LPHYS'26. Visa Support:
Do you need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica divides countries into four visa groups (visa-free entry, consular visa, restricted visa, and specific exceptions). The applicable group depends on nationality and, in certain cases, on qualifying visas or residence permits issued by other countries.
Nationals of many countries — including most European Union Member States, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and others — may enter Costa Rica without a visa for short stays. Depending on nationality, the maximum authorised stay may be up to 180 days or 30 days (extendable up to 90 days in total).
The complete structure of the current visa rules is available in our structured English version of the directive: Costa Rica Visa Regulations – Unofficial English Version.
Please check the official and up-to-date information on the Embassy Website (ES).
The current visa regulations are published in the official government directive (November 2025): Official Visa Directive (ES).
If your nationality requires a visa, you must apply in advance through the nearest Costa Rican consulate.
General entry requirements
Foreign nationals seeking entry to Costa Rica must generally present:
- A valid machine-readable or biometric passport (minimum validity depends on nationality group).
- A return or onward travel ticket (or equivalent proof of departure).
- Proof of economic solvency (minimum USD 100 per month or fraction thereof of authorised stay).
- A valid visa, if required under the applicable nationality group.
Important exceptions
Nationals of countries that normally require a consular or restricted visa may, under specific conditions, be exempt if they hold qualifying multiple-entry visas or residence permits issued by the United States, Canada, certain European countries, or Schengen Area states. Exact categories and limitations are defined in the directive.
Visa regulations may change. Participants are kindly encouraged to verify their individual entry requirements with the official Costa Rican authorities prior to travel. While the conference organisers are pleased to provide visa support letters where required, admission to Costa Rica remains subject to the decision of the immigration authorities.
Visa Support Letter
If you require a visa to enter Costa Rica, you may request a visa support letter from the conference organisers.
The application form for the visa support letter is available on your Participant Personal Page.
Visa Support contact
Should you have any questions or inquiries with regard to receiving your Visa Support Letter please contact:
-
Kseniia A. Reidik
, Manager
Astro Science Ltd., Canada
lphys26@lasphys.com
