---
title: Costa Rica visa for citizens of Laos
description: "Citizens of Laos need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: $65. Processing: 10–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/costa-rica/laos
lastModified: 2026-08-16
---

# Costa Rica visa for citizens of Laos

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

*Not yet verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

> Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visa required · Tourist (up to 90 days)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days
- **Visa validity:** 180 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Processing time:** 10–30 days
- **Government fee:** $65
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statements last 3 months showing minimum $2,000

## How to apply

1. **Prepare required documents** — Gather all documents listed above, including passport copies and photos.
2. **Complete visa application form** — Fill out the Costa Rican visa application form accurately.
3. **Book an appointment** — Contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Laos to schedule a submission appointment.
4. **Attend appointment and submit documents** — Bring original passport and all required documents to the embassy in person.
5. **Provide biometrics** — Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected at the embassy.
6. **Pay visa fee** — Pay the non-refundable visa fee as instructed (typically USD $65).
7. **Wait for processing** — Processing takes 10–30 working days. Check status via embassy.
8. **Collect passport with visa** — Collect your passport in person or arrange courier service if available.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry
- **Completed visa application form** (Supporting): Available from embassy website
- **Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)** (Supporting): 2x2 inches, not older than 6 months
- **Copy of passport data page** (Travel): Clear photocopy
- **Round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): Showing entry and exit from Costa Rica
- **Hotel reservation or accommodation proof** (Travel): For entire stay
- **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Minimum balance $2,000
- **Employment letter or proof of income** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and leave approval
- **Travel health insurance** (Supporting, optional): Recommended, covering COVID-19
- **Copy of onward/return ticket** (Travel): Proof of exit from Costa Rica
- **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Non-refundable, paid at embassy
- **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Supporting, optional): If traveling from endemic country

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** $2,000
- Bank statements
- Employment letter
- Sponsor letter

Sufficient funds required to cover stay; bank statements must be original or certified.

## Good to know

- Visa is mandatory for Lao passport holders; no visa on arrival or eVisa option.
- Biometric data collection requires personal appearance at embassy.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient funds or incomplete bank statements** — Provide bank statements showing minimum $2,000 for last 3 months.
- **Lack of clear travel intent** — Ensure flight itinerary and hotel reservations are confirmed and consistent.
- **Passport validity less than 6 months** — Renew passport before applying.

## FAQs

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

Citizens of Laos need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa required · Tourist (up to 90 days).

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

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: $65.

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

Typically 10–30 days.

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

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form; Recent passport-sized photograph (white background); Copy of passport data page; Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel reservation or accommodation proof; and 6 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 Laos passport holders](/visa/passport/laos)