Free Trade Area of the Americas - FTAA

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Costa Rica

BUSINESS FACILITATION MEASURES
Visa Requirements for Business Travelers in the Americas



Costa Rica 
(Destination)
Short-term Business Visit

Visitor Visa 
Requirements
Citizens (including business persons) of the following FTAA countries require a visitor visa for admission and transit to Costa Rica: 
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Haiti
  • Nicaragua 
  • Peru
Citizens (including business persons) of the following FTAA countries do not require a visitor visa for admission to Costa Rica:
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Canada 
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Dominica
  • El Salvador
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent & The Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Uruguay 
  • U.S.A.
  • Venezuela 

Documentation 
Required for 
Application for 
a Visitor Visa 
Passport at date of entry required by all, except Canadian and US citizens with proof of identity, e.g., a Certified Birth Certificate and official ID containing a photograph. 
  • A valid passport (recommend a minimum of six months validity beyond intended stay) 
  • Application form
  • 2 passport-sized photograph
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Return ticket

Method of
Lodgement
1 day to 2 weeks, depending on nationality of applicant. Some visas need the authorization of the Immigration Department in Costa Rica (ask the Consulate or Consular section of Embassy for details).


Processing time 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on nationality of applicant. Some visas need the authorization of the Immigration Department in Costa Rica (ask the Consulate or Consular section of Embassy for details).

Multiple Entry 
Visa


Validity/Extension Visas are valid for 1 month or 90 days depending on the nationality. Contact the Immigration Department in Costa Rica for renewal or information on the extension procedure.

Cost of Visa Application

The cost varies but is approximately US$20. 
Accompanying dependants Family members accompanying a visitor to Costa Rica must also meet all requirements for temporary entry. 


General Requirements for Temporary Entry of Short-term Business Visitors Costa Rica’s Immigration Regulations allow for persons to enter Costa Rica to carry on certain business or trade-related activities without the need to hold an employment authorization, as they are not considered to be coming to Costa Rica to work. These persons usually represent a foreign company, therefore they must present proof of it. Examples are: representatives coming to Costa Rica to sell goods other than to the general public; employees of an organization coming to consult with a branch, subsidiary or parent; representatives of a foreign firm coming to purchase goods or services and persons seeking entry to attend meetings or negotiate contracts. 

Specific
Requirements
  • All the requirement specified above

Further 
Information
Contact local Embassy or Consular section of the Embassy

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