Following the enactment of Decree 44187-MGP in June this year, the duration of stay for foreigners in the country has been extended from 90 to 180 days, with some important considerations.
Changes in the Visa Regulation
Articles 7.1 and 8 of the Regulation for Granting Entry Visas to Costa Rica have been affected by the new decree. With this update, Article 7.1 clarifies that countries will be divided into four groups, and those in the first group can enter the territory without requiring a visa for a maximum stay of up to 180 calendar days from their entry, as determined by the competent General Directorate official.
Article 8 clarifies who is considered a “Non-resident,” not only reinforcing the stay duration for the first group in Costa Rican territory but also indicating that those in groups two, three, and four can stay for up to 30 calendar days.
The New Costa Rican Visa System
Residents of countries in groups one and two will not need a visa to enter the country. However, those in groups three and four will need to have a visa.
The countries in the first group affected and benefited by the new decree are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Northern Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Korea, San Marino, Serbia, South Africa, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Regulatory changes can always raise additional questions. Therefore, it is best to consult with a group of experts to address any concerns about the Costa Rican visa system, in particular, and immigration law in general.
