Don’t Lose Your 180-Day Visa in Costa Rica: Critical Change for 25-26 Travelers

Costa Rica introduced new immigration guidelines in late 2025 that redefine how long tourists may stay and what documentation is required at the border. For expats, retirees, and seasonal residents, the biggest concern is the new "one-shot" rule for the 180-day entry visa. This guide explains the new rules, the strict solvency calculation, and how to prepare your documentation to secure the maximum stay.

The Official Change

On Nov. 17, 2025, the government published the new General Visa Guidelines (Directrices generales de visas de ingreso y permanencia para no residentes) in Scope No. 148 of Gazette No. 216 (Alcance N.º 148 a La Gaceta N.º 216).

This decree serves three main purposes:

• Reorganizes visa groups.
• Formalizes stay limits.
• Establishes strict extension rules that long-stay visitors must understand before arrival.

Updated Visa Groups

The decree divides travelers into four groups. The vast majority of North American and European visitors fall into Group 1.

Group 1—Visa-Exempt (The "180-Day" Group)

• Who: Nationals of North America, Europe, and most long-stay expat nationalities.
• Maximum Stay: Up to 180 natural days — Non-Extendable (NO PRORROGABLES).

Group 2—Visa-Exempt (Short Stay)

• Who: Nationals of specified countries (e.g., certain Caribbean/Asian nations). See the entire list in the English download of the decree at the end of this webpage.
• Maximum Stay: Up to 30 natural days, extendable (prorrogables) up to a total of 90 days.
• Passport Validity: Must have at least 90 days remaining upon entry. Exception: Nationals of El Salvador may enter up to their passport's expiration date.

(Groups 3 and 4 require Consular or Restricted Visas obtained prior to travel.)

The 180-Day Question: What Actually Changed

Previously, many travelers from Group 1 routinely received 180 days or extended easily. Under the 2025 decree, the 180-day visa must be granted at the border; it cannot be added later.

The decree states: "Up to 180 natural days NON-EXTENDABLE" (Hasta 180 días naturales NO PRORROGABLES).

What this means for you (The "One-Shot" Rule):

• Your visa is final. If the officer grants you 90 days, you cannot extend it to 180 inside the country.
• Limited extensions. If granted 30 or 60 days, you may extend via the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME), but only up to a total of 90 days.
• The only remedy. To secure the full 180 days, you must request and receive it at the airport or land border. To "reset" a short visa, you must physically leave Costa Rica and re-enter.

How to Increase Your Chances of Receiving 180 Days

Immigration officers use a documentation-based decision process. Prepared travelers consistently achieve better outcomes by presenting these four items.

1. Show Proof of Economic Solvency

The decree sets a simple legal minimum: USD $100 for each month (or fraction of a month) you plan to stay.

• Requesting 180 days: USD $600 total.
• Requesting 90 days: USD $300 total.
• Requesting 30 days: USD $100 total.

Best Practice: While the legal minimum is low, most travelers should show general financial stability, such as a recent bank statement, a credit card with available balance, or proof of pension income. Tip: Ensure your banking app or statement clearly shows your name on the same screen as the available balance; officers often reject generic screenshots.

2. Provide Clear Lodging

You must demonstrate where you will sleep for your entire requested stay. Accepted documentation includes:

• Hotel reservation.
• Long-term rental contract.
• Airbnb: Ensure the booking confirmation lists the exact address and the host's local phone number. Officers frequently reject vague itineraries that lack contact details.
• Property certification (Certificación Literal de Propiedad).

High-Impact Tip for Homeowners: If you own a home, bring a Property Certification issued within the last 30 days. This demonstrates verified lodging and a legitimate, ongoing connection to Costa Rica. You can obtain this via the National Registry (Registro Nacional) or your notary.

3. Present a Return or Onward Ticket

If requesting 180 days, your departure ticket should fall within that same 180-day window.

4. Explain Your Purpose Clearly

Valid reasons for a long stay include:

• Seasonal residence.
• Long-term property oversight.
• Renovation management.
• Medical recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you receive 180 days at a land crossing? Yes. The decree applies equally to airports, land borders, and seaports. However, airports tend to issue long-stay visas more consistently, while land borders often default to 30–90 days unless documentation is strong.

Are there exceptions for people with pending residency? A pending residency application does not guarantee 180 days. However, travelers with a valid application filing receipt (constancia de trámite) may receive more flexible treatment. This remains discretionary.

What are the penalties for overstaying? Costa Rica may apply a fine of USD $100 per month (or fraction) overstayed. Significant overstays can result in entry restrictions or complications during future residency processes.

Should long-stay travelers consider residency? Yes. If you routinely need 90–180 days per year, applying for residency (such as pensionado, rentista, or inversionista) removes uncertainty at the border and provides legal stability.

Bottom line

The 180-day visa still exists, but you must secure it at the border with preparation, solvency documentation, and lodging proof. Extensions for Group 1 no longer increase stays beyond 90 days. Your entry visa determines your maximum stay.

Downloads for members: