Costa Rica entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You must apply in advance at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Malagasy citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Apply at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa option for Madagascar passport holders. Processing takes 10–15 business days, and you'll need to submit your passport in person.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Costa Rica. The 6-month validity rule is not enforced for Madagascar passports, but airlines may still check — if your passport expires within 3 months of travel, carry a printout of the official policy from the Costa Rican migration website. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at San José Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Show a return flight to Madagascar or a ticket to a third country. If you're continuing overland, have a bus or ferry booking printed out — a simple itinerary on paper works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking or host's address ready — officers occasionally ask where you're staying. A printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone is fine. If you're couchsurfing, carry the host's contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of at least $500 USD in cash, credit cards, or bank statements. Immigration rarely checks, but if you look underprepared they may ask. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a visible limit works. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
There is no e-visa or visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. The embassy process can take several weeks, and you may need to mail your passport. Start at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
No embassy in Madagascar
You'll need to apply through the Costa Rican embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, or another regional consulate. Confirm by email whether they accept applications by mail before sending any documents.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Costa Rican embassy
Find the Costa Rican embassy or consulate that handles visa applications for your country. For Madagascar, this is likely the embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, or another regional office. Email or call to confirm the exact application process, fees, and whether you can apply by mail.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel reservations, bank statements, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit the application
Send or deliver your application package to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$50, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will review your application. You may be asked for an interview. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport or a separate document.
5
Arrive in Costa Rica
At San José Airport (SJO) or any land border, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel confirmation. Immigration may ask about your plans. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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
Cost$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Apply at Costa Rican embassy in Madagascar or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$250 USD (approx. 250 USD)
Requires proof of monthly income of at least $2,500 USD for 2 years.
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. Requires proof of pension and no criminal record. Allows residency with work restrictions.
digital nomad visa
Rentista Visa (Digital Nomad)
1 year, renewable
$250 USD application fee
For remote workers with stable income of $2,500 USD/month for 2 years. No local employment allowed. Includes tax benefits.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee
Requires investment of at least $200,000 USD in Costa Rican real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD application fee
Sponsored by a Costa Rican employer. Requires labor market test and work permit. Can lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Costa Rican embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending tourist stay beyond initial 90 days, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free or visa period, capped at $500. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
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
Madagascar 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., Madagascar). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders (Nicaragua, Panama); prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 6, Calle 17, San José
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
Calle Central, Avenida 1, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for Guanacaste area; less crowded than San José.
Practical information for MG 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 Malagasy citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer if the embassy requests additional documents or an interview. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
There is no Costa Rican embassy in Madagascar. The nearest embassy that processes visas is usually the Costa Rican embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Contact them directly to confirm if they accept applications by mail or if you need to visit in person.
The visa fee is typically around $30–$50, but this can vary by embassy. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months beyond your entry date, completed application form, passport photos, return flight booking, hotel reservations or invitation letter, bank statements (last 3–6 months), and possibly a letter of employment or travel insurance. The embassy may ask for additional documents.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban on re-entry.
Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Madagascar is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. However, check with the embassy, as requirements can change.
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.