Costa Rica
South Africa
South Africa visa for Costa Rican citizens
Entry requirement
Costa Rican citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 30 days are visa-free.
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
For longer stays: study, work and residence
South African citizens travelling to Costa Rica
South AfricaCosta Rica Visa-free, 180 days Costa Rica visa for citizens of South Africa
Travel advice for South Africa
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Costa Rica to South Africa, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Costa Rican citizens can stay in South Africa
Costa Rican citizens may stay in South Africa for up to 30 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to South Africa.
South Africa’s neighbours for Costa Rican citizens
Botswana admits Costa Rican citizens visa-free. Eswatini and Lesotho require Costa Rican citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
South African citizens travelling to Costa Rica
No visa is needed by South African citizens for Costa Rica, for stays of up to 180 days. The rule is the same in both directions between Costa Rica and South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Costa Rican citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 30 days are visa-free.
How long can Costa Rican citizens stay in South Africa?
Costa Rican citizens can stay in South Africa for up to 30 days.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
No visa is needed by South African citizens for Costa Rica, for stays of up to 180 days.
Can Costa Rican citizens enter South Africa visa-free?
Yes, Costa Rican citizens can enter South Africa without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.