---
title: Costa Rica visa for citizens of China
description: "Citizens of China need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $30. Processing: 10–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/costa-rica/china
lastModified: 2026-08-16
---

# Costa Rica visa for citizens of China

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

*Verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 30 days
- **Visa validity:** 30 days
- **Entries:** Single entry
- **Processing time:** 10–30 days
- **Government fee:** $30
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statement showing sufficient funds

## How to apply

1. **Check requirements** — Verify you need a visa and confirm eligibility for possible visa substitution with US/Canada visa.
2. **Prepare documents** — Gather all required documents as per the list provided by the Costa Rican embassy.
3. **Complete visa application form** — Fill out the application form accurately, either online or in paper form.
4. **Schedule an appointment** — Contact the embassy or consulate to book a personal appearance appointment for document submission and biometrics.
5. **Attend appointment** — Visit the embassy with all original documents and copies, submit application, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
6. **Pay visa fee** — Pay the $30 USD visa fee (exact method varies by embassy; may be cash or bank draft).
7. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 10 to 30 calendar days.
8. **Collect passport** — Return to the embassy or provide a courier label to receive your passport with visa stamp.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity and blank pages)** (Identity)
- **Completed visa application form** (Supporting): Obtain from embassy or online portal
- **Passport-sized photographs (2x2 inch, white background)** (Identity): Recent, within 6 months
- **Round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): Confirmed booking showing entry and exit
- **Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)** (Travel): For entire stay
- **Bank statements for last 3 months** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for trip
- **Employment verification letter** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave
- **Travel medical insurance** (Travel, optional): Recommended, covering at least $50,000
- **Copy of valid US or Canada visa (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May substitute for national visa
- **Criminal record certificate (if required)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested on case-by-case basis

## Proof of funds

- Bank statements for last 3 months

No specific minimum balance stated; should show sufficient funds for travel and stay.

## Good to know

- Holders of passports for public affairs do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days.
- National visa may be substituted with a visa issued by Canada or the United States.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Incomplete application form** — Fill all fields accurately and double-check before submission.
- **Insufficient funds** — Provide bank statements showing adequate balance for the trip duration.
- **Invalid travel insurance** — Purchase policy that meets the recommended coverage.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of China need a visa for Costa Rica?

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

### How long can citizens of China stay in Costa Rica?

Up to 30 days.

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

Government fee: $30.

### How long does Costa Rica visa processing take?

Typically 10–30 days.

### What documents do citizens of China need for Costa Rica?

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity and blank pages); Completed visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (2x2 inch, white background); Round-trip flight itinerary; Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); Bank statements for last 3 months; and 4 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Costa Rica?

At least 6 months.

## More

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