Do US passport holders need a visa for Costa Rica?
Covers 11 passports and 80 destinations. Rules older than 30 days are flagged for re-check.
How this tool works
We read the official notice for each pair and record the date. Nothing here is generated; a pair with no written check is not shown.
How we checkNo visa. US passport holders may visit Costa Rica visa-free for up to 180 days, subject to approval.
The US State Department's Costa Rica page says authorities may allow visitors to stay without a visa for up to 180 days, but this is not guaranteed. A return ticket is required. Your passport must be valid for the period of your stay. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you arrive from certain countries in South America or Africa. Cash of 10,000 USD is the entry and exit maximum.
Source: US Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Advisory (Last Updated August 11, 2025). Checked Oct 19, 2026See the source
- Maximum stay
- Up to 180 days, no visa, subject to approval
- State Department: "A visa is not required for stays less than 180 days."
- Return ticket
- Required
- State Department: "But a return ticket is required."
- Passport validity
- Valid for your stay
- State Department: "Passport must be valid for the period of the stay."
- Yellow fever
- From some regions
- Required if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.
- Cash limit
- 10,000 USD
- Entry and exit maximum of 10,000 USD.
Changes to this rule
- Oct 19, 2026Authorities may allow visa-free tourist stays of up to 180 days.