Costa Rica entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Pakistan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate; there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate | Pakistan passport holders need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Submit your application at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing times vary, so apply at least 4 weeks before your departure.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Costa Rica. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Costa Rica | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Costa Rica within your authorized stay. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines may also ask at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Costa Rica. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements, credit cards, or cash ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Pakistan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or use an e-visa for Costa Rica. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before your trip. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Embassy jurisdiction matters
Since there's no Costa Rican embassy in Pakistan, you'll likely apply through the embassy in New Delhi or Abu Dhabi. Call or email first to confirm which office handles your region and what documents they require.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate
Find the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, or Islamabad). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment requirements. Some embassies require an in-person interview.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and any additional items the embassy requests. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit your completed application and documents at the embassy or consulate. Pay the visa fee (typically around $30–$50, but confirm with the specific office). Processing can take 5–15 business days.
4
Attend the interview (if required)
Some applicants may be called for an interview. Answer questions honestly about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Pakistan. Dress neatly.
5
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and any conditions (e.g., single or multiple entry).
6
Arrive in Costa Rica
At the airport (usually San José Juan Santamaría International), present your passport with visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration may ask about your plans. Keep your documents handy.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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. 8,400 CRC)
Apply at Costa Rican embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 16,800 CRC)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a permanent monthly income of at least $1,000 USD from a pension. Allows residency and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad / Remote Worker)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For individuals with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 USD from foreign sources for 2 years. Allows remote work.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For investors who invest at least $200,000 USD in a Costa Rican business or real estate. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for single-entry tourist visa for Pakistan passport holders. | $30 USD (approx. 8,400 CRC) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry tourist visa. | $60 USD (approx. 16,800 CRC) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fine, no maximum cap mentioned. | $100 USD per day (approx. 28,000 CRC) |
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
Pakistan 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, Schengen, UK, or Japan visa may transit without visa for up to 30 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease with sporadic outbreaks.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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, 200 mts sur de la Contraloría General de la República
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Avenida 25, Calle 1, Edificio de la Fuerza Pública
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for Guanacaste area.
Practical information for PK 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Pakistani citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
No. Costa Rica does not offer an e-visa for Pakistani passport holders. You need to apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days, but it can vary depending on the embassy workload and your application. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel.
The fee is usually around $30 to $50, but confirm with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply. Fees may change and are non-refundable.
Yes. You typically need to show bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds — roughly $100 per day of your intended stay. Recent 3 months of statements are standard.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
There is no Costa Rican embassy in Pakistan. You'll need to apply through the Costa Rican embassy in New Delhi (India), Abu Dhabi (UAE), or another consulate that covers your region. Contact them first to confirm jurisdiction.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.