South Korea to Costa Rica visa requirements

South Korean ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Costa Rica. South Korea is in Costa Rica's Group 1, allowing visa-free entry for up to 180 days. You receive an entry stamp on arrival; no advance application or eVisa is needed. As of mid-2026, Costa Rica classifies South Korea in Group 1 of its visa policy, the most favorable category. Ordinary South Korean passport holders may enter for tourism without any visa and stay up to 180 days, the exact period set by the immigration officer at arrival. The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería published refreshed visa guidelines on 17 November 2025, which tightened rules for higher-risk Groups 3 and 4 but left Group 1 (including South Korea) unchanged at "visa-free, up to 180 days." Passport validity requirements for Group 1 are minimal (valid on the date of arrival), though airlines and best practice favor at least 3-6 months. Travelers should carry proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds, which border officials may request. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism/short visits and does not authorize paid work. Overstaying the granted period can lead to fines and future entry restrictions, so confirm the exact number of days stamped in your passport. There is no eVisa, ETA, or visa-on-arrival process applicable, because none is required for this nationality and purpose.