Costa Rica passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Costa Rica

Embassy / VFSB-2 Tourist Visa · Up to 180 days

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for the United States 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 · B-2 Tourist Visa · Up to 180 days
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	3–21 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds to cover trip expenses (no fixed minimum)

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 form online
Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the CEAC website.
2
Pay the MRV fee
Pay the $185 (or current) non-refundable application fee via the official payment system.
3
Schedule visa appointment
Book an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in San José (or specified post).
4
Gather required documents
Assemble passport, photo, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting evidence.
5
Attend visa interview
Go in person to the embassy/consulate with all documents. Biometrics (fingerprints) will be taken.
6
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 3–21 business days; may involve administrative processing.
7
Collect passport with visa
Passport with visa sticker is returned via courier or pick-up.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid Costa Rican passport (valid at least 6 months beyond stay)
Itinerary or travel plan (flight bookings, hotel confirmations)
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)

Financial

Fee receipt (MRV fee payment)
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Pay slips or tax returns
Optional
if employed

Employment

Proof of ties to Costa Rica (employment letter, property, family)
to demonstrate intent to return
Letter from employer (stating position, salary, approved leave)
Optional
if employed

Supporting

DS-160 confirmation page
with barcode
Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background)
Taken within last 6 months
Appointment confirmation (Interview)
Travel insurance (recommended, not mandatory)
Optional
covers medical expenses
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
to show travel history
Additional supporting documents (if requested by consular officer)
Optional

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient funds to cover trip expenses (no fixed minimum)

Bank statements
Pay slips
Tax returns
Sponsorship letter if dependent

No official minimum balance; sufficient to cover travel duration.

Good to know

Visa approval is not guaranteed; interview is mandatory.
Valid Costa Rican passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Processing times may extend if administrative processing is required.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to Costa Rica (risk of overstay)

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family commitments.

Incomplete or incorrect DS-160 information

Double-check all entries before submission.

Inadequate financial proof

Show bank statements with consistent income and sufficient balance.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Be honest about travel history; provide explanation if applicable.

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-2 Tourist Visa · Up to 180 days.

How long can citizens of Costa Rica stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

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

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–21 days.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for the United States?

Valid Costa Rican passport (valid at least 6 months beyond stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background); Appointment confirmation (Interview); Fee receipt (MRV fee payment); Proof of ties to Costa Rica (employment letter, property, family); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/

Sources

ustraveldocs.com

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