Since September 8, 2023, Executive Decree N°44187-MGP has changed the game, transforming the rules for travelers classified in the first group of countries according to the General Directorate of Immigration.

With the entry into force of the decree reforming articles 7 and 8 of the Regulation for the Granting of Entry Visas to Costa Rica, foreigners whose nationalities fall exclusively within the first group of countries will be able to enter without requiring a visa and will have a maximum period of legal stay in the country up to 180 days (6 months) per entry.

Before, foreigners coming from the following countries only had 90 days to live the Costa Rican experience, since 3 months was the maximum period of legal permanence in the country. Except for Ukraine, which was not part of Group 1 and was included in it with this law amendment.

*Argentine, British, French, Dutch, Danish, Australian, Norwegian, New Zealand and U.S. dependencies are treated equally, as long as they carry passports of the country of which they are dependent.

It is important to take into consideration that the 180-day stay is not granted automatically, since it is at the discretion of the competent immigration officer, who has the authority to adapt the length of stay, i.e., to grant a shorter period on a case-by-case basis.

Those tourists who have been authorized a period of stay in the country of less than 90 calendar days may, for a single time, request an extension until reaching the maximum of such period. Tourists who have been authorized a period of stay of ninety days or more may not extend it.

The Employment, Labor, & Immigration practice area of Dentons Costa Rica offers legal advice related to this matter. Please contact us if you are interested and you need legal advice on Costa Rican Employment and Labor Law. We will be happy to help and guide you every step of the way.