Costa Rica entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days. This policy started in 2024. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you need a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Immigration officers rarely enforce a 6-month rule for South Korean passports, but airlines sometimes do — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Costa Rica | Immigration at San José Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host covers this — keep a copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Costa Rica doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but carrying at least $500 USD or a credit card with available credit shows you're not a risk. Immigration rarely asks, but it's safer to have a bank statement or card ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If it's less than 6 months from your arrival date, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions.
Return ticket is mandatory
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot of your booking confirmation on your phone is sufficient.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 180 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green lane if nothing to declare, red lane if you have goods over $500.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 stay180 days
Validity6 months
CostNot applicable (visa-free)
South Korean passport holders already receive 180 days visa-free; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostNot applicable (visa-free)
Visa-free entry already allows multiple visits within 180-day limit.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$250 USD (application fee)
Requires proof of steady income of at least $2,500/month for 2 years. Allows residency.
Digital nomad visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with income from outside Costa Rica. Must show proof of employment and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For remote workers earning income from outside Costa Rica. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows tax-free income for first year.
Apply 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 a foreign source. Requires proof of pension and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
Apply investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For investors who invest at least $200,000 in Costa Rican real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Costa Rican employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 180 days. | Not available |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry already covers tourism; no visa required. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry already covers tourism; no visa required. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; exact amount varies. | ~$100 USD per month (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds35%
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Costa Rica. They can transit through any airport without a visa for up to 12 hours if staying airside.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use insect repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended but may be considered for remote jungle regions.
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, San José, Costa Rica
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Guanacaste region, popular with tourists.
Practical information for KR 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 = 455.3 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 visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 180 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, South Korea is not a yellow fever endemic country, so no vaccine is required for entry. However, if you've recently traveled to an endemic country (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need proof of vaccination.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, South Korean passport holders can enter by land at any official border crossing. The same visa-free rules apply. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for South Korean passport holders. Just the standard immigration form given on the plane or at the border.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $100 per month overstayed, and you may be barred from re-entering for a period. It's best to leave on time.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. Any work or study requires a separate visa or permit. Remote work for a foreign company is generally allowed, but check with the Costa Rican embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.