Formalities, visa and health for Costa Rica (2026)

Good news: entering Costa Rica is simple for French travelers. But a few rules are worth knowing before departure to avoid any trouble at the airport. Here are, up to date, all the formalities for traveling to Costa Rica.

Do you need a visa for Costa Rica?

No. French (and European Union) citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay. On arrival, immigration grants a stay of up to 90 days. To stay longer, you must request authorization from the Costa Rican embassy or the immigration services on site.

The passport

Your passport must be in good condition and valid. Officially, Costa Rica requires validity of at least one day beyond your exit date — but since transit countries (often the United States) frequently require 6 months of validity, it's better to leave with a passport valid at least 6 months after your return.

Documents to present on entry

On arrival, you must be able to present:

• a return ticket or onward ticket to another destination;
• a proof of accommodation for the length of the stay;
• proof of sufficient financial means.

These documents are rarely requested, but you must be able to provide them.

Health and vaccines

No vaccination is mandatory for a standard trip. The only exception: a vaccination certificate against yellow fever if you arrive from an at-risk country. Up-to-date routine vaccines are recommended, plus, depending on your profile, hepatitis A and typhoid. On site: mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and tap water is drinkable in most tourist regions.

Travel insurance

It isn't mandatory but is strongly recommended : plan health and repatriation coverage for the entire stay. Medical care can be costly for a foreigner.

Good to know

The exit tax is now almost always included in the plane ticket. As for driving, a French national license is enough for the length of a tourist stay (see our guide car rental). And to time your departure to the right season, see When to go to Costa Rica. For official, up-to-date information, refer to France Diplomatie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a visa for Costa Rica?
No, not for a tourist stay of up to 90 days for French citizens.

What passport validity?
At least one day beyond your exit on the Costa Rica side, but 6 months is advised because of transit countries.

Which vaccines are mandatory?
None, except yellow fever if arriving from an at-risk country.

Is travel insurance mandatory?
No, but strongly recommended (health and repatriation).

A question about your trip?

Our French-speaking team, based in Costa Rica, supports you from preparation to return. We reply within 24h — Request your quote — or build your trip on Toucan Dynamics.