Q COSTARICA — Honduran authorities officially notified Costa Rica of a significant change in entry requirements for Costa Rican citizens: Costa Ricans holding a valid U.S. or Canadian visa or residency are no longer required to present a criminal record certificate, commonly known as a “hoja de delincuencia,” upon entering Honduras.
The measure, in effect as of June 22, 2026, is part of a migration facilitation policy aimed at streamlining tourism and business flows in the region.
Costa Ricans without a U.S. or Canadian visa or residency must comply with standard immigration requirements to enter Honduras: a valid passport, an onward ticket, and a criminal record certificate.
A criminal record certificate is issued free of charge by the Judiciary. Depending on the application method, if in person, during working days, the certificate is issued immediately, while if online or by app, it can take a few hours or the next day, if requested on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday. The certificates are valid for up to three months.
According to the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry, the new Honduran regulation will expedite travel and reduce the bureaucratic burden for Costa Ricans with ties to North America—a significant group given the number of people who travel for tourism, business, studies, or family visits.
The Honduran government explained that this policy also aims to stimulate tourism, boost the local economy, and facilitate exchange between neighboring countries, in line with the recommendations of international migration organizations.