Visas & Customs Requirements

Students:

Foreign students must enter Costa Rica with a tourist visa. Your tourist visa will allow you to enter Costa Rica and stay either for 30, 60, or 90 days. If you come to Costa Rica for short courses you can just register at the school, pay the tuition, and attend classes.

Schools do not require you to have a student temporary residence permit. If you want to stay for long term you should contact the Immigration Department of Costa Rica and request an extension of stay.

Residence Permits for Students

If you are pursuing a vocational career, or a formal primary or secondary education you should apply for a Student Temporary Residence Permit at the Immigration Department within the first 30, 60, or 90 days. Student may stay in Costa Rica to study at a Costa Rican School or University for a specific period of time, depending on your career goals.

You should renew your documents every time you register for new classes, depending on your academic schedule (two-month terms, three-month terms, four-month terms, six-month terms, or annual).

List of universities in Costa Rica:

• Technological University
• University of Costa Rica
• National University
• UCIMED (Universidad de Ciencias Medicas)
• Universidad EARTH
• Universidad Hispanoamerica
• Universidad Latina
• University for Peace