Costa Rica entry requirements for Kazakhstan 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
Kazakh passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Costa Rican visa at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate before travel. The visa application requires a completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of funds. Processing takes 10–15 business days — apply at least 3 weeks before departure.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Costa Rica. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers at San José Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Show a printed or digital return flight ticket or a bus ticket out of Costa Rica. Without one, you risk being denied entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying — a printed booking confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $100 USD per day of your stay or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means — a bank statement or cash works. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — plan ahead
Kazakh passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or border. You must apply at a Costa Rican embassy before traveling. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Embassy options for Kazakh citizens
The nearest Costa Rican embassies for Kazakh citizens are typically in Moscow (Russia) or Ankara (Turkey). Contact them directly for application instructions. Some may accept applications by mail.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy
Find the Costa Rican embassy or consulate responsible for your region. In Kazakhstan, this is typically the embassy in Moscow or Ankara. Email or call to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment requirements.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, proof of funds (bank statements), and travel insurance. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail as instructed. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$60 USD, varies by embassy). Processing takes 2–4 weeks — apply well before your travel date.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will process your application and notify you when it's ready. You may need to pick up the visa in person or have it mailed back.
5
Travel and present documents at immigration
At San José Airport (SJO) or any land border, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Immigration may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan 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 stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Apply at Costa Rican embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD
Requires justification for multiple entries.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee + proof of $1,000 USD/month pension
For retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad/Income)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee + proof of $2,500 USD/month income for 2 years
For individuals with stable foreign income (e.g., remote work, investments). Requires proof of income and health insurance.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + minimum $200,000 USD investment in real estate or business
For investors in Costa Rican real estate, business, or government bonds. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Kazakhstan passport holders; fee may vary slightly by embassy. | $30 USD (paid on arrival or at embassy) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can lead to fines and potential deportation. | $100 USD per day (no cap specified) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired passport20%
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
Kazakhstan passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Costa Rica, even if staying airside. Apply at a 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America and Africa).
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
Risk exists in rural areas near the Caribbean coast and border regions; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Liberia, Guanacaste
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Pacific coast tourist areas.
Practical information for KZ 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. Costa Rica does not offer visa-on-arrival for Kazakh citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
No. Costa Rica does not have an e-visa system. All visa applications must be submitted through a physical embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually between $30 and $60 USD, depending on the embassy. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and payment method.
Visa extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
It's not a formal requirement for the visa application, but immigration officers may ask for evidence you can support yourself. Having a bank statement or credit card is a good idea.
Yes. The same visa applies whether you arrive by air or at a land border crossing from Nicaragua or Panama. Present your passport and visa at the border post.
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.