Costa Rica
United States
United States visa for Costa Rican citizens
Entry requirement
Costa Rican citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at cr.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Costa Rica
- Embassy of the United States in San José
Vía 104 0004, San José
The United States has 1 mission in Costa Rica, with its embassy in San José.
US visas issued to citizens of Costa Rica
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 78,671 | 100,521 |
| Student (F, M) | 579 | 525 |
| Exchange (J) | 1,142 | 1,088 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 1,980 | 2,384 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 341 | 217 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 276 | 223 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 158 | 63 |
| Other | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 83,148 | 105,024 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 12.7% | 16.1% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 105,024 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Costa Rica, the 14th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 96%. That is 26% more than in fiscal year 2024 (83,148).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Costa Rica received 50,154, 39% more than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 16.1% for citizens of Costa Rica in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 12.7%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Costa Rica anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Costa Rica.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Costa Rica
United StatesCosta Rica Visa-free, 180 days Costa Rica visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- 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 the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long Costa Rican citizens can stay in the United States
How long Costa Rican citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Costa Rican citizens apply
In Costa Rica, applications go to the US embassy in San José, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Costa Rican citizens
Mexico admits Costa Rican citizens visa-free. Canada requires Costa Rican citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Costa Rica
US citizens can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for the United States?
Costa Rican citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in Costa Rica?
The US embassy in Costa Rica is in San José.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
US citizens can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days.
Can Costa Rican citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Costa Rican citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
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.