays to Costa Rican nationals seeking to enter Honduras for tourism or business.

The reciprocal visa-exemption revocations continue to be highly publicized in the media and are the subject of ongoing political contention, especially in the context of increased irregular migration throughout the region. Additional immigration restrictions or changes may be forthcoming.