Access
Visa free
FStay 30 days
Policy · South AfricaPassport Atlas
Costa Rica passport to South Africa
Yes — Costa Rica passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 30 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 180 days
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Key facts
- South Africa lets 93 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — Costa Rica is one of them.
- Costa Rica passports get “Visa free” at 90 of 198 destinations.
- Travel is open both ways: South Africa passports also enter Costa Rica without a prior visa.
Nearby passports travelling to South Africa
Open to Costa Rica passports near South Africa
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flight corridor
Connection likely
Costa RicaSouth Africa- Typical duration
- 18.1 hours
- From
- SJO · LIR · FON
- To
- JNB · CPT · DUR
Usual hubs
United States · 22.5 hours
Duration 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.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
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 M / Type N
Mains
230 V · 50 Hz
Driving
Left
Emergency
Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177
Dialing code
+27
Airports
JNB · CPT · DUR · MQP
Highlights
- Table Mountain
- Kruger
- Robben Island
- Garden Route
Costa Rica · Visa free
FAQ
Does a Costa Rica passport need a visa for South Africa?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa free”. typical stay 30 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 30 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
South Africa typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a South Africa mission.
What about a South Africa passport entering Costa Rica?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.
How do you apply for South Africa as a visitor?
Visitor visa：Often 30–90 days。File funds, itinerary and invitation at a mission or visa centre.