Costa Rica entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options as of 2026. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Tanzanian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option. Processing takes 10–15 business days, so plan ahead. | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Costa Rica. The 6-month validity rule is not enforced for entry, but airlines may check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at San José Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but $100 per day is a safe benchmark if asked. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply well in advance
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must secure a visa from a Costa Rican embassy before flying. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Nearest embassy is in Nairobi, Kenya
The closest Costa Rican embassy to Tanzania is in Nairobi. You may need to mail your application or travel there in person. Check their website for current procedures and fees.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Costa Rican embassy
Contact the Costa Rican embassy or consulate nearest to you (e.g., in Nairobi, Kenya, or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Submit the visa application form, your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on — you'll need them at immigration in San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR).
3
Go through immigration at the airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days (or as per your visa).
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 75,000 TZS)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 150,000 TZS)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 500,000 TZS)
Requires proof of income or investment; for extended stays.
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 background check. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad/Income)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee + $150 USD per year
For individuals with a stable monthly income of at least $2,500 USD from foreign sources. No work permit needed for remote work. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $200 USD per year
For investors putting 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 Visa)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD application fee + $100 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Costa Rican employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Tanzania passport holders applying at Costa Rican embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 75,000 TZS) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. 150,000 TZS) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 125,000 TZS) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, capped at $200. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Tanzania passport holders require 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., Tanzania). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in lowland areas during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito prevention advised.
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
Avenida 6, Calles 14-16, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 2, Avenida 1, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Guanacaste region, near popular tourist areas.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 452.98 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 Tanzanian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. The nearest embassy is in Nairobi, Kenya.
You'll typically need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a cover letter explaining your travel purpose. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
The visa usually allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can request an extension at the immigration office in Costa Rica, but it's not guaranteed.
Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Tanzania. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check current health requirements before travel.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties when leaving or re-entering. The fine is about $100 per month overstay. Always extend your stay legally if needed.
No. There is no e-visa system for Tanzanian passport holders. You must apply in person or by mail at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.