On February 21, 2022, came into effect communication DG-0001-02-2022-DG-AJ, requiring nationals of Nicaragua, Cuba, or Venezuela who intend to enter the country by air, under the immigration category of non-resident, subcategory foreign person in transit, must now present the requirements and respect the procedures established for transit visas, to change aircraft.

In the case of Venezuela, Venezuelan executives who already have a residency will have no problem entering Costa Rica, since they will enter as residents. Those who have an immigration procedure in process and do not have a US or Canadian multiple-entry visa, valid for more than six months, must wait for the residency process to be completed. New executives coming to Costa Rica who have a US or Canadian multiple-entry visa, valid for more than six months, will not need to apply for a visa to enter Costa Rica. New executives who do not have a US or Canadian multiple-entry visa, valid for more than six months, must process their consular visa prior to entering Costa Rica. This process is carried out at the Costa Rican Consulate abroad.

This new provision also applies to nationals of Cuba or Nicaragua who enter the international airports of Costa Rica and change aircraft and/or airline, for a maximum period of 12 hours. Costa Rica has asked those who apply for a transit visa to show a criminal record and demonstrate economic solvency of income in their country of origin.

Nicaraguan, Cuban, and Venezuelan nationals may request, at the Costa Rican consulates, a single-entry transit visa or a double transit visa, if their trip is for commercial or work reasons, including agricultural activities, domestic employment, construction, private security and care for the elderly, people with disabilities and minors.

To obtain more information about this topic or legal advice in Costa Rica on immigration law, do not hesitate to contact us.