United States passport to Costa Rica
Visa-free · 180 days for United States passport holders.
United StatesCosta RicaShort stayVisa-free · 180 days
United States passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa and stay up to 180 days.
This is short-stay visitor policy only. It does not let you work, study or settle in Costa Rica — that needs a residence permit.
Passport Index · updated 17 February 2026Costa Rica's official immigration service
- How long you can stay
- Up to 180 days
- Costa Rica passports in United States
- Visa required
- Getting in
- No application. Costa Rica's border officers decide how long you get, up to 180 days, and can ask for an onward ticket and proof you can support yourself, so carry both.
Long stay
Staying in Costa Rica longer
Living here takes a residence permit. 6 routes researched:
- Retirement ×2
- Investment
- Digital nomad
- Work / sponsored
- Family
What changes
United States and Costa Rica side by side
| United States | Costa Rica | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Washington D.C. | San Jose |
| Languages | English | Spanish |
| Currency | US Dollar | Costa Rican Colón |
| GDP per person (2025) | $90,027 | $19,970 |
| Population | 341.8M | 5.2M |
GDP and population: World Bank.