Costa Rica Consular & Entry Overview (2026)
For holders of valid multiple-entry US, Canadian, or Schengen visas (min 3 months validity).
Approx INR 2,700 via Embassy of Costa Rica in New Delhi if no qualifying visa is held.
Juan Santamaría (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) in Liberia.
The 30-Day Third-Country Visa Exemption Framework
Under regulations issued by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (*Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería* - DGME), Indian nationals are categorized under "Group 3" consular jurisdictions. However, Costa Rica operates an exceptionally generous bilateral visa exemption policy for international travelers holding valid visas from key developed partner nations.
1. United States Visa: Indian passport holders holding a valid multiple-entry US tourist/business visa (B1/B2), crew visa (C1/D), or student/exchange visa (F1/J1) can enter Costa Rica visa-free. Crucially, the US visa must have at least 3 months (90 days) remaining validity on the date you touch down in Costa Rica.
2. Canadian Visa: A valid multiple-entry Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) with at least 3 months remaining validity grants identical 30-day visa-free entry privileges.
3. Schengen Member State Visa: A valid multiple-entry Type C Schengen visa or European Union residence permit valid for at least 3 months on arrival qualifies for the 30-day entry waiver.
4. Length of Authorized Stay: Immigration border officers typically stamp entry for 30 days. If desired, this can be extended in San José for up to 90 days upon submitting an application to DGME.
Consular Visa Application: Embassy of Costa Rica in New Delhi
Indian passport holders who do not hold a valid multiple-entry US, Canadian, or Schengen visa must apply for an advance consular tourist visa through the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in New Delhi.
Mandatory Submission Dossier
- Original Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure date, with at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages.
- Completed and signed Costa Rica visa application form.
- Two recent passport photographs (5cm x 5cm, white background, matte finish).
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) and apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
- Original bank statements for the last 3 months, stamped and signed by the branch manager, showing a healthy liquid balance (minimum $100 USD per day of stay).
- Income Tax Returns (ITR-V) for the last 2 financial assessment years.
- Confirmed return flight reservations into and out of Costa Rica.
- Confirmed hotel reservation vouchers or notarized invitation letter from a host in Costa Rica.
- Consular fee of $32 USD (approx INR 2,700), payable as instructed by the embassy.
Airport Immigration & Mandatory Health Protocols: San José (SJO) & Liberia (LIR)
Most international flights arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), situated 20 kilometers west of downtown San José in Alajuela. Travelers bound for the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste often fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
Under Costa Rican executive health decrees, proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever is legally mandatory for all travelers arriving from countries where transmission is active. If you travel to Costa Rica directly from India or via North America/Europe, you do NOT require the vaccine. However, if your flight transits for more than 12 hours or originates in South American nations such as Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, or Venezuela, you MUST present an official International Certificate of Vaccination administered at least 10 days prior to arrival. Failure to produce this card will result in mandatory denied entry by airline staff or border police.
Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forests & Pacific Wildlife
Costa Rica contains approximately 5% of the planet's total known biodiversity despite occupying only 0.03% of the earth's surface area. Over 25% of its territory is protected within national parks and biological reserves.
Arenal Volcano National Park: Centered around a grand, perfectly symmetrical active volcano towering 1,633 meters over Lake Arenal. Hike across historic 1968 lava fields, cross hanging canopy bridges, and relax in naturally heated mineral thermal rivers at Tabacón and Baldi.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Plunging 70 meters out of dense primary jungle into an emerald swimming pool surrounded by towering ferns.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: A high-altitude mystical ecosystem enveloped in perpetual mist. Home to over 500 orchid species, resplendent quetzals, two-toed sloths, and world-renowned zip-line canopy tours.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Pristine Pacific beaches fringed by dense tropical rainforest where wild white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and iguanas roam freely along the white sands.
Frequently Asked Questions: Costa Rica Travel for Indians
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For destination itineraries, internal transit, and cultural guides, explore our complete Costa Rica Travel Guide.