Costa Rica entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days. No prior application needed — just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is valid as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Costa Rica — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines may still check for 6 months validity at check-in, so verify with your carrier before departure. | 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 granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — a bus ticket to Panama or Nicaragua also works. | 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 your host with their address and phone number is enough. | 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 in cash or a credit card with a visible limit avoids delays. ATMs are widely available at the airport. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you won't be allowed to board. Double-check before you leave.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers at SJO and Liberia often ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready — don't fumble through emails.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Juan Santamaría or Daniel Oduber airport
You'll land at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). Follow signs to 'Migración' — it's usually a short walk from the gate.
2
Queue at the immigration counter
Join the line for 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will ask a few questions — typical ones are 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?'.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days, but you can extend to 180). Keep the stamp clean — don't fold the page.
4
Collect luggage and exit customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green/red light system — if you get green, walk straight out. Red means a bag check.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 (application fee)
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 from issue
Cost~$60 USD (application fee)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$250 USD (application fee)
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 renewal
For retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For remote workers with monthly income of at least $2,500 USD. No work permit needed for foreign employer.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For investors who put at least $200,000 USD in Costa Rican real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 180 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa for Costa Rica. They can transit airside without a visa for up to 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders (e.g., with Nicaragua and Panama); prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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
Calle 26, Avenida 1, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications; bring all original documents.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Avenida Central, Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Pacific area; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for LV 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 = 453.61 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. Latvian citizens get visa-free entry for up to 180 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 180 days per visit. Immigration usually stamps 90 days on arrival, but you can extend to 180 by visiting the immigration office (Dirección General de Migración) in San José. The extension costs around $100 and takes a few days.
No. The maximum continuous stay is 180 days. To stay longer, you'd need to leave Costa Rica (e.g., to Panama or Nicaragua) for at least 72 hours and then re-enter.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Get your passport renewed before you travel.
Yes. Any onward ticket out of Costa Rica works — it doesn't have to be a return flight to Latvia. A bus ticket to Panama or a flight to Colombia is fine.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. If you're asked at immigration, a printed policy or app screenshot is usually enough. Some airlines may check it at check-in.
You'll be fined about $100 per month of overstay when you leave. The fine is paid at the airport before departure. Overstaying more than 90 days can result in a ban from re-entering for a period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.