--- title: Costa Rica visa for citizens of Nigeria description: "Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $65. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/costa-rica/nigeria lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Costa Rica visa for citizens of Nigeria 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 - **Valid Nigerian passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. - **Completed visa application form** (Identity): Download from embassy website and fill legibly. - **Two recent passport-size photographs (white background)** (Identity): Size 2x2 inches, not older than 6 months. - **Flight itinerary (round-trip)** (Travel): Confirmed booking or reservation showing entry and exit dates. - **Hotel reservation or accommodation proof** (Travel): Covers entire stay; may be refundable booking. - **Travel insurance (minimum $50,000 coverage)** (Travel): Must cover medical expenses and repatriation. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Original or certified copy showing sufficient balance. - **Employment letter / leave approval** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and dates of leave. - **Income tax returns (last year)** (Financial, optional): If self-employed, provide business registration and tax docs. - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Only if traveling with spouse. - **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially US, UK, or Schengen visas. - **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Supporting): Required for travelers from Nigeria. - **Police clearance certificate (from Nigeria)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for longer stays or specific cases. - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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. ## More - [Costa Rica visa for every passport](/visa/costa-rica) - [Every destination for Nigeria passport holders](/visa/passport/nigeria)