Russian Federation to Costa Rica visa requirements

Russian ordinary passport holders can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days, under the bilateral visa-waiver agreement in force since 25 May 2019 and reaffirmed in Costa Rica's November 2025 visa directive. A Russia (RU) ordinary passport holder does NOT need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism or a short visit. Costa Rica and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement on the mutual abolition of visas that entered into force on 25 May 2019. Under it, holders of ordinary (international) Russian passports may enter, transit, stay in and exit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 calendar days per entry. Costa Rica's General Directorate of Migration (DGME) "General Visa Guidelines" issued on 17 November 2025 list Russia in Group 2; while Group 2's general rule is a 30-day stay extendable to 90, the directive expressly notes that Russian nationals enjoy up to 90 days by virtue of the bilateral treaty. Travelers must hold a passport valid for the duration of stay (carriers and IATA commonly require ~3-6 months validity and proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds). The waiver does NOT cover diplomatic or service passports for the standard process, and it does not authorize work or paid activity. Costa Rica is in Central America, not the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. There is no eVisa, ETA or visa-on-arrival requirement for this nationality; entry is granted by an immigration stamp at the port of entry. Costa Rica also charges a small exit tax (around USD 29) when leaving, often bundled into the air ticket. Always reconfirm onward-ticket and funds requirements with the airline and IATA Travel Centre before departure, as carriers enforce these at check-in.