Do Canada passport holders need a visa to visit CR?
Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism. You are admitted visa-free as a tourist for up to 180 days, with the exact length determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. Canada is classified in Costa Rica's "Group One" of visa-exempt nationalities, alongside the United States and the EU. Canadian citizens travelling on an ordinary passport can enter Costa Rica for tourism without any visa, eVisa, or pre-travel authorization. Since a resolution that took effect on 8 September 2023, the maximum visa-free period of stay for Group One visitors was raised from 90 days to up to 180 days per visit; however, the actual number of days granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer and is written into your passport with the entry stamp. Costa Rica is in Central America and is not part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. To be admitted you must show an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (commonly cited as roughly US$100 per month of intended stay). There is a departure tax for air travellers, though it is now almost always bundled into the airline ticket price. Overstaying the authorized period can lead to deportation and a multi-year re-entry ban, so travellers planning longer stays should leave and re-enter or seek an extension.
VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→