Access
Visa required
RPassport Atlas
Costa Rica passport to United States
Costa Rica passport holders need a visa for United States, applied for at an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travel.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 180 days
United States → Costa RicaGet an email when Costa Rica → United States rules change
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Key facts
- United States lets 46 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — Costa Rica is not one of them.
- Costa Rica passports get “Visa required” at 28 of 198 destinations.
- In the other direction, United States passports get “Visa free” in Costa Rica.
Nearby passports travelling to United States
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec51 × 51 mm
Flights, eSIM and insurance are third-party. Visatu does not take payment.
Flight corridor
Direct flights
Costa RicaUnited States- Typical duration
- 4.8 hours
- From
- SJO · LIR
- To
- CLT · MIA · JFK
Airlines American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
Search live faresDuration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
Costa Rica
Country profile
Capital
San José
Population
5.3 million
Area
51,100 km²
Currency
Costa Rican colón CRC
Languages
Spanish
Time zone
UTC-06:00
Foreign-born
628,404 · 2024
Migrant share
12.2%
Ethnic groups · 2011
- White or Mestizo83.6%
- Mulatto6.7%
- none2.9%
- Indigenous2.4%
- unspecified2.2%
- Black or African descent1.1%
- Other1.1%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
United States
Country profile
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Population
340.1 million
Area
9,629,091 km²
Currency
United States dollar USD
Languages
English
Time zone
UTC-10:00–UTC-05:00
Foreign-born
52.4 million · 2024
Migrant share
15.2%
Ethnic groups · 2020
- White61.6%
- Black or African American12.4%
- two or more races10.2%
- other8.4%
- Asian6%
- Indigenous and Alaska native1.1%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type A / Type B
Mains
120 V · 60 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 911 · Ambulance 911
Dialing code
+1
Airports
JFK · MIA · LAX · ORD
Highlights
- Statue of Liberty
- Grand Canyon
- Yellowstone
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Manhattan
Costa Rica · Visa required
FAQ
Does a Costa Rica passport need a visa for United States?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa required”. confirm length of stay with the destination. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
No single stay length is recorded. Check United States immigration or a mission.
Passport validity and blank pages?
United States typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 51 × 51 mm. Confirm with a United States mission.
What about a United States passport entering Costa Rica?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.
How do you apply for United States as a visitor?
B-1/B-2 or ESTA：ESTA usually 90 days; B visas often 6 months。VWP passports use ESTA. Others file DS-160, pay, and interview at a mission.