Costa Rica visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting Costa Rica

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Costa Rican Visa.

    • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.

    • Duly completed and signed visa application form.

    • The parents/legal guardians have to sign the form if the applicant is a minor.

    • Three passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm) taken on a white background.

    • Travel document must be completely provided.

    • Proof of financial capability.

    • Proof of accommodation/hotel reservations.

    • Copy of return flight ticket.

    • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country.

    • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.

    • Medical insurance that covers the duration of stay.

    • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.

    • Copy of travel itinerary.

    • Applicants are to provide a proof of the paid visa application fee.


Costa Rica Visa for Kenyans

Facts about Costa Rica

Tourists won’t believe the popular phrase "pura vida" (pure life) until they visit the country. It is a term you will hear everywhere and you will think it is a marketing term till you believe in and start saying it yourself. The pure life Costa Rican bug is sure to bite tourists with the flurry of amazing things to be done in the country. The country offers a plethora of outdoor activities in its various shapes and sizes. On the various beaches and rivers in Costa Rica, tourists can enjoy rafting, fishing, scuba diving, and surfing. The Central American nation is well-known for having an incredibly high level of biodiversity throughout its tropical forests which houses tropical mammals such as monkeys, sloths, tapirs, and wildcats. Tourists can visit one of the national parks and game reserves to enjoy amazing sites. Another spectacular activity that tourists in the country like to engage in is bird watching. Bird watching can be done in a variety of places in the country as there are over 800 species of birds for your pleasure.
 
Costa Rica is the most visited country in Central America. The country was visited by 2.9 million foreigners in 2016 which was up 10% from the previous year. The tourism industry was responsible for 5.8% of the country’s GDP, or $3.4 billion.
 
Foreigners in the country are expected to declare the sum of $10,000 on entry and exit from the country. If this sum is not declared, you will not be allowed entry into the country. The minimum sentence for drug possession and trafficking is 8 years imprisonment. Tourists should stay away from any drug-related crime.

Tourists should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as you will be immediately jailed for this. When foreigners visit national parks, abide by signage and stick to marked trails.

Types of Costa Rica Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 14 working days 90 days
Business visa 14 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Costa Rica Visa

    • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.

    • Duly completed and signed visa application form.

    • The parents/legal guardians have to sign the form if the applicant is a minor.

    • Three passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm) taken on a white background.

    • Travel document must be completely provided.

    • Proof of financial capability.

    • Proof of accommodation/hotel reservations.

    • Copy of return flight ticket.

    • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country.

    • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.

    • Medical insurance that covers the duration of stay.

    • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.

    • Copy of travel itinerary.

    • Applicants are to provide a proof of the paid visa application fee.


Costa Rica Tourist visa Costa Rica Business visa

Costa Rica Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to foreigners who are visiting Costa Rica for the purpose of sightseeing, recreation, and relaxation.
  • The tourist visa can also be used as a Visitor Visa. Foreigners can visit their friends and relatives using this visa.
  • Applicants who have been invited to Costa Rica by a friend or relative should present a letter of invitation from their host in the country. The letter should indicate the relationship between the applicant and the host and should also state the contact address of the host.
  • Foreigners can attend festivals and events that are of interest to them in the country.
  • The Costarican tourist visa is valid for 90 days.
  • For a stay of more than 90 days, a residence permit must be established.
  • Having the tourist visa does not guarantee entry into costa rica. Entry into costa rica is dependent on the immigration officer at the port of entry.
  • Kenyans who have tourist visa to USA , Canada , South Korea , Japan , countries in the European Union and / or Schengen visa stamped on their passport, valid for at least three months, could without consular visa enter Costa Rica , and enjoy the same conditions of entry as a Kenyan who has being granted a Costarican tourist visa.
  • Yellow fever vaccination for applicants of this visa is a must.
  • If you are employed, a letter of employment from your employer is required. The letter should confirm employment, awareness and allowance of leave, and should state the applicant’s job position.
  • Minors are expected to possess the original copy of their birth certificate. A notarized consent signed by both parents should be presented.
  • A document which shows that the applicant has the incentive of returning to his/her country is required.
  • Proof of payment of visa application fee should be submitted
  • Kenyans on this visa are not allowed to work or engage in business activities in the country.
  • You should abide by the rules guiding this visa.
  • Kenyans are reminded that the country is in an active earthquake and volcanic zone. Following significant earthquakes, tsunamis may also occur.

