PermissionVisit
Length of stayUp to 48 hours under the legal border-neighbor transit category.
Working in Costa RicaThis short transit permission is not a work permit.
Family considerationsFamily eligibility is assessed separately under the applicable category; relationship and dependency evidence may be required.
Who this pathway is for
Eligible people using Costa Rica’s regulated border-neighbor transit arrangements.
Key requirements
- Proof of eligibility under the applicable border arrangement.
- The required local travel or identity document.
- Compliance with the authorized entry point, area and return conditions.
What this pathway offers
- A category designed for permitted short border-community visits.
Important limitations
- This is different from cross-border work permission.
- The ordinary legal category limits the stay to a maximum of 48 hours; local implementing rules must also be checked.
How the process generally works
- Confirm the correct category and current checklist for your circumstances.
- Prepare the evidence, legalizations and Spanish translations required for your case.
- Submit through the applicable consulate or DGME procedure and respond to requests.
- After approval, complete the documentation and insurance steps in the resolution.
Renewal & longer-term planning
Continued eligibility and current renewal requirements must be met before expiry.
Fees & budgeting
Government charges, document costs and any professional service fee are separate. A case-specific quote is required; no approval or processing time is guaranteed.
This is general information, not an individual eligibility determination. Exact requirements and permitted activities must be confirmed against your circumstances and the current official rules.
Sources & further reading
- Costa Rica General Immigration Law 8764, Articles 77–126 (official law reproduced by UNHCR) ↗
- Costa Rica Immigration Regulation, Decree 37112 (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones) ↗
Reviewed September 29, 2026. Authorities may update requirements.