Saudi Arabia to Costa Rica visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders need a consular (sticker) visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism. Saudi Arabia is classified in Costa Rica's "Third Group" (consular visa required), so there is no visa-free, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival channel. The visa must be obtained in advance from a Costa Rican consulate. Important exception: travelers who already hold a valid multiple-entry US or Canada visa/residence, or a valid multiple-entry Schengen (Category C or D) visa, may enter Costa Rica WITHOUT a Costa Rican visa under the visa-substitute rule. As of May 2026, Saudi Arabia is a "Third Group" nationality under Costa Rica's visa policy (administered by the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria, DGME), meaning a consular tourist visa must be obtained before travel. Costa Rica does not operate a general eVisa, ETA, or visa-on-arrival scheme for Saudi nationals; the only direct route is a sticker/consular visa applied for at a Costa Rican diplomatic mission. Costa Rica has no embassy in Riyadh, so applications are typically handled through the nearest accredited mission (e.g., Costa Rica's missions covering the Gulf, often in the UAE or via the mission in Cairo/Doha depending on accreditation). Because Saudi Arabia is not in the higher-scrutiny "Fourth Group" (restricted visa, e.g., Pakistan/Mauritania), a standard consular visa applies rather than a Restricted Visa Commission approval. A widely used alternative exists: holders of a valid multiple-entry US visa, Canadian visa, US/Canadian residence, or a valid multiple-entry Schengen Category C/D visa may enter Costa Rica visa-free, with the permitted stay tied to the remaining validity of that document. Costa Rica is NOT in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to entering Costa Rica; the Schengen reference is relevant only because a valid Schengen visa can substitute for a Costa Rican visa. Tourist entries are granted for up to 30 days, extendable toward a 90-day total at DGME discretion. Travelers should confirm current procedures directly with the accredited Costa Rican consulate before booking.