Costa Rica entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Bangladeshi citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Costa Rica visa | You need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing times vary, so apply at least 4 weeks before your departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Costa Rica. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at San José Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Costa Rica. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Costa Rica. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or credit cards. Immigration may ask for proof of at least $100 per day of your stay. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Bangladeshi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa for Costa Rica. You must go through a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling. Plan ahead — processing takes weeks.
Nearest embassy is in New Delhi or Bangkok
There is no Costa Rican embassy in Bangladesh. The closest options are the embassy in New Delhi, India, or the consulate in Bangkok, Thailand. Contact them directly for application instructions and fees.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy
Find the Costa Rican embassy or consulate responsible for Bangladesh. There is no embassy in Dhaka — the nearest is in New Delhi, India, or you may apply through the embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. Call or email to confirm application procedures and required documents.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, travel insurance, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$50 USD, but confirm with the embassy). Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights until you receive the visa.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will process your application and may request additional documents. Once approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates and any restrictions.
5
Travel to Costa Rica
At immigration in San José (Juan Santamaría International Airport), present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You will be stamped in for the duration allowed by your visa.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 2,500 BDT)
Requires application at Costa Rican embassy with passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 5,000 BDT)
Allows multiple entries; same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD (approx. 21,000 BDT)
For those with guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 USD. Requires proof of income and background check.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows residency and work permit for spouse.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
1 year, renewable
$250 USD application fee
For remote workers with guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 USD. Requires proof of income and health insurance. No work permit needed for foreign employer.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee
For investors putting at least $200,000 USD in a Costa Rican business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Costa Rican embassy or consulate. | $30 USD (approx. 2,500 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 6 months. | $60 USD (approx. 5,000 BDT) |
| Stay extension feeFee to extend stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 4,200 BDT) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, capped at $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Bangladesh passport holders transiting through Costa Rica do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without a 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., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher in urban and coastal areas during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in rural regions near the Caribbean coast. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting remote areas.
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, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle Central, Avenida 3, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for those in Guanacaste province. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for BD 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 = 453.08 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
No. Costa Rica does not offer visa on arrival for Bangladeshi citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays. The nearest embassy is in New Delhi, India, or Bangkok, Thailand.
The visa fee is usually between $30 and $50 USD, but confirm with the specific embassy as fees can change. You may also need to pay for courier or mailing costs if applying by mail.
You need a passport valid for 6+ months, completed application form, 2 passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements for the last 3 months, travel insurance, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Additional documents may be requested.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Costa Rica before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Yes. Immigration may ask to see a return or onward ticket even if you already have a visa. It proves you intend to leave within the allowed period.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no exception. Always secure your visa before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.