Costa Rica entry requirements for Tunisia 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
Tunisian 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 Apply at Costa Rican embassy or consulate | Tunisian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Submit your application at the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate — processing takes 10–15 business days. You'll need a completed application form, valid passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Costa Rica. The 6-month validity rule is not enforced by Costa Rican immigration, but some airlines may ask for it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Costa Rica | Immigration officers at San José Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — a bus ticket to Panama or Nicaragua also works if you're overlanding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or invitation letter | Carry hotel confirmations for your entire stay or a letter of invitation from your host in Costa Rica. Immigration may ask to see where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Officers can ask for evidence you can support yourself during your visit. Show a bank statement with at least $500 USD or a credit card with a sufficient limit — cash is also accepted. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival for Tunisians
Do not book flights or accommodation until you have received your approved visa. There is no way to get a visa at the airport in Costa Rica.
Apply at least 2 months in advance
Visa processing can take up to 6 weeks, and you may need to submit documents in person. Start the process early to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), a passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds (bank statements), and a completed visa application form. Check the specific embassy's website for any additional requirements.
2
Submit your visa application
Visit the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction (e.g., Tunis or the nearest accredited embassy). Submit the application in person or by mail as instructed. Pay the visa fee (typically around $30–$50 USD, but confirm with the embassy).
3
Wait for processing
Processing can take 2–6 weeks. The embassy may request an interview or additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you receive the visa.
4
Arrive at the airport in Costa Rica
At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), proceed to the immigration queue for foreign visitors. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay.
5
Receive entry stamp
Once approved, the officer will stamp your passport with the allowed stay (usually up to 30 days). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost$250 USD (approx. 250 USD)
For those with guaranteed monthly income; requires proof of funds.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a guaranteed monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Nómadas Digitales)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Requires proof of income and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee
For investors putting at least $200,000 USD in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Tunisian 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) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of up to 30 days possible; apply at immigration office. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily; maximum cap applies. | $10 USD per day (max $200 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
Tunisian passport holders require 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 transmission 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; risk in lowland areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis recommended for extended stays in those 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
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
Regional office for northern Pacific area; less crowded.
Practical information for TN 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 Tunisian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. It can vary depending on the embassy's workload and whether additional documents are requested. Apply at least 2 months before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually around $30–$50 USD, but confirm with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply. Fees may change without notice.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months beyond entry, a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), and sometimes a letter of invitation or employment letter. Check the embassy's website for the exact list.
Extensions are not available for Tunisian passport holders. You must leave before your stamped stay expires (usually 30 days). Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Tunisia. However, if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with the embassy.
You can reapply, but you must address the reason for rejection. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or unclear travel purpose. Contact the embassy for guidance before reapplying.
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.