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Travel requirements to Costa Rica for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for short stays in Costa Rica, making it a great destination for tourism, business trips, and short visits. However, it's important to be aware of other travel requirements and conditions to ensure a smooth journey.

Costa Rica entry requirements for Canadian citizens

Travellers need a visa to visit Costa Rica for Business or Tourism for more than 180 days. Travellers do not need a visa if staying for 180 days or less.

International travellers don’t need a visa to transit through Costa Rica.

The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa travellers starting in 2025. This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require most visitors to obtain an ETA or eVisa before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller’s passport, costing £10, and allows multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period.

ETA Rollout Schedule:

From January 8, 2025: All non-European nationals will need an ETA.
From April 2, 2025: European citizens will also require an ETA.
Applications: Open for non-European nationals on November 27, 2023, and for European citizens on March 5, 2025.

Who Needs an ETA?

It will cover all non-European and European nationals (except British and Irish citizens).

Exemptions:

British and Irish passport holders, those with British Overseas Territories passports, existing visa holders, and individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA.

Restrictions:

While the ETA permits stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family for up to six months, it does not allow activities like getting married, claiming benefits, residing in the country through frequent visits, or self-employed work.

Departure tax may be required for travellers exiting Costa Rica

Air travellers are required to pay a departure tax when exiting Costa Rica. Most airlines include this departure tax in their airline ticket fees. For travellers flying with airlines that do not cover the departure tax in their airline ticket fees, they will be required to pay USD 29.00 when exiting Costa Rica. If required, travellers can pay the tax at the airport upon departure with United States dollars, Costa Rican colones, credit or debit cards. Travellers can check their ticket receipt to see if the departure tax fee has already been included in their ticket fees.

Mandatory proof of minimum funds

Travellers must have sufficient funds of USD 100 to enter Costa Rica. Please see the source for more details.

Mandatory proof of return or onward ticket from Costa Rica

Travellers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from Costa Rica.

Travellers require a passport valid for at least 1 day from the time of entry

Travellers need a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. The traveller's passport must remain valid for a minimum of 1 day after the traveller arrives in Costa Rica.

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FAQs about travel from Canada to Costa Rica

What if my visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, the first step is to review the reason for the denial provided by the Costa Rican consulate or embassy. Address any issues or missing information that may have led to the denial. You may have the option to reapply with the corrected or additional information. Consulting with a visa specialist or an immigration attorney can also help you understand your next steps and improve your chances of approval on reapplication.

What if I lose my visa while in Costa Rica?

If you lose your visa while in Costa Rica, immediately contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. They can guide you on the steps to take, which may include obtaining a replacement visa or emergency travel documents. It’s also advisable to keep digital copies of your important travel documents, including your visa and passport, to expedite the replacement process.

Can I apply for a visa to Costa Rica online?

Yes, you can easily apply for an eVisa using the form above. Canadian citizens can apply for both single entry and multiple entry eVisas online. The process involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee. Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email, making the application process convenient and efficient.

Are there any health requirements for visiting Costa Rica?

Generally, no specific health checks or vaccinations are required when applying for a Costa Rica visa. However, you should be aware of the following health-related regulations in place while in Costa Rica:

Health Screening: While not always required, officials might ask for a health certificate or a medical exam upon arrival. This is more likely if you’re coming from an area with a health outbreak or if you show signs of illness.
COVID-19 Testing: Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Costa Rica.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to Costa Rica.
Quarantine: Travellers don’t need to quarantine on arrival in Costa Rica.
Masks: Travellers don’t need to wear masks in public places.
COVID-19 Testing: Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test when transiting through Costa Rica.

While these are the current regulations, it is always advisable to check for any updates or changes to health requirements closer to your travel date.