Costa Rica entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Brazilian passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 180 days. This policy started in 2024 and applies at all standard entry points, including San José Airport and land borders.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Costa Rica. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Costa Rican immigration, but some airlines may ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Costa Rica | Immigration officers at San José Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Costa Rica does not publish a fixed minimum, but having a credit card or bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 USD helps avoid secondary questioning. Cash is less common — cards work fine. | Recommended |
Check your passport expiry date now
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Costa Rica. If it expires sooner, renew before booking flights.
Overstaying has consequences
The 180-day stay is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines and a temporary ban from re-entering Costa Rica. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and that you have at least 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at immigration counter
At San José Airport (SJO) or any land border, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will ask your purpose of stay and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the number of days granted (usually up to 180). Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if it shows fewer days than expected, ask politely for clarification. Keep the stamp visible for your departure.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 15,000 CRC)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Costa Rican embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months
Cost$60 USD (approx. 30,000 CRC)
Allows multiple entries; good for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost$250 USD (approx. 125,000 CRC)
Requires proof of steady income from abroad (at least $2,500/month).
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month from abroad. Allows residency and access to local benefits.
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/month from foreign sources. No local income tax for the first year.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee + investment
Requires investment of at least $200,000 in real estate or a local business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work)
1 year, renewable
$250 USD application fee
Sponsored by a Costa Rican employer. Requires a work contract and proof of qualifications.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFines are assessed upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~$100 USD per month (approx. $3.33/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Brazilian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Costa Rica, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry applies (up to 180 days).
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is very low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Some risk in remote regions near the Caribbean coast.
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
La Uruca, 200 m sur de la Contraloría General de la República
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 1, Avenida 3, contiguo al Banco Nacional
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Guanacaste region; useful for those near the northern border.
Practical information for BR 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 = 452 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. The 180-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the stamp expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica — a flight, bus, or boat ticket to any other country works. A screenshot is fine.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all official land border crossings. You'll go through the same immigration process — have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
No, it's not legally required for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Costa Rica are high — a simple hospital visit can easily cost $200–500.
Overstaying is a violation. You may be fined around $100–200 and could be banned from re-entering Costa Rica for a period. Always leave before your stamp expires.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for Brazilian passport holders. Just show your passport and answer the officer's questions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.