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Costa Rica Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens must obtain a Costa Rica visa (visa required) before travel — apply through the Costa Rica embassy or consulate and the official Migration portal at https://www.migracion.go.cr/; typical visa fee is around USD 60 and processing takes about 5–15 business days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Costa Rica.
  • Specific forms: Complete the Costa Rica visa application form (Solicitud de Visa) available at https://www.migracion.go.cr/ or through the Costa Rica embassy/consulate serving Afghanistan; use the form name provided by the consulate and submit any required translations as instructed.
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3 months showing funds sufficient to cover the entire stay; no fixed minimum is published, but provide clear liquidity and relationship to travel plans.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of accommodation in Costa Rica (hotel reservation or invitation letter) and proof of a round-trip or onward travel ticket.
  • Photo spec: One recent color passport photo (2 x 2 inches / 51 x 51 mm) with a plain white background; full face visible; no hats; not older than 6 months.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not routinely required for Costa Rica visa applications; if requested by the consulate, you will be notified to provide biometrics at the embassy/consulate.
  • Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended; it may be requested as part of the visa process and should cover medical expenses and repatriation.
  • Additional documents: Copy of the passport bio page; birth certificate; employment letter or student enrollment letter; police clearance certificate may be requested for certain visa types; invitation letter and host contact details if applicable.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Visa de Visitante, turismo): Official name Visa de Visitante; validity up to 90 days per entry; extension possible for up to 90 additional days at the Costa Rican Immigration Office; usually single-entry; approximate fee: USD 60.
  • Business visa (Visa de Negocios): Official name Visa de Negocios; validity up to 1 year; stay up to 90 days per visit; usually multiple-entry depending on consulate; approximate fee: USD 60.
  • Student visa (Visa de Estudiante): Official name Visa de Estudiante; validity equal to the duration of the course (initial period often 1 year, renewable); multiple-entry typical if approved; approximate fee: USD 60.
  • Work visa (Visa de Trabajo): Official name Visa de Trabajo; validity up to 1 year (renewable); stay up to 90 days per visit; usually multiple-entry if visa is valid for work; approximate fee: USD 60.

Application process

  • How to apply: Sticker visa
  • Where to apply: Through a Costa Rica embassy or consulate that serves Afghanistan or the nearest applicable location; there is no official e-visa for Afghanistan at this time; check the Migration portal for guidance and the local consulate contact.
  • Steps:
  • 1) Determine your visa type based on purpose of travel (tourist, business, study, work).
  • 2) Gather all required documents listed in Section 1 and any category-specific items.
  • 3) Schedule and attend an appointment at the consulate; submit the completed application and originals with photocopies.
  • 4) Pay the visa fee as instructed by the consulate (often in USD or local currency); obtain a receipt.
  • 5) Submit biometrics if requested by the consulate.
  • 6) Wait for visa processing (processing times vary); the consulate will notify you when the passport is ready.
  • 7) Collect your passport with the visa affixed or obtain return by mail if offered; verify visa details on the passport.
  • 8) Travel once visa is granted; carry all documents for border control.
  • How approval arrives: The passport with the visa is returned to you by the consulate or by courier as arranged; track or confirm delivery with the consulate.
  • Documentation checklist (refs Section 1): Ensure originals and photocopies of all documents are prepared; translations into Spanish may be required depending on the consulate.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 60; local currency equivalent varies by exchange rate (approx. CRC 36,000 at typical rates).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Afghanistan; processing is handled by the Costa Rica embassy/consulate; confirm if a third-party service is used by the consulate.
  • Total cost estimate: Approximately USD 60 plus any consular services or courier fees if applicable.
  • Standard processing time: 5–15 business days after the visa interview or document submission, depending on the consulate and category.
  • Express/priority option: Some consulates offer expedited processing for an additional fee; availability and price vary by location; check with the specific embassy/consulate.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start the visa process at least 6–8 weeks before planned travel to account for appointment scheduling and processing.
  • Common rejection reasons (Afghanistan applicants specifically): Incomplete or inconsistent documentation; insufficient proof of funds or travel purpose; weak ties to home country; unclear travel itinerary; failure to meet category-specific requirements; missing translations or notarizations.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: There is typically no VFS/BLS processing in Afghanistan for Costa Rica visas; apply directly through the Costa Rica embassy or nearest consulate that handles Afghan applications and follow their stated process.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check current travel advisories from your government and the Costa Rica Ministry of Migration; verify entry requirements close to your travel date due to possible changes.
  • Extension options inside Costa Rica: If you need to extend a visitor stay beyond the initial visa period, file for an extension at the Costa Rican Immigration Office (Oficina de Migración) before your visa expires; approval is not guaranteed and depends on your case.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.