Nigeria passport → Costa Rica

Costa Rica visa for citizens of Nigeria

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (30 days)

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Costa Rica 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 (30 days)
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	15–30 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 showing sufficient funds for the stay (minimum ~$500 USD equivalent per month)

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per checklist; ensure passport validity and photos meet specifications.
2
Schedule appointment
Contact the Costa Rican embassy in Abuja or nearest consulate to book an in-person submission appointment.
3
Fill application form
Complete the official visa application form (Form D-1 or equivalent) online or manually.
4
Pay visa fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee as instructed by the embassy (usually bank deposit or online payment).
5
Attend appointment at embassy
Submit original documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) in person.
6
Attend interview (if requested)
Some applicants may be called for a brief interview to clarify travel purpose.
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15-30 working days; track application via embassy if available.
8
Collect passport
Return to embassy to collect passport with visa sticker; some may offer courier delivery for an extra fee.
9
Check visa details
Verify visa validity, entry type, and max stay before traveling.
10
Travel to Costa Rica
Carry printed copy of visa and supporting documents for immigration at port of entry.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Nigerian passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Completed visa application form
Download from embassy website and fill legibly.
Two recent passport-size photographs (white background)
Size 2x2 inches, not older than 6 months.

Travel

Flight itinerary (round-trip)
Confirmed booking or reservation showing entry and exit dates.
Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
Covers entire stay; may be refundable booking.
Travel insurance (minimum $50,000 coverage)
Must cover medical expenses and repatriation.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Original or certified copy showing sufficient balance.
Income tax returns (last year)
Optional
If self-employed, provide business registration and tax docs.

Employment

Employment letter / leave approval
Stating position, salary, and dates of leave.

Supporting

Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, if applicable)
Optional
Only if traveling with spouse.
Copy of previous visas (if any)
Optional
Especially US, UK, or Schengen visas.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Required for travelers from Nigeria.
Police clearance certificate (from Nigeria)
Optional
May be requested for longer stays or specific cases.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
Briefly describe itinerary and ties to Nigeria.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: $500 USD equivalent per month of stay

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Employment letter with salary
Tax returns

Embassy may request additional proof of funds for longer stays.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of financial means

Provide recent bank statements with consistent balance and a clear source of funds.

Weak ties to Nigeria (risk of overstay)

Submit evidence of employment, property, or family commitments in home country.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use the latest version of the form.

Passport not valid for enough time

Ensure passport validity exceeds 6 months beyond planned departure from Costa Rica.

Missing required documents (e.g. travel insurance, yellow fever cert)

Match exactly the embassy checklist and include all supporting items.

FAQ

Do citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Costa Rica?

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (30 days).

How long can citizens of Nigeria stay in Costa Rica?

Up to 30 days.

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

Government fee: $65.

How long does Costa Rica visa processing take?

Typically 15–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Nigeria need for Costa Rica?

Valid Nigerian passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form; Two recent passport-size photographs (white background); Flight itinerary (round-trip); Hotel reservation or accommodation proof; Travel insurance (minimum $50,000 coverage); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Costa Rica?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Costa Rica

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