Ask the Consul

Q: Greetings from Cabuya. I have tried to contact the Embassy, but it appears the only way to get information is to actually travel to Pavas. Has anything changed? What is the best way to contact the Embassy?

 A: In order to provide better service in the face of high volume, the Embassy has changed how it answers consular inquiries. Inquiries about American Citizens’ Services sent to acssanjose@state.gov are generally answered within two business days. Inquiries regarding Visa Services sent to Support-costarica@ustraveldocs.com are also generally answered within two business days. Social Security inquires can be sent to Fbucostarica@SSA.gov, and will also be answered within 48 hours. Please do not forget to send your Social Security number and local phone number in case we need to contact you.

Those sending visa inquiries to one of the previous email addresses receive an auto-reply advising them to forward their inquiry to the appropriate new email address. Inquiries about Visa Services also may be made by phone during extended hours (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.) toll-free within Costa Rica at 4000-1976 or via Skype at ustraveldocs_centralamerica.

 I’ve travelled back and forth from the U.S. to Costa Rica so many times that my passport is practically full. Can I get extra pages at the Embassy here in Costa Rica?

 Yes, you can! Simply make an appointment through our Embassy’s webpage (http://costarica.usembassy.gov/passports.html#8) and come in to drop off your passport. The charge is $82 payable at the Consulate in dollars or colones. International credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), but personal checks are not. 

Have a question you’d like answered? Email dboddiger@ticotimes.net and we’ll forward it to the embassy. Please note: Embassy staff may not be able to answer all questions through this forum.