Costa Rica entry requirements for Ukraine 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
Ukrainian passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 180 days. As of 2026, this visa-free access is straightforward, but you must meet a few entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be 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 within 180 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free stay limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. The official minimum is around $100 per day, but officers rarely enforce it strictly. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Costa Rica. If it expires sooner, you will be denied entry — no exceptions.
No visa, but documents matter
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers can still deny entry if you lack a return ticket, accommodation proof, or a valid passport. Have everything ready.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before your flight
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Keep them in a folder on your phone or in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at the airport in Ukraine
Check in for your flight. The airline may ask to see your return ticket and proof of accommodation before issuing a boarding pass.
3
Land at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)
Follow signs to 'Migración' (immigration). Join the line for foreign visitors. Have your passport and supporting documents ready.
4
Present documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?', 'Where are you staying?', 'Do you have a return ticket?'. Answer clearly and show documents if asked.
5
Receive entry stamp and proceed
The officer stamps your passport with the number of days allowed (usually 90 or 180). Collect your luggage and go through customs (green channel if nothing to declare).
Download Costa Rica Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine 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
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Costa Rican embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year
Cost~$60 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (rentista)
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$250 USD
Requires proof of steady income of at least $2,500/month for 2 years.
Digital nomad visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD
For remote workers; must show income of at least $3,000/month.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)
2 years, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month. Allows permanent residency after 3 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For remote workers earning at least $3,000/month. No income tax on foreign earnings.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
Requires investment of at least $200,000 in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
Requires a job offer from a Costa Rican employer. Employer must sponsor and prove need for foreign worker.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 180 days. | Not available |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry already covers tourism; no separate tourist visa needed. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry already covers tourism; no separate tourist visa needed. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are steep; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day |
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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Costa Rica do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry rules apply (up to 180 days).
- If arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, must show vaccination certificate.
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., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in lowland areas during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural lowland areas; 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
Avenida 10, Calle 17, San José
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Liberia
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 2, Avenida 3, Liberia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in Guanacaste region.
Practical information for UA 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
Up to 180 days per visit. The immigration officer at the border decides the exact number of days (usually 90 or 180). Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Costa Rica before your allowed stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a flight, bus, or boat ticket out of Costa Rica. A one-way ticket without onward proof may get you denied boarding.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at the border.
No, it's not required by law for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Costa Rica are high. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study. Any paid work requires a proper work visa. Working without authorization can lead to deportation and a ban.
You'll be fined approximately $100 per month overstayed, and you may be banned from re-entering Costa Rica for a period. Always leave before your stamp expires.
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.