Check visa exceptions for your passport
Check eligibility and any registration steps before relying on a visa exception.
Check whether your passport meets the exception
For air travel, citizens of this passport country may apply for an eTA if they held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa when applying, and are visiting temporarily. If these conditions are not met, or you arrive by land or sea, you need a visitor visa.
If you do not qualify, apply for the required visa before travel
Check the conditions before choosing an application. If you do not qualify for the air-only eTA exception, apply for a visitor visa through the IRCC Portal.
Check the stay and entry conditions
A visa or visa waiver does not guarantee admission. Follow the dates and conditions set by the destination’s immigration authority.
Check your stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees and permission validity
Plan your budget and travel dates with the published fees and timing guidance.
What it costs
Amounts are published separately. If more than one charge applies to your trip, add them; if they are versions of the same permission, only the one you apply for is charged.
- Visitor visa processing fee
- CAD 100
- eTA application, if eligible
- CAD 7
If you apply for a visitor visa, biometrics are required in most cases. IRCC lists CAD 85 per person or up to CAD 170 for an eligible family; some applicants may be exempt from some or all fees. Check whether you must give biometrics and the total before paying.
Read the official fee guidancePublished government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay.
5 years
Or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Validity is separate from how long you can stay on each visit.
Canada arrival steps
Check the timing and conditions for each arrival step.
Advance CBSA Declaration (ArriveCAN)
If you choose to use it, submit online up to 72 hours before arrival at one of CBSA’s participating airports. After landing, review and certify it at a kiosk or eGate; if you do not submit it in advance, provide your declaration through the normal border process. NEXUS kiosks cannot use this feature, so check the official airport list before submitting.
Arrival guidanceEntry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
Your arrival mode can change the document you need
An eTA is required only for eTA-listed passports travelling to or transiting through Canada by air; those travelers do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat. Visa-required travelers need a visitor visa for land or sea arrival, including travelers who may qualify for the air-only eTA exception. Check the official tool for your passport and travel mode.
Official guidanceU.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a Canadian visitor visa or eTA
U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents do not need a Canadian visitor visa or eTA. When flying, U.S. permanent residents need a valid passport or acceptable travel document and proof of U.S. permanent residence. When entering by land or water directly from the United States or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, they can use proof of U.S. status without a passport. Check IRCC’s document list for your travel route.
Official guidanceTemporary Canadian document suspensions may affect your application
IRCC’s temporary measures are based on the last country of residence listed on your visa, permit or eTA application, not your citizenship. If that country was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan or Uganda, existing immigration documents may be suspended and you cannot travel even with previously approved permission; applications are not being finalized. The measures run through 23:59:59 ET on 27 November 2026. Case-by-case exemptions are possible; contact IRCC to confirm your case before travel.
Official guidanceRecent travel in Ebola affected areas can restrict entry or require quarantine
Until 27 November 2026, a foreign national who has been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the previous 21 days is generally prohibited from entering, boarding a flight to or transiting through Canada; exemptions apply. A foreign national who has been in Uganda or South Sudan during that period may travel but must quarantine for 21 days on arrival unless exempt. Separate IRCC document suspensions depend on the last country of residence on the application, not citizenship. Check current official rules before departure.
Official guidanceThe border officer sets your permitted stay
Most visitors can stay up to six months, but a border officer may authorize less or more and can stamp a required departure date in your passport. If you receive no stamp, IRCC says you may stay six months from entry or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
Official guidanceYou may qualify for an eTA instead of a visitor visa
For air travel, citizens of this passport country may apply for an eTA if they held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa when applying, and are visiting temporarily. If these conditions are not met, or you arrive by land or sea, you need a visitor visa.
Official guidanceBefore and during your visit to Canada
Prepare documents that explain your trip
IRCC’s online checklist is specific to your purpose and situation. Its examples include travel history, an itinerary, evidence that you can support the visit, employment information and an invitation where relevant; these are not a single mandatory checklist for every applicant.
Canada travel essentials
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Currency
- CAD
- Calling code
- +1
Canada entry questions
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for Canada?
For tourism in Canada, ordinary passport holders from Costa Rica need a visa before travel. The stay limit is 6 months per visit. For temporary visits by air, an eTA may replace a visitor visa if you held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa when applying. Other routes require a visitor visa.
How long can I stay in Canada?
The short-visit limit is 6 months per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive. Most visitors can stay up to six months, but a border officer may authorize less or more and can stamp a required departure date in your passport. If you receive no stamp, IRCC says you may stay six months from entry or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
Visitor visa processing fee: CAD 100 per person. eTA application, if eligible: CAD 7 per person.
How long is the authorisation valid?
5 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This is different from the permitted length of each visit.
Do I need to complete Advance CBSA Declaration (ArriveCAN)?
Optional for this route. If you choose to use it, submit online up to 72 hours before arrival at one of CBSA’s participating airports. After landing, review and certify it at a kiosk or eGate; if you do not submit it in advance, provide your declaration through the normal border process. NEXUS kiosks cannot use this feature, so check the official airport list before submitting.
What fees apply for a Canada visitor visa?
If you apply for a visitor visa, biometrics are required in most cases. IRCC lists CAD 85 per person or up to CAD 170 for an eligible family; some applicants may be exempt from some or all fees. Check whether you must give biometrics and the total before paying.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm Canada’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open eTA eligibility and visitor visa options
Check the conditions before choosing an application. If you do not qualify for the air-only eTA exception, apply for a visitor visa through the IRCC Portal.
Open Advance CBSA Declaration (ArriveCAN)
Check Canada’s official entry requirements
Confirm the rule for your citizenship, passport or travel document, U.S. status and arrival mode.
Check current visitor visa processing times
The estimate depends on where you apply and can change; IRCC says it is not a maximum or guarantee.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Canada with an ordinary Costa Rica passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correctionhttps://visadir.com/requirements/canada/costa-rica