United States Visa for Costa Rica Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Costa Rican citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, processing times of 3-8 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances.

Visa Application process

All US visa applications from Costa Rica must be processed through the US Embassy in San José.1 The process involves several steps:

Complete DS-160 Form

Fill out the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov.4 You will need to upload a digital photo meeting US visa requirements. Save your application ID to complete later if needed.4

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 application fee through the approved payment methods.2 Keep your receipt as you will need it to schedule your interview. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2

Schedule Interview

Create an account on the US Visa Information Service for Costa Rica to schedule your interview appointment.1 Wait times vary based on demand, so schedule as early as possible.1

Attend Interview

Arrive at the US Embassy in San José with all required documents.1 The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. Answer questions honestly and concisely about your travel plans and ties to Costa Rica.1

Receive Decision

Most decisions are made at the interview. If approved, your passport with the visa will be available for pickup or delivery within a few days.1

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Form
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview
4. Attend Interview
5. Receive Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	B1/B2 Application Fee: $185	Issuance Fee: Varies	Courier Delivery: Optional	Payment can be made online or at designated payment locations in Costa Rica.2

What you need to prove

During your interview, the consular officer will assess whether you meet the requirements for a visitor visa.3 You must demonstrate:

Genuine travel purpose: Clear, legitimate reason for visiting the US 3
Intent to return: Strong ties to Costa Rica ensuring you will leave after your visit 3
Financial capability: Sufficient funds to cover all travel expenses 3
No immigrant intent: You do not plan to remain in the US permanently 3

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Passport Photo
Bank Statements
Employment Evidence
Ties to Costa Rica
Visa Interview

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US • At least one blank page for the visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: A passport with previous travel to developed countries strengthens your applicationKeep old passports as they demonstrate positive travel history)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form • Available at ceac.state.gov; • Requires digital photograph meeting US visa photo requirements; • Include travel dates, accommodation details, and trip purpose; • Employment history and education background; • Previous US travel history] (Tip: Save your application ID as you can resume laterDouble-check all information before submittingPrint the confirmation page with barcode for your interview)

Passport Photo

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting US visa requirements • 2x2 inches (51x51mm); • Taken within the last 6 months; • White or off-white background; • No glasses, head coverings only for religious reasons] (Tip: Upload digital photo during DS-160 completionBring a physical copy to your interview as backup)

Bank Statements

Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and living expenses • Last 3-6 months of statements recommended; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Should demonstrate funds for accommodation, travel, and daily expenses; • Statements must clearly show account holder name] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateInclude savings accounts and fixed depositsBalance should comfortably cover all trip costs plus emergency buffer)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and income • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Contact details for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration and tax returnsStudents should get a letter from their educational institutionShow stable employment of 1+ years where possible)

Ties to Costa Rica

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Costa Rica after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing spouse or dependents; • Business ownership or ongoing commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is crucial for first-time US applicantsStrong ties significantly reduce refusal riskInclude multiple types of evidence if available)

Visa Interview

In-person interview at the US Embassy in San José • Schedule appointment after completing DS-160 and paying fee; • Bring all original documents and copies; • Interview conducted in English or Spanish; • Fingerprints collected at the embassy] (Tip: Arrive 15-30 minutes earlyAnswer questions honestly and conciselyBe prepared to explain your travel purpose clearly)

Optional documents

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US • Hotel reservations or host invitation letter; • Planned itinerary and activities; • Estimated trip costs] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedIf visiting family or friends, include invitation letter with their US statusBe prepared to explain your itinerary at the interview)

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
B1/B2 Application Fee	$185	Non-refundable
Issuance Fee	Varies	Reciprocity-based, may apply
Courier Delivery	Optional	Additional fee for passport delivery

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Insufficient Ties to Costa Rica
30%	Inadequate Financial Evidence
20%	Unconvincing Travel Purpose
10%	Previous Immigration Issues
5%	Incomplete Documentation

35% - Insufficient Ties to Costa Rica

How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure, property documents, evidence of family dependents, and ongoing business or educational commitments.

30% - Inadequate Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of statements with consistent income. Avoid large deposits before applying. Balance should clearly cover all trip expenses.

20% - Unconvincing Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Be specific about your travel plans. If visiting family, bring invitation letters. If tourism, have a clear itinerary of places you want to visit.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Explain what has changed since then and why your circumstances are different now.

5% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents are included. Ensure information matches across all forms and supporting evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

Yes, Costa Rica is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Costa Rican citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes.

How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?

The B1/B2 visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at your port of entry.

How long is the US tourist visa valid for Costa Ricans?

US B1/B2 visas for Costa Rican citizens are typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry privileges, though this varies based on individual circumstances.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Costa Ricans in 2026?

The current B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved.

How long does US visa processing take from Costa Rica?

Processing typically takes 3-8 weeks from your interview date. Wait times for interview appointments vary based on demand and can be checked on the US Embassy website.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working without authorization can result in visa revocation and future immigration problems.

What happens if my US visa is refused?

You will receive an explanation of the refusal reason. You can reapply with improved documentation, but there is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals.

Do I need to show hotel reservations for my US visa application?

Hotel reservations are helpful but not required. You should be able to explain your accommodation plans during the interview, whether staying at hotels, with family, or friends.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Embassy Costa Rica - Visa Services

https://cr.usembassy.gov/visas/

US Department of State - Visa Fees

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-cr/niv/information/fee

US Department of State - Visitor Visas

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

CEAC - DS-160 Application

https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/

At a glance