The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:
- Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry. This category included nationals of the United States and European Union member states. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days.
- Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 30 days.
- Foreign nationals requiring a Costa Rican consular visa, must apply for it at the Costa Rican consulate in their country of residence. Costa Rica visas allow them to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
- Foreign nationals require limited visas to Costa Rica. This type of visa must be approved by the Restricted Visa Committee. If approved, it allows its owner to stay in the country for up to 30 days.