Costa Rica entry requirements for Cambodia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Cambodian passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for KH passport holders as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate | Cambodian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Submit your application at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option. Processing takes 10–15 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your flight.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Costa Rica. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will 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 out of Costa Rica ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A simple booking printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration can request proof you have enough money for your trip. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing available funds — roughly $100 per day of your stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Cambodian passport holders. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy before traveling. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical costs in Costa Rica can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Costa Rican embassy
Contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate (e.g., in Bangkok, Tokyo, or Washington D.C.) to submit your application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and a completed application form. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will review your application. You may be asked for an interview or additional documents. Approval is not guaranteed — ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
3
Travel to Costa Rica
With your visa sticker in hand, fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. At immigration, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the authorized stay period (typically up to 30 days, as per your visa). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Standard visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD
For multiple visits within validity.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Allows residency and access to benefits.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For individuals with a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 USD from abroad. No work permit needed.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
Requires investment of at least $200,000 USD in Costa Rican business or real estate. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Cambodia passport holders; apply at Costa Rican embassy. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying any visa or entry period incurs daily fine. | $100 USD per day (no cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Cambodia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Costa Rica, even if staying airside.
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., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in lowland areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same mosquito as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk for pregnant women; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural lowland areas near borders (e.g., Limón province). Prophylaxis recommended for high-risk regions.
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 10, Calle 17, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle Central, Avenida 1, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves Guanacaste region; less crowded.
Practical information for KH 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Cambodian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
No, Costa Rica does not offer an e-visa for Cambodian passport holders. You must apply in person or by mail at a Costa Rican embassy.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy workload and completeness of your application. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements from the last 3 months, and a cover letter explaining your travel purpose. Some embassies may also require a letter from your employer.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
If you're in Cambodia, the nearest Costa Rican embassy is in Bangkok, Thailand. You can also apply at the embassy in Tokyo, Japan, or Washington D.C., USA. Contact the embassy first to confirm jurisdiction and application procedures.
Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Cambodia. However, if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination.
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.