How Long Can Tourists Stay In Costa Rica In 2026?
Costa Rica remains one of the most popular destinations in the Americas for tourists, digital nomads, and long-stay travelers. Beaches, rainforests, political stability, and relatively simple entry rules make it especially attractive. But one question causes constant confusion at airports and border crossings:
How long can tourists actually stay in Costa Rica in 2026?
The short answer is: it depends. The longer answer matters a lot if you want to avoid fines, denied entry, or costly last-minute flights.
This guide breaks down Costa Rica’s tourist stay rules for 2026 in clear, practical terms.
Standard Tourist Stay In Costa Rica (2026)
In 2026, Costa Rica does not issue a fixed “90-day tourist visa” the way many countries do.
Instead, Costa Rica operates on a discretionary entry system.
Tourists from visa-exempt countries (including the United States, Canada, the UK, EU countries, Australia, and many others) are granted between 1 and 180 days, entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Most travelers are granted:
- 90 days (common but not guaranteed)
• 180 days (increasingly common since policy changes)
• Occasionally fewer days (30–60), especially if documentation is weak
The exact number of days you are allowed to stay will be handwritten or stamped in your passport upon entry. That date—not assumptions or past visits—is what legally matters.
Why Costa Rica Uses Discretionary Entry
Costa Rica immigration focuses on intent, not just nationality.
Officers assess:
- Proof of onward or return travel
• Passport validity
• Previous stays and border runs
• Whether you appear to be working illegally
• General credibility of your travel plans
Because of this, two travelers on the same flight can receive very different stay lengths.
Passport Validity Requirements
In 2026, Costa Rica requires that your passport be:
- Valid for at least the entire length of your intended stay
Unlike many countries, Costa Rica does not require six months of passport validity. However, if your passport expires soon, immigration may limit your stay to match the expiration date.
Example:
If your passport expires in 45 days, you may only receive a 45-day stay—even if you hoped for 90 or 180 days.
Proof of Onward Travel Is Mandatory
One of the most common reasons travelers receive shorter stays—or are denied boarding before arrival—is lack of proof of onward travel.
In 2026, Costa Rica requires proof that you will exit the country within your permitted stay.
Accepted proof typically includes:
- A flight ticket out of Costa Rica
• A bus ticket to Panama or Nicaragua
• A ferry ticket (where applicable)
Airlines often check this before you board, and immigration may check again on arrival.
This is where many long-term travelers run into trouble. Immigration officers are far more likely to grant longer stays (including 180 days) if your onward travel is clear and credible.
Can You Extend A Tourist Stay Without Leaving?
In general, no.
Costa Rica does not offer simple in-country tourist extensions for most travelers.
Once your authorized stay expires, your legal options are:
- Leave Costa Rica before the expiration date
• Apply for a different legal status (such as residency or a special visa)
Overstaying—even by one day—can lead to fines and future entry issues.
Border Runs: Still Possible, But Not Guaranteed
Border runs are still common in 2026, but they are not a guaranteed reset.
Leaving Costa Rica and re-entering (for example via Panama or Nicaragua) does not automatically entitle you to another long stay.
Immigration officers may:
- Grant another short stay (30–60 days)
• Grant a full stay (90–180 days)
• Question your travel pattern
• Deny entry if they believe you are living or working illegally
Frequent border runs increase scrutiny. Proof of onward travel becomes even more important on re-entry.
Maximum Tourist Stay Over Time
There is no official annual maximum written into Costa Rican law for tourists.
However, practically speaking:
- Spending most of the year in Costa Rica on tourist entries can raise red flags
• Back-to-back long stays may result in shorter approvals
• Immigration looks at patterns, not just single visits
If you want to stay long-term, Costa Rica strongly encourages applying for legal residency or the digital nomad visa rather than relying on repeated tourist entries.
Digital Nomad Visa vs Tourist Stay
Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa offers:
- Up to 12 months initially
• One possible 12-month extension
• Legal permission to work remotely
• No border runs required
If you plan to stay longer than 180 days or work remotely while living in Costa Rica, the digital nomad visa is far more secure than repeated tourist stays.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Overstaying your tourist stay can result in:
- Fines based on the length of overstay
• Problems when exiting the country
• Increased scrutiny or denial on future entry
Costa Rica has become stricter in recent years about tracking overstays electronically, especially at major airports.
Key Takeaways For 2026
Here’s what matters most if you want the longest, smoothest stay in Costa Rica:
- Your allowed stay is determined at entry—not automatically 90 days
• Proof of onward travel is essential
• Passport validity can limit your stay
• Border runs are discretionary, not guaranteed
• Long-term stays are better handled via proper visas
Final Advice
If you’re entering Costa Rica in 2026 with plans to stay more than a few weeks, treat immigration like a business interaction, not a casual formality.
Have your documents ready, know your exit plan, and assume nothing. Travelers who do this consistently receive longer stays and far fewer problems.