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Costa Rica Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a consular visa for Costa Rica, applied for at the nearest Costa Rican consulate since there is no mission in Kenya; the fee is about USD 50 with standard processing of around 10-15 working days.

Guide last updated September 24, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Recent passport-style photo, white background
  • Completed Costa Rican visa application form (from migracion.go.cr or the handling consulate)
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3 months)
  • Proof of accommodation and round-trip flight itinerary
  • Letter of employment or business registration showing ties to Kenya
  • Travel health insurance covering the stay in Costa Rica
  • Biometrics: fingerprints may be requested at the consulate depending on the post's procedures

Visa types

  • Tourist visa: single entry, validity typically 30-90 days from issue, max stay up to 90 days, fee approx. USD 50
  • Business visa: similar validity to the tourist visa, requires an invitation letter from a Costa Rican company, fee approx. USD 50-70
  • Multiple-entry visa: available on request for frequent travelers, slightly higher fee, subject to consulate discretion

How to apply

  • Costa Rica has no embassy or consulate in Kenya, so applicants typically apply through the nearest Costa Rican consulate (commonly in South Africa, the UK, or another regional post) or by courier submission where the consulate permits it
  • Submit the completed form, photo, passport, financial and employment documents, and insurance proof to the consulate
  • Pay the visa fee (approx. USD 50) by the method specified by that consulate
  • Standard processing takes about 10-15 working days; allow extra time for courier delivery of the passport to and from the consulate
  • On approval, the visa is stamped or affixed as a sticker in the passport

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist visa fee: approx. USD 50
  • Business visa fee: approx. USD 50-70
  • Courier/facilitation costs if routing through a consulate outside Kenya: additional USD 30-60
  • Standard processing: 10-15 working days once the consulate receives the complete application
  • No official express service widely offered; plan well in advance

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Start the application at least 4-6 weeks before travel to account for the lack of a Costa Rican mission in Kenya and consulate routing time
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient proof of funds, weak ties to Kenya, or an incomplete travel itinerary
  • Ensure travel insurance explicitly covers medical costs in Costa Rica, as this is often specifically checked
  • Keep certified translations of any documents not in Spanish or English if the consulate requests them
  • Confirm current fees and document requirements directly with the handling consulate before applying, since these can change without notice

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.