Costa Rica entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Taiwan passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026, but you'll need to meet a few straightforward entry requirements at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Costa Rica. Airlines at check-in may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Costa Rica | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 30 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. A credit card or bank statement showing access to around $500–$1,000 usually satisfies the officer. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before issuing a boarding pass. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking.
No visa needed, but don't skip the return ticket
Immigration at SJO routinely asks for proof of onward travel. If you don't have a return or onward ticket, you may be denied entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport so you have data immediately.
2
Arrive at San José Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Most flights from Taiwan arrive at SJO. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). The queue can be 20–60 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. You'll pass through customs — declare any items over $500 or restricted goods.
5
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to leave. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber works in Costa Rica) are available outside arrivals.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (application fee varies)
Apply at Costa Rican embassy in Taiwan or nearest consulate. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$60 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Digital Nomad Visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with proof of income. Must apply from abroad.
digital nomad visa
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $3,000/month. No income tax on foreign earnings. Apply from abroad.
Apply retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month. Requires proof of pension and background check.
Apply investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For investors putting at least $200,000 in real estate or business. Must show proof of investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are steep; avoid overstaying at all costs. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Taiwan passport holders do not need a transit visa for Costa Rica if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, visa-free entry rules apply (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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in lowland areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural lowlands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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 visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Pacific coast tourist areas.
Practical information for TW 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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before day 30. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a visa in advance at a Costa Rican embassy.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — it's a hard requirement.
No, Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Taiwan. It's only required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America).
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Border crossings can be slower — expect a 30–60 minute process.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 USD depending on how long you overstay, and you may be banned from re-entering for a period. Always leave on time.
No separate tax — it's included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything at the airport upon arrival or departure.
Technically, tourist entry is for tourism or business meetings, not remote work. In practice, many digital nomads do it, but it's a gray area. Costa Rica has a specific digital nomad visa if you plan to stay longer and work legally.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.