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🇨🇦 Does a Canadian need a visa for Costa Rica 🇨🇷?
No. Canadian passport holders can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days.
Checked against Wikipedia's list of visa requirements for Canadian citizens on 2026-10-04. Entry rules change: confirm with the embassy of Costa Rica or its official government website before you travel.
What this means for your trip
Visa-free entry lets you arrive with a valid passport and pass border control without applying in advance.
Border officers can still ask for a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and enough money for your stay, and they decide on entry. The stay limit applies per visit; many countries also cap total days within a period.
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.
Costa Rica at a glance
Capital: San José · Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡) · Official languages: Spanish · Calling code: +506
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Costa Rica: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 2 April 2026). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.
Plugs and voltage
Your plugs fit: every plug type used in Canada (A, B) works with sockets in Costa Rica.
More about entering Costa Rica →
Your embassy in Costa Rica
If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Costa Rica, contact the embassy of Canada:
- Embassy of Canada in Costa Rica · Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana, Torre 5 · canadainternational.gc.ca
Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.
The other way round
🇨🇷 Costa Rican passport holders visiting Canada: Costa Rican passport holders need a visa for Canada, applied for at an embassy or consulate of Canada before travelling.
The Canadian passport at a glance
All destinations for Canada passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Costa Rica →
Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
Canadian passport holders can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days.
How long can a Canadian stay in Costa Rica without a visa?
Up to 180 days per visit, according to the latest data. The border officer decides on entry.
Does a Costa Rican need a visa for Canada?
Costa Rican passport holders need a visa for Canada, applied for at an embassy or consulate of Canada before travelling.