---
title: United States visa for citizens of Costa Rica
description: "Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–21 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/costa-rica
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United States visa for citizens of Costa Rica

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.*

Official application site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/

## 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

- **Valid Costa Rican passport (valid at least 6 months beyond stay)** (Travel)
- **DS-160 confirmation page** (Supporting): with barcode
- **Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background)** (Supporting): Taken within last 6 months
- **Appointment confirmation (Interview)** (Supporting)
- **Fee receipt (MRV fee payment)** (Financial)
- **Proof of ties to Costa Rica (employment letter, property, family)** (Employment): to demonstrate intent to return
- **Itinerary or travel plan (flight bookings, hotel confirmations)** (Travel)
- **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial)
- **Pay slips or tax returns** (Financial, optional): if employed
- **Letter from employer (stating position, salary, approved leave)** (Employment, optional): if employed
- **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)** (Travel)
- **Travel insurance (recommended, not mandatory)** (Supporting, optional): covers medical expenses
- **Previous US visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): to show travel history
- **Additional supporting documents (if requested by consular officer)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.ustraveldocs.com/)

## More

- [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states)
- [Every destination for Costa Rica passport holders](/visa/passport/costa-rica)