---
title: Costa Rica visa for citizens of Saudi Arabia
description: Citizens of Saudi Arabia need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/costa-rica/saudi-arabia
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Costa Rica visa for citizens of Saudi Arabia

Citizens of Saudi Arabia 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
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statement or equivalent showing sufficient funds

## How to apply

1. **Check eligibility** — Saudi Arabian passport holders generally require a visa unless they hold a qualifying residence permit or visa (EU/US/Canada/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/UK residence permit or US/Canada multiple entry visa).
2. **Gather required documents** — Collect all documents listed above, including passport, photos, itinerary, funds proof, and any applicable exemption evidence.
3. **Print and complete visa application form** — Download or obtain the form from the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate, fill legibly.
4. **Book an appointment at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate** — Contact the embassy (e.g., in Riyadh or via a jurisdiction) to schedule a submission appointment.
5. **Attend in-person appointment and submit application** — Submit documents, pay the fee (if any), and possibly provide biometrics or answer questions.
6. **Pay visa fee** — Fees vary; confirm with the embassy. No official amount available currently.
7. **Wait for processing** — Processing time is not specified; contact embassy for current timelines.
8. **Collect passport with visa decision** — If approved, visa will be affixed/stamped. If rejected, you may be given a reason.
9. **Travel to Costa Rica** — Ensure passport valid at least 6 months and carry all documents.
10. **Upon arrival** — Immigration may request proof of onward travel, funds, and accommodation.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)** (Identity)
- **Completed visa application form** (Identity): Available from the Costa Rican embassy or consulate
- **Recent passport-sized photographs (2x2 inches, white background)** (Identity): Typically 2 photos
- **Copy of passport data page** (Identity)
- **Proof of onward/return flight ticket** (Travel): Confirmed round-trip or onward travel itinerary
- **Proof of sufficient funds** (Financial): e.g., bank statements for the last 3 months, credit card limit, or sponsor letter
- **Hotel reservation or letter of invitation** (Travel): Must cover entire intended stay
- **Medical insurance covering entire stay in Costa Rica** (Supporting): Often recommended, not always mandatory
- **Work letter or proof of employment (if applicable)** (Employment): For employed applicants
- **Copy of residence permit (if applicable)** (Supporting): Required if using EU/US/Canada/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/UK residence permit exemption
- **Copy of valid multiple-entry visa for Canada or United States (if applicable)** (Supporting): Required if using visa-based exemption
- **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting): Optional but helpful
- **Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from endemic country)** (Supporting): Only if applicable
- **Travel itinerary / detailed stay plan** (Travel): May be requested

## Good to know

- The official lane for Saudi Arabia to Costa Rica is in_person (visa required), but holders of a qualifying residence permit (EU/Canada/US/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/UK) or US/Canada multiple-entry visa may enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Fees and processing times are not publicly available from the source; contact the Costa Rican embassy for current details.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient funds or vague travel purpose** — Provide bank statements showing adequate balance (approx. $100 per day) and a clear itinerary.
- **Passport validity less than 6 months** — Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
- **Missing or incorrect documents** — Double-check all required documents and any exemption proofs.
- **Criminal record or previous visa violations** — Be honest; provide explanation letter if needed.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of Saudi Arabia need a visa for Costa Rica?

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

### What documents do citizens of Saudi Arabia need for Costa Rica?

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity); Completed visa application form; Recent passport-sized photographs (2x2 inches, white background); Copy of passport data page; Proof of onward/return flight ticket; Proof of sufficient funds; 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 Saudi Arabia passport holders](/visa/passport/saudi-arabia)