Costa Rica tightens entry rules

The authorities of Costa Rica have announced a major review of visa rules, which will now affect almost all categories of foreign travelers. The main focus is on the validity periods of visas for the USA, Canada, and Schengen, as well as on the redistribution of countries by visa groups. According to the local migration agency, the decision is aimed at "increasing control", but in fact, it has added quite a headache for tourists.

Now, citizens of states that usually require a permit can enter the country without a separate visa, — but only if their multiple visas of the USA or Canada are valid longer than their intended trip. With Schengen visas, the requirements are even stricter: the document must have at least 90 days of validity at the time of entry, and visas with a start date after the trip are not accepted at all. Additionally, the authorities have opened doors to holders of UN passports, provided that they meet the requirements for the document's validity period.

The most significant change is the transfer of Honduras from the "tough" third group to the second, which automatically makes the country visa-free for its citizens. But it's not that simple: arriving individuals older than 18 will have to present a criminal record clearance, unless they are only transiting or have suitable visas from third countries. The new changes did not affect citizens of India — they still require a consular visa unless they have suitable multiple visas from the USA or Canada for a period of six months or a valid residence permit from the USA, Canada, or the EU.