Costa Rica Passport and Visa Information

Passport

To study abroad, you must have a signed, valid passport from your country of citizenship that will not expire for a minimum of six months after your planned return date. If you do not have a passport, or it's about to expire, make sure you apply or renew as soon as possible! U.S. Citizens can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information about passports and processing time.

Visa

U.S. citizens will receive a 180-day tourist visa at customs upon arrival in Costa Rica. During on-site orientation, the USAC staff will explain how to change the tourist visa to a "visa de estancia" or "permission to stay". The visa de estancia allows you to reside and study in Costa Rica for the full length of your program. You are responsible for paying the cost of the visa de estancia.

Further information will be posted to your USAC Student Gateway account in the Immigration Guide, which you will receive after you've been accepted into the program (about four months prior to departure).

Questions? Contact your Program Advisor for more information.

Non-U.S. citizens

Check with your home country consulate, as well as the embassy of the country in which you plan to study, regarding visa requirements. Permanent Residents of the U.S. should check with U.S. Immigration as leaving the country for more than one year may jeopardize permanent resident status. Tax clearance and re-entry forms may also be necessary in these cases.