Costa Rica passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Costa Rica

Visa-free

Citizens of Costa Rica can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa-free
How to apply	No visa needed — just go
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Government fee	No visa fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Prepare travel documents
Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months and have onward ticket.
2
Arrive at South African port of entry
Present passport and supporting documents to immigration officer.
3
Receive entry stamp
Officer will grant visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

Travel

Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from South Africa.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements or cash sufficient for stay.

Supporting

Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Required if traveling from an endemic country.

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Cash
Credit cards

Sufficient funds for duration of stay required.

Good to know

Visa-free stay is limited to 90 days per visit.
Overstaying may result in fines or future entry bans.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient passport validity

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

Lack of onward ticket

Have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

Insufficient funds

Carry proof of sufficient funds for the stay.

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Costa Rica can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

How long can citizens of Costa Rica stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days without a visa.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for South Africa?

Valid passport; Return or onward ticket; Proof of sufficient funds; Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to South Africa

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for South Africa.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides