Costa Rica entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel. This rule applies in 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing times vary, so start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire time you plan to stay in Costa Rica. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers verify it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough funds. There's no fixed minimum, but $100–$200 per day of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Start the process at least 4-6 weeks ahead. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in Costa Rica, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your region. Submit the application form, passport, photos, and supporting documents. Pay the fee and wait for processing, which takes 2-4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, visa approval, return ticket, accommodation proof, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and printouts in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport (LIR), proceed to immigration. Present your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel info.
4
Enter Costa Rica
Once cleared, you'll receive a stamp allowing entry. Check the stamp for the number of days granted. Keep the stamp legible.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry. Must apply at Costa Rican embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity period. Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost$250 USD (approx. 250 USD)
For those with guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 USD. Requires proof of funds.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee + $100 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and no criminal record. Allows residency with work restrictions.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Nómadas Digitales)
1 year, renewable for 1 more year
$100 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Requires proof of income and health insurance. No local taxes on foreign income.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + investment of at least $200,000 USD
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders. Apply at Costa Rican embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry option available, valid for up to 1 year. | $60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed upon departure; may include additional penalties. | $100 USD per month (approx. 100 USD/month) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are possible but not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before visa expires. | Varies (approx. $50–100 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Costa Rica
No transit visa needed
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Costa Rica's airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsJuan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) · Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Health & vaccines for Costa Rica
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America and Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to remote regions near the Caribbean coast (e.g., Limón province).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
San José
Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
Avenida 10, Calle 17, Barrio La California, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for extensions and visa matters. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración Liberia
Calle 4, Avenida 3, Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Pacific area. Useful for travellers in Guanacaste.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalSan José
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyCosta Rican colón (CRC)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 455.14 CRC
Time zone
Local timeUTC-6
vs New York-1h
vs Los Angeles+1h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B (same as US/Canada)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe for tourists; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a visa. Apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for BA passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds, and travel insurance. Check with your local embassy for exact requirements.
Extensions are not available for visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Overstaying can lead to fines (around $100 per month) and potential difficulties re-entering Costa Rica. Always leave before your visa expires.
No, there is no visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
No, there is no e-visa system for Costa Rica. You must apply through a Costa Rican embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.