Costa Rica passport → China

China visa for citizens of Costa Rica

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (L Visa)

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for China 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 · Tourist Visa (L Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	4–7 days
Government fee	$140 + $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 for last 3 months

How to apply

1
Complete online visa application form
Fill out the form at www.visaforchina.org, print it, and sign it.
2
Prepare all required documents
Gather passport, photos, itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, employment letter, insurance, and ID copy.
3
Book an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre
Schedule a personal appearance at the CVASC in San José (or nearest centre).
4
Attend appointment and submit documents
Bring all original documents and photocopies; pay the visa fee and service fee.
5
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Biometrics are captured on-site during the appointment.
6
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days.
7
Collect passport with visa
Return to the CVASC to pick up your passport; or opt for courier delivery (extra fee).

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (original + photocopy of bio page)
Must have at least 2 blank visa pages and 6 months validity beyond intended stay
Visa Application Form (filled online, printed and signed)
Complete form at www.visaforchina.org and bring printed copy with signature
Recent passport-size photo (white background, 48x33mm)
Glued to the application form; no staples
Copy of Costa Rican ID card (cédula)
Both sides photocopied

Travel

Round-trip flight itinerary
Confirmed booking showing entry and exit from China
Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
For entire stay in China

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Original and copy; must show sufficient funds for the trip

Employment

Employment letter (original, with company letterhead)
Stating position, salary, and approved leave dates

Supporting

Travel medical insurance (minimum 30,000 USD coverage)
Valid for the entire stay in China
Proof of residence (utility bill or bank statement)
Optional
If applying outside your home country

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent to at least 1,000 USD

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Credit card statements
Traveler's cheques

Must show sufficient funds to cover the entire trip.

Good to know

Visa fees are non-refundable even if application is rejected.
Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
Appointment slots fill quickly; book well in advance.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear financial proof

Provide clear bank statements showing at least 3 months of transactions and a minimum balance of 1,000 USD.

Invalid or expired passport

Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank visa pages.

Missing or incorrect documents

Double-check the document checklist and bring both originals and photocopies.

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for China?

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (L Visa).

How long can citizens of Costa Rica stay in China?

Up to 30 days.

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

Government fee: $140 + $30 service fee.

How long does China visa processing take?

Typically 4–7 days.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for China?

Passport (original + photocopy of bio page); Visa Application Form (filled online, printed and signed); Recent passport-size photo (white background, 48x33mm); Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel reservation or accommodation proof; Bank statements (last 3 months); and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.visaforchina.org/

Sources

visaforchina.org

Plan your trip to China

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