United States Visa RequirementsFor Costa Rica passport holders
Costa Rican passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. Applications are processed at the US Embassy in San Jose, and the non-refundable $185 MRV fee and in-person interview are required.
Costa Rica passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the US Embassy in San Jose (Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas). Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview through the embassy portal. The fee is non-refundable even if denied.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Costa Rica to United States: What You Need to Know
Costa Rica and the United States enjoy strong diplomatic and economic ties, with the US being Costa Rica's largest trading partner and source of foreign investment. Despite these close ties, Costa Rica is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so all Costa Rican citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visa. A Costa Rican community of around 100,000 people lives in the US, primarily in Florida and California. Interview wait times at the San Jose embassy vary by season, with longer waits during peak periods.
How to Get There
Multiple US airlines offer direct flights from San Jose (SJO) to US cities. American Airlines flies to Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW). United operates to Houston (IAH) and Newark (EWR). Delta flies to Atlanta (ATL). JetBlue and Southwest also serve SJO to various US destinations. Direct flight times range from 3 to 5 hours depending on destination.
Money & Banking
The currency in the US is the dollar. Tipping is customary: 15 to 20% at restaurants, and small tips for hotel and transport services. Credit cards are universally accepted across the US. Budget $150 to $200 per day in major US cities for accommodation and meals. Costa Ricans traveling to Miami or California will notice significantly higher prices than in San Jose.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Complete the DS-160 carefully. Demonstrate strong ties to Costa Rica: a stable job, property ownership, a business, or significant family responsibilities. The US Embassy in San Jose is relatively accessible, and the interviewing process is similar to other Latin American embassies. Dress professionally and bring all supporting documents in an organized manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Costa Rican passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Costa Rica is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available for Costa Rican citizens.
Where do Costa Ricans apply for a US visa?
At the US Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, located at Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas. Complete the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview appointment.
How much does the US visa cost for Costa Ricans?
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 USD. This fee is paid before scheduling your interview and cannot be refunded if the visa is denied.
What airlines fly direct from Costa Rica to the United States?
American Airlines flies from San Jose (SJO) to Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW). United operates SJO-Houston (IAH) and SJO-Newark (EWR). Delta serves SJO-Atlanta (ATL). JetBlue and Southwest also offer US routes from SJO. Direct flight times range from 3 to 5 hours.
How do I strengthen my US visa application from Costa Rica?
Demonstrate strong ties to Costa Rica: stable employment with official letter and salary information, property ownership, business interests, adequate bank funds, and clear family responsibilities at home. Costa Rica's stable economy means well-documented professional ties are typically convincing.
How long can Costa Ricans stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
CBP officers set your authorized stay at the port of entry, typically up to 180 days (6 months). The visa validity (usually 10 years if approved) allows multiple entries, but each stay is limited by CBP.
Can I apply for a US visa at the airport or upon arrival?
No. Costa Rican citizens must obtain their B1/B2 visa in advance at the US Embassy in San Jose before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival for Costa Rican citizens, and you will be denied boarding without a valid US visa.