North America

Costa Rica Passport

#21

Global Rank

155

Visa-Free

Score/100

Costa Rica passport holders can visit 155 countries without a visa in 2026, placing the passport at #21 globally. Below you will find the full list of countries Costa Rica passport holders can visit visa-free, plus destinations requiring an eVisa or embassy visa. Select any country to see processing time, fees, required documents, and maximum stay duration.

Costa Rica Passport: Strength & Global Standing

The Costa Rica passport ranks #21 globally in 2026 with a Travel Freedom Score of 84/100, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 155 countries. When eVisa destinations are included, Costa Rica passport holders can reach a total of 173 countries without scheduling an in-person embassy appointment — placing it among the stronger passports globally.

The Costa Rica passport provides strong global mobility, with 155 countries accessible without any visa arrangement and 10 more reachable via online eVisa. Within North America, passports like United States rank slightly higher, but Costa Rica holders still enjoy access to all major tourism and business destinations without advance visa requirements. The 8 visa-on-arrival destinations add further flexibility for spontaneous travel.

Travel Tips for Costa Rica Passport Holders

When traveling with a Costa Rica passport, check requirements at least 8 weeks before departure for countries that require embassy visas — processing times vary significantly by destination and can extend during peak seasons. For eVisa destinations, apply online 5-7 days in advance of travel even if same-day processing is technically available, as technical issues and verification checks can cause delays. Always carry your passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining — many countries enforce this rule regardless of your intended stay duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries can Costa Rica passport holders visit without a visa?

Costa Rica passport holders can visit 155 countries completely visa-free in 2026. An additional 10 destinations offer online eVisa systems, and 8 provide visas on arrival, bringing total accessible destinations to 173.

What is the Costa Rica passport strength score?

The Costa Rica passport has a Travel Freedom Score of 84/100, ranking it #21 globally. This score weights visa-free access (60%), eVisa availability (25%), visa-on-arrival options (10%), and reciprocity quality (5%).

Can Costa Rica passport holders travel to Europe without a visa?

It depends on the specific European country. Many European nations have bilateral agreements with Costa Rica allowing visa-free access. Check individual countries in the list above or use the Visa Check tool.

How long can Costa Rica passport holders stay in visa-free countries?

Stay limits vary by destination. Most bilateral agreements allow stays of 30, 60, or 90 days. In the Schengen Area, visitors are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period across all member states combined. Check the specific destination using the Visa Check tool for exact stay limits.

What should Costa Rica passport holders check before international travel?

Verify three things before every trip: (1) your specific visa requirement for the destination, policies change, (2) your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your travel dates, and (3) the destination has no active travel advisories. Always book the correct visa type if one is required, as arriving on the wrong visa category can result in denial of entry.

Compare Costa Rica Passport

See how the Costa Rica passport stacks up against passports with similar global access levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How powerful is the Costa Rica passport?

The Costa Rica passport ranks #21 globally in 2026 — placing it in the strong tier of travel documents. Holders enjoy visa-free access to 155 countries and can reach a total of 173 destinations via visa-free entry, eVisa, or visa on arrival. This puts it ahead of the majority of passports worldwide.

Do Costa Rica citizens need a visa for the Schengen Area / Europe?

It depends on the European country. Many EU and Schengen states have bilateral visa-free agreements with Costa Rica, but this is not universal. Use the destination list above or the VizaHunt visa checker to confirm whether a specific European destination is visa-free for Costa Rica passport holders.

Can Costa Rica passport holders travel to the USA without a visa?

Costa Rica passport holders currently require a B1/B2 tourist/business visa to visit the United States. You must schedule an interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate and provide financial documentation, ties to your home country, and travel history. Wait times for interview appointments vary significantly by country.

How many countries can Costa Rica passport holders visit visa-free?

Costa Rica passport holders can visit 155 countries completely visa-free in 2026. Additionally, 10 destinations offer online eVisa systems and 8 provide visas on arrival — bringing the total number of accessible destinations without a prior embassy appointment to 173. The full list is available above, sortable by region and visa status.

Is the Costa Rica passport getting stronger or weaker?

The Costa Rica passport has maintained a strong position in global rankings, reflecting stable diplomatic relationships and reciprocal visa waiver agreements. Passport strength changes gradually — new bilateral agreements can add destinations, while political developments or reciprocity actions can occasionally remove access. Check VizaHunt for the latest ranking data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How powerful is the Costa Rica passport?

Do Costa Rica citizens need a visa for the Schengen Area / Europe?

Can Costa Rica passport holders travel to the USA without a visa?

How many countries can Costa Rica passport holders visit visa-free?

Is the Costa Rica passport getting stronger or weaker?