Costa Rica Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Business Visa is issued to foreigners who intend to engage in business activities while they are in Costa Rica.
  • During your business meetings with your partner company in the country you can negotiate and sign business contracts.
  • Applicants who want to attend conferences, trade fairs, and business summits are allowed to do so on this visa.
  • If you will be attending conferences in the country, you will need to register before traveling.
  • There is a departure tax for short-term visitors, which is typically included in the cost of a traveler’s airfare.
  • Having the business  visa does not guarantee entry into costa rica. Entry into costa rica is dependent on the immigration officer at the port of entry.
  • Kenyans who have business  visa to USA , Canada , South Korea , Japan , countries in the European Union and / or Schengen visa stamped on their passport, valid for at least three months, could without consular visa enter Costa Rica , and enjoy the same conditions of entry as a Kenyan who has being granted a Costarican tourist visa.
  • Evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination is a MUST!
  • Letter of employment from applicant’s employer in Kenya is required. The letter should introduce the applicant, state the applicant’s job position and state the duration and purpose of the visit.
  • An official letter of invitation from your partner in Costa Rica stating the reason for the applicant’s visit and the duration of the visit. The letter should be written on the company’s letterhead and be signed by an authorized signatory.
  • If you will be visiting more than one company, a letter of invitation from each company you will be visiting is required.
  • Certificate of business registration of the company in Costa Rica is required.
  • The business letter should state the party that would be responsible for the applicant’s expenses while in the country.
  • If there have been previous business dealings between the applicant’s company and the host company, proof of this is required.
  • Proof of payment of visa application is required.
  • A document which shows that you have the incentive of returning to your country at the expiry of your visa.
  • Applicants of this visa are advised to be vaccinated against yellow fever before applying.

Costa Rica Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

160.00 (USD)

Business visa

160.00 (USD)

Costa Rica Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

Location

Address

Nairobi

Second Floor, Eaton Place Building, United Nations Crescent Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya.

mejuarez@rree.go.cr

+254 72 971 1407

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of the year to go to Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging on beaches.
IS it safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica?
It is generally safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica, except in the most rural and undeveloped parts of the country.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Costa Rica?

High season is considered to be June, July, and August. The cheapest month to fly to Costa Rica is in September.

What is the official currency used in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican colon is the official currency used in the country. Although, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country.
Is it safe travel to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a relatively safe country to visit. There are a lot of kind and helpful people in the country. Women traveling alone can go around without having any problems.
Is it possible to get Visa as I was travelling before but not to costa rica?
I want to apply Costa Rica visa tourist and I'm kenyan citizen who live here in Nairobi?
Mohamed

3 years ago

When I can get visa

Afrah

3 years ago

How it takes to stay in it

I am from Kenya. I intend to apply for a visa to volunteer and study abroad in Costa Rica through the Maximo Nivel organization. Should I apply for a visitor visa or business visa??
Where and how do I pay the Costa Rican visa application fees?
Irene bessy mwaka

2 years ago

Where and how do I pay the Costa Rican visa application fees?

I am kenyan citizen, businessman self employed and i would like to apply tourism visa to Costa Rica as soon as possible. Kindly , guide me this process Best regards?
am kenyan planning to travel to costarica which form can i fill?
Hi, i wanted to take my wife for tour in costa rica, she is a kenyan citizen by birth. kindly advice me on that tourist visa. thank you.?
What are the requirements for a costa rica visa?
I need visa costa Rica please assist me?
can i go for medical?
Good morning, I am trying to apply for visa to attend the ICDE World Conference in Costa Rica but I am not able to access the application form. Please advise.?
How long will it take for a Kenya passport holder to get a tourist to Costa rica?