Costa Rica entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 180 days. This policy applies at all entry points, including Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Ensure your passport meets validity requirements and you have a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Costa Rica. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Costa Rica | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — a bus ticket to Panama also works if you're leaving overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Costa Rica doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but officers expect to see enough cash, credit cards, or bank statements to cover your trip. $100–$150 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Entry stamp duration varies
The immigration officer decides how many days you get — it's not automatically 180. If you only need 2 weeks, they'll likely give you 90 days. If you ask for the full 180, be prepared to explain your plans (e.g., long-term travel, volunteering).
Return ticket is mandatory
Airlines check this before boarding. If you don't have a return or onward ticket, you may be denied boarding. A fully refundable ticket booked and then cancelled after arrival is a common workaround, but it's safer to have a real onward plan.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Liberia Airport (LIR), follow signs to 'Migración' (immigration). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer will likely ask: 'How long are you staying?', 'Where are you staying?', 'What is your purpose of visit?'. Answer clearly and briefly. They may also ask to see your return ticket.
3
Get stamped and collect luggage
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the number of days granted (usually 90 or 180). After that, proceed to baggage claim and then customs.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
Apply at Costa Rican embassy; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$250 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of monthly income of at least $2,500 USD for 2 years.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and background check.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Nómadas Digitales)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Allows tax exemption on foreign income.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors putting at least $200,000 USD in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry already covers tourist visits. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry already covers tourist visits. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per month (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Costa Rica, as long as they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near the Caribbean coast; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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 immigration matters; bring all documents.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Guanacaste region; useful for travellers in the northwest.
Practical information for AE 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 = 455.38 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
You can stay up to 180 days per entry. The immigration officer at the airport will decide the exact number of days (usually 90 or 180). You cannot extend this stay beyond the granted period.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study. If you plan to work (paid or unpaid), you need a proper work visa. Working on a tourist entry is illegal and can get you deported.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Costa Rican immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Not if you're arriving directly from the UAE or another country without yellow fever. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, parts of Africa), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before travel.
Yes, UAE passport holders can enter Costa Rica by land at official border crossings (e.g., Peñas Blancas from Nicaragua, Paso Canoas from Panama). The same visa-free rules apply. You'll need your passport and return ticket.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $100 per month of overstay (paid at immigration when you leave). In extreme cases, you could be banned from re-entering Costa Rica for a period. Always leave before your stamped date.
Yes, there is a departure tax of about $29 (as of 2025). This is usually included in your airline ticket price. If not, you pay at the airport before security — cash (USD or CRC) or card accepted.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.