Costa Rica entry requirements for Myanmar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Myanmar passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for MM passport holders as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a Costa Rican visa at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before travel. There is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Myanmar passport holders. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.Visit Migration website | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Costa Rica. There is no formal 6-month validity requirement, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at San José airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. A bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply well in advance
Myanmar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Costa Rica. You must apply at an embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Embassy options are limited
There is no Costa Rican embassy in Myanmar. The nearest embassies are in Bangkok (Thailand) and Tokyo (Japan). Contact them early to confirm application procedures and whether they accept mail-in applications.
What happens at the border
1
Find your nearest Costa Rican embassy
Costa Rica has embassies in Bangkok, Tokyo, and other regional hubs. Contact the one closest to you to confirm if they accept applications by mail or require an in-person visit.
2
Submit your visa application
Fill out the application form, attach your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other documents the embassy requests. Pay the visa fee (typically around $30–$50 USD, but confirm with the embassy).
3
Wait for processing
Processing can take 2–4 weeks. Some embassies may take longer if they need to consult with Costa Rican immigration authorities. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Collect your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. At San José Airport (SJO), present your passport and visa to immigration. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Myanmar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
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 date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 45,000 MMK)
Apply at Costa Rican embassy; requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 90,000 MMK)
Ideal for multiple visits; same requirements as single entry.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 300,000 MMK) plus employer sponsorship
Requires job offer and employer to process; allows long-term stay.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 150,000 MMK) plus enrollment proof
For enrolled students at recognized institutions; allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee (approx. 375,000 MMK)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee (approx. 375,000 MMK)
For individuals with guaranteed income of $2,500 USD/month for 2 years. Requires proof of income and investment. Allows remote work.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee (approx. 750,000 MMK) plus minimum investment of $200,000 USD
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Myanmar passport holders; apply at Costa Rican embassy or consulate. | $30 USD (approx. 45,000 MMK) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. 90,000 MMK) |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before visa expires; max extension 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 75,000 MMK) per 30 days |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure; overstay may affect future entries. | $10 USD per day (approx. 15,000 MMK), max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel itinerary20%
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
Transit visa required
Myanmar passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Costa Rica, even if staying airside. Apply at Costa Rican embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 12 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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in lowland areas during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural lowland areas near borders (e.g., Limón province). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays.
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 22, Avenida 6, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and fee payment.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Avenida Central, Calle 1, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Serves northern Pacific region; less crowded than San José.
Practical information for MM 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 Myanmar passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer if the embassy needs to consult with immigration authorities in San José. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually around $30–$50 USD, but it varies by embassy. Some embassies also charge a processing or courier fee. Contact the specific embassy for the exact amount.
It's not a standard requirement for the visa application, but immigration officers at the border may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a bank statement or credit card handy is a good idea.
The visa itself is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa from within Costa Rica — which is complicated. Best to plan your trip within the visa's validity.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of travel insurance. Some embassies may also ask for a bank statement or employment letter. Check with the specific embassy.
There is no Costa Rican embassy in Myanmar. The closest options are the embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, or the embassy in Tokyo, Japan. You can apply by mail to some embassies — contact them first to confirm.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.