The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed Tuesday evening that the country had stopped extending visitor visas beyond 90 days as of June 1, 2021.

“On June 1, the extension of the legal stay for foreigners who entered the country as tourists from December 17, 2019,” says a press release by the ICT.

Costa Rica is now returning to its pre-pandemic tourist visa guidelines: All tourists must leave the country by the time indicated on their passport visa stamp (i.e., within 90 days).

Tourists who have received a visa of less than 90 days can apply for an extension of up to 90 total days in the country. This process is managed by the Immigration Service; Details can be found here.

During the pandemic, Costa Rica extended the length of stay of visitors in the country several times. This grace period ends at a time when both international airports and all border posts on land are open to tourists.

Visitors entering Costa Rica must take out health insurance that covers Covid-19 and quarantine costs. A negative coronavirus test is not required to enter Costa Rica, but many other countries (including the United States) do.

Tourists wishing to enter Costa Rica must also have a return flight within 90 days or provide proof of onward travel.

According to the ICT, more than 4,500 tourists have used the latest grace period to extend their visas.

“Extending their stay allowed them to continue enjoying our country and even telework for some from attractive tourist locations,” said the ICT.

Irregular immigration status results in various legal sanctions, including a ban on entry into Costa Rica.

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