At Clare Facio Legal, we have observed with interest the recent modifications in Costa Rica’s immigration policies related to the length of stay allowed for tourists. In order to provide a clearer understanding of this change, we would like to share the following analysis.

On June 15, Costa Rica implemented an amendment to the Regulation for the Granting of Entry Visas, extending the period of stay for tourists belonging to a specific group of 60 countries, from 90 days to 180 days. This modification affects nationals of countries such as the United States, Denmark, Spain, Germany, France and Canada. At the end of this article you will find the complete list of countries and their dependencies that apply to the term extension.

This measure, promoted by the Ministry of Economy under the leadership of Francisco Gamboa, is part of a series of actions that the government has baptized as the “Let him work” strategy. This series of measures seeks to eliminate certain “bottlenecks” that have been identified as limiting factors in different sectors of the country.

Mr. Gamboa highlighted the request made by the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) to carry out this expansion. Canatur argued that the previously established deadline was insufficient to encourage greater consumption by tourists in the country. With the extension of the period of stay, it is expected that visitors will be able to increase their spending in Costa Rica, which in turn will boost the national economy.

The extension of the stay not only seeks to encourage tourism consumption, but also lays the groundwork for an environment conducive to investment and development. With longer periods of stay, there is a greater likelihood that tourists will consider investing in the country, whether in real estate, local businesses or even in the technology and entrepreneurial sphere.

Additionally, this measure can translate into job creation by stimulating demand in tourism-related sectors such as hotels, gastronomy, transportation, among others. It is clear that, with greater stability in the tourism sector due to extended stays, the country is favorably positioned to attract visitors seeking longer and more meaningful experiences on Costa Rican soil.

It is also important to emphasize that, in addition to the extension of the length of stay, the tourism sector has made other requests to the President. These include: strengthening the fight against drug trafficking, increasing investment in education and training of tourism personnel, addressing the historical backlog in infrastructure, and improving broadband connectivity in tourist destinations, among others.

At Clare Facio Legal we recognize the importance of constantly adapting and reviewing policies and regulations to ensure balanced and sustainable development. The extension of the length of stay for tourists is a measure that reflects the country’s commitment to promoting tourism and, consequently, to the activation of its economy. We will continue to be attentive to the implications and future developments that this change may generate in the legal and business environment.

List of 60 countries with the possibility of staying up to 180 days in Costa Rica.

*Its dependencies receive equal treatment. **Includes England, Wales and Scotland

• ARGENTINAS
  • MALVIN ISLANDS
• AUSTRALIAN
  • COCOS ISLANDS
  • CHRISTMAS ISLANDS
  • HEARD AND McDONALD ISLANDS
  • NORFOLK ISLANDS
• BRITISH
  • ANGUILA
  • ASCENSION
  • BERMUDAS
  • GIBRALTAR
  • CAYMAN ISLANDS
  • CANAL ISLANDS
  • ISLANDS OF MAN
  • PITCAIRN ISLANDS
  • TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
  • BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
  • MONSERRAT
  • SAINT HELENA
  • BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
• DANESAS
  • GROENLAND
  • FEROÉ ISLANDS
• AMERICANS
  • GUAM
  • SMALLER ISLANDS FAR FROM THE UNITED STATES
  • U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
  • AMERICAN SAMOA
• FRENCH
  • GUADALUPE
  • FRENCH GUYANA
  • MARTINICA
  • MAYOTTE
  • NEW CALEDONIA
  • FRENCH POLYNESIA
  • MEETING
  • SAN PEDRO AND MIGUELON
  • SAN MARTIN
  • FRENCH SOUTHERN TERRITORIES
  • WALLIS AND FORTUNE
• DUTCH (NETHERLANDS)
  • NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
  • ARUBA
  • BONAIRE
  • CURAZAO
• NEOZELANDESAS
  • COOK ISLANDS
  • NIUE
  • TOLKELAU
• NORWAY
  • BOUVET ISLANDS
  • SVALBARD AND JAN MAYEN