---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Costa Rica
description: "Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee. Processing: 14–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/costa-rica
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Costa Rica

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.*

Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

## 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

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity)
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet Canadian photo specifications
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Flight reservations and accommodation details
- **Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Canada
- **Employment letter or proof of ties to Costa Rica** (Employment): To demonstrate intention to return
- **Biometrics fee receipt** (Identity): Paid when submitting application
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Identity)
- **Proof of travel insurance** (Travel, optional): Recommended but not mandatory
- **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): For accompanying spouse
- **Children's birth certificates (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): For minor applicants
- **Previous visa copies (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially US or Canadian visas
- **Police clearance certificate** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Costa Rica passport holders](/visa/passport/costa-rica)