Costa Rica entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Mozambican 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 MZ passport holders as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing takes 10–15 business days, so plan ahead.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Costa Rica enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus ticket out of Costa Rica ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | You may need to show at least $100 USD per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card with sufficient limit works. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply well in advance
Mozambican passport holders cannot get a Costa Rica visa at the border or airport. You must apply at an embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Nearest embassy locations
The closest Costa Rican embassy for Mozambicans is in Pretoria, South Africa. There is also a consulate in Nairobi, Kenya. You can apply by mail or in person — check their website for specific requirements.
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 Pretoria, South Africa, or Nairobi, Kenya). Submit the application form, passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker or letter. Check that your name and passport number are correct. The visa is usually valid for 30 days from entry.
3
Arrive at Costa Rica immigration
At San José Airport (SJO) or any land border, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel confirmation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 30 days.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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. 1,900 MZN)
Standard option for tourism; must apply at Costa Rican embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 3,800 MZN)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 12,700 MZN)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
$200 USD application fee + $100 USD per year
For retirees with a guaranteed monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and clean criminal record. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
2 years, renewable
$200 USD application fee + $100 USD per year
For individuals with a steady foreign income of at least $2,500 USD per month. Requires proof of income and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$200 USD application fee + $100 USD per year
For investors who invest at least $200,000 USD in Costa Rican real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD application fee + $100 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Costa Rican employer. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Mozambique passport holders; apply at Costa Rican embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 1,900 MZN) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. 3,800 MZN) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay beyond initial visa period; subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 3,200 MZN) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay; maximum cap applies. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Mozambique passport holders transiting through Costa Rica do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
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 22, Avenida 3, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Avenida Central, Calle 2, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves Guanacaste region; useful for travellers near the Pacific coast.
Practical information for MZ 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 = 453.05 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. There is no visa on arrival for Mozambican passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. The nearest embassy is in Pretoria, South Africa, or you can use the consulate in Nairobi, Kenya.
Visa fees vary by embassy but are usually around $30–$50 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and payment method.
Extensions are not available for visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds (bank statements), and sometimes a letter of invitation. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry from Mozambique. However, if you have recently traveled to a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check current health requirements before travel.
You will be denied entry and placed on the next flight back to your origin. There is no way to get a visa at the airport. Always secure your visa before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.