Costa Rica entry requirements for Mongolia 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
Mongolian passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Costa Rican embassy or consulate | Mongolian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Submit your application at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa option. Processing takes 10–15 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your departure.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Costa Rica. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Costa Rica | Immigration officers at San José Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're continuing to another country, show that ticket instead. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Costa Rica. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your trip. Costa Rica doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but $100–$150 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Mongolian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy before you fly. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid visa.
Nearest embassies
The closest Costa Rican embassies for Mongolians are in Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), or Seoul (South Korea). Contact them directly for application forms and fee details.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Costa Rican embassy
Contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate (e.g., in Beijing, Tokyo, or Seoul). Submit the application form, your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Pay the fee and wait for processing — typically 2–4 weeks.
2
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or a letter. Check the validity dates — you must enter Costa Rica within that window.
3
Arrive at a Costa Rican airport
At San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 90 days.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Mongolia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Apply at Costa Rican embassy before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For individuals with a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500+ from abroad. No local work allowed.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For investors putting at least $200,000 in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for visa application at Costa Rican embassy. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | $60 USD (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | $100 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
Mongolia passport holders transiting through Costa Rica do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
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., parts of South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; less common but present.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 extensions and visa matters. Arrive early.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For those in the Guanacaste area.
Practical information for MN 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 Mongolian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay around $30–$60 USD, plus any service fees. Check with the specific embassy for exact amounts.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), and sometimes a letter of invitation. The embassy may request additional documents.
Extensions are generally not granted for tourist visas. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Mongolia. However, if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health requirements before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. Airlines may also refuse boarding if you don't have a valid visa. Always secure your visa before departure.
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.