Costa Rica passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Costa Rica

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	14–30 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Determine eligibility
Check if you qualify for eTA (if you have a US visa or previous Canadian visa) or need a full visa.
2
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per the checklist.
3
Complete application form
Fill out IMM 5257 online or on paper.
4
Pay fees
Pay the visa application fee and biometrics fee online.
5
Submit application
Submit application online via IRCC portal or in person at VFS Global.
6
Book biometrics appointment
Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photo.
7
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the VAC in person to give biometrics.
8
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 14-30 days.
9
Receive decision
You will be notified by email or mail.
10
Collect passport with visa
If approved, submit your passport for visa stamping via VFS.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Meet Canadian photo specifications
Biometrics fee receipt
Paid when submitting application
Visa application fee receipt

Travel

Travel itinerary
Flight reservations and accommodation details
Proof of travel insurance
Optional
Recommended but not mandatory

Financial

Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to Costa Rica
To demonstrate intention to return

Supporting

Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
From host in Canada
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For accompanying spouse
Children's birth certificates (if applicable)
Optional
For minor applicants
Previous visa copies (if any)
Optional
Especially US or Canadian visas
Police clearance certificate
Optional
May be requested on case-by-case basis

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD $2,500 per person for a short stay

Bank statements
Pay stubs
Sponsorship letter
Tax returns

Must show sufficient funds for entire stay and return travel.

Good to know

Costa Rican citizens with a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa in the last 10 years may enter Canada with an eTA instead of a full visa.
Biometrics are mandatory for all visa applicants aged 14-79.
Processing times may vary; apply well in advance of travel.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide clear bank statements and proof of income.

Weak ties to home country

Include employment letter, property deeds, or family ties.

Incomplete application

Double-check all forms and documents before submission.

Criminal record

Disclose any past issues and provide police clearance if requested.

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of Costa Rica stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Costa Rica?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 14–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for Canada?

Valid passport; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; Employment letter or proof of ties to Costa Rica; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

canada.ca

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