No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaNo more visa extensions for visitors, Tourism Board confirms

No more visa extensions for visitors, Tourism Board confirms

The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed Tuesday night that the country has stopped extending visitor visas beyond 90 days as of June 1, 2021.

“On this June 1, the extension of legal stay for foreigners who have entered the country as tourists as of December 17, 2019 expires,” the ICT said in a press release.

Costa Rica now returns to its pre-pandemic tourist visa policies: All tourists must leave the country by the time indicated by their passport visa stamp (i.e. within 90 days at a maximum).

Tourists who received a visa of fewer than 90 days can request an extension allowing for up to 90 total days in the country. That process is managed by the Immigration Administration; details are available here.

During the pandemic, Costa Rica on multiple occasions extended the length of time during which visitors could remain in the country. This grace period ends at a time when both international airports and all land border posts are open to tourists.

Visitors entering Costa Rica must acquire medical insurance that covers Covid-19 and quarantine expenses. A negative coronavirus test is not necessary to enter Costa Rica, though one is required for many other countries (including the United States).

Tourists who wish to enter Costa Rica must also have a return flight within 90 days or show proof of onward travel.

According to the ICT, more than 4,500 tourists took advantage of the latest visa extension grace period.

“The extension of their stay allowed them to continue enjoying our country and, for some, even telecommute from attractive tourist settings,” the ICT said.

Having an irregular immigration status carries various legal penalties that can include being banned from re-entry to Costa Rica.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Food Culture: From Bar Bocas to Fast Food Chains

Once upon a time in Costa Rica, you could walk into a bar, order a beer, and receive a free boca – a small...

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Vacation in Costa Rica with Baby

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly touched down in Costa Rica for a family getaway with their three-month-old daughter, Saga Blade Fox-Baker. Photographers caught...

Low Dollar Exchange Rate Threatens Costa Rican Industry

Ten of Costa Rica’s leading business chambers have sent a joint letter to the Central Bank calling for an immediate adjustment to the country's...

Costa Rica Celebrates 201st Annexation Anniversary With New Nicoya Park

Nearly 200 people joined the Municipality of Nicoya this Sunday to inaugurate a new park at the Annexation Monument, an initiative that blends recreation,...

Costa Rica Opens New Pedestrian Bridge at Guayabo National Monument

Costa Rica has added a new attraction to its archaeological sites with the opening of a pedestrian bridge at Guayabo National Monument. The structure...

Why Birders Are Flocking to Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica is a bird-watching paradise, offering an incredible diversity with close to 900 recorded species, including resident and migratory species. One reason for...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica