Q COSTARICA — Costa Ricans can travel to a large number of countries without a visa, including popular destinations in the Americas and Europe.
Countries such as Panama, Mexico, Spain, and Italy stand out, among others in the Americas. For destinations like Cambodia and Egypt, a visa can be obtained upon arrival, and for others, such as Kenya and South Korea, a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required.
According to information published by Visaindex.com, the Costa Rican passport allows visa-free travel to 149 countries.
Visa-free countries for Costa Ricans in 2025:
- Americas. Virtually all countries on the continent are included. Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and many Central American countries. Some Caribbean islands and territories, such as Bermuda, Curaçao, and Aruba, are also on the list.
- Europe. The Costa Rican passport grants access to the entire European Union and the Schengen Area, as well as other European countries such as the United Kingdom.
- Asia and the Middle East. Countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates can be visited without a visa.
- Africa. Destinations such as Botswana are also accessible to Costa Ricans without a visa.
Additional Travel Considerations:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Some countries that do not require a traditional visa, such as Kenya and South Korea, require you to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling, which is done online.
- Visa on Arrival: There are 30 countries where you can obtain a visa directly upon arrival, such as Bangladesh, Burundi, and Egypt.
- E-Visa: Certain countries, such as Armenia and Cuba, require you to obtain an e-Visa or electronic visa digitally, which is a different process from a traditional visa.
- Countries with Traditional Visas: Approximately 80 destinations still require a traditional visa, such as the United States and Australia.
The following are the 7 Most Popular Visa-Free Destinations for Costa Ricans
- Panama, a nearby and accessible destination, is where Ticos can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. It’s ideal for quick getaways thanks to its air connectivity and diverse attractions.
- Mexico. With a permitted stay of up to 180 days, the destination stands out for its cultural and natural richness.
- Colombia offers a combination of history, nature, and urban life. Costa Rican citizens can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Spain. Costa Ricans can stay in Spain and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Chile allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
- Argentina, for up to 90 days without a visa, and explore.
- Italy. As part of the Schengen Area, Italy allows Costa Ricans to stay for up to 90 days.