Is Costa Rica Banning Border Runs? The Perpetual Tourist Bill Explained

Every few months, a post goes viral in Costa Rica expat groups claiming that border runs are over. The source is usually a bill in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly aimed at “perpetual tourists”, people who live in the country for years by leaving and re-entering every few months.

Here is what the proposal says, where it stands, and what actually applies at the border today.

The Short Answer

As of November 2026, border runs are still legal and there is no mandatory waiting period between leaving Costa Rica and coming back. Visitors from Group 1 countries, including the US and Canada, can still be granted up to 180 days on entry at the officer’s discretion.

That could change if a new law passes, so check current rules before you rely on a border run.

What The Bill Proposed

A bill filed in February 2025 by a legislator from the Frente Amplio party targeted long-term tourism. As reported in the Costa Rican press, it proposed two main changes:

• A 90-day wait: tourists who used their full permitted stay could not re-enter in the same tourist status for 90 days.
• Higher overstay fines: tripling the fine from US$100 to US$300 per month of overstay.

Supporters argued that border runs let people live and sometimes work in Costa Rica without residency, and that the rules should push them toward legal residence options.

Where The Bill Stands

According to travel publications following the proposal, the bill did not advance in the Legislative Assembly’s committee stage and has not become law. Bills in Costa Rica can be refiled or revived, and immigration policy is a live topic, so the debate is not over.

We will update this page if the rules change.

What The Rules Are Today

• Maximum stay: up to 180 days for Group 1 nationalities, granted at the officer’s discretion. Many people receive 90 days or less.
• Border runs: permitted. No minimum time outside Costa Rica is published.
• Re-entry requirements: a valid passport, proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica and proof of funds.
• Overstay fine: US$100 per month or part of a month. See overstaying in Costa Rica.

Officers already have discretion to grant fewer days or refuse entry to someone they believe is living in Costa Rica as a tourist. Frequent border runners report more questions and shorter stamps over time.

How To Protect Yourself

1. Never overstay. An overstay record makes officers less likely to grant long stays later.
2. Space out your runs and spend real time outside the country.
3. Carry your documents: onward ticket, bank statement, accommodation details.
4. Look at residency if you plan to stay long term. Costa Rica offers a digital nomad stay and several residency categories.
5. Follow reliable news sources and official announcements from Costa Rica’s immigration directorate (DGME).

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Costa Rica banned border runs?

No. As of November 2026, border runs are still permitted.

Is there a 90-day wait to re-enter Costa Rica?

Not under current rules. A 90-day wait was proposed but has not become law.

Could the rules change suddenly?

Laws need to pass the Legislative Assembly, so changes are usually reported in advance. Keep an eye on the news before long trips.

What do I need for my next border run?

See our Costa Rica border run guide for every option and the documents to carry.

The Bottom Line

For now, border runs work the way they always have. The safest approach is to follow the rules carefully, carry proof that you will leave, and treat long-term living in Costa Rica as a residency question rather than a tourist one. For a quick onward travel reservation, try Fast Onward Tickets.