Costa Ricans are eligible to apply for the ETIAS electronic travel authorisation for Europe.
This visa waiver will become an entry requirement to visit Schengen countries in 2022.
Nationals from Costa Rica will have to present their passport and an approved electronic permit to enter the Schengen zone.
Do Costa Ricans need a visa for Europe?
No, Costa Ricans do not need a visa to travel to Europe. They can visit the Schengen area with their valid passport for stays of up to 90 days. This will stay the same in the future.
In 2022, however, the European Union will launch the Travel Information and Authorisation System to secure their shared borders better.
Tourists from over 60 countries will need to apply online for an ETIAS visa waiver.
To enter any territory in the Schengen zone, a citizen from Costa Rica will need a valid ETIAS.
What documents do Costa Ricans need to get ETIAS?
The most important and only document Costa Rican travellers need to get their ETIAS permit is a valid passport.
Besides the passport, the ETIAS requirements are:
- An email address
- A debit or credit card
The email is necessary to receive notifications about the status of an ETIAS application.
A debit or credit card is required to pay for the ETIAS fee.
Note: upon arrival in Europe, the passport should have 3 months validity beyond the intended stay.
How to Apply for ETIAS from Costa Rica
Applying for ETIAS is straightforward and quick. Holders of a passport from Costa Rica can complete the online form in about 10 to 15 minutes.
What do I need to complete the ETIAS application?
As a Costa Rican citizen, you should have a passport, email, and debit or credit card to get your electronic travel permit.
The form is online. Therefore, all you need access to the Internet. You can fill out your ETIAS application from a phone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
What information is required on the ETIAS form
Once the traveller starts the registration with the ETIAS system, they have to provide these details:
- Full name, date, and place of birth
- Home address and phone number
- Passport data, including issuing and expiration date
All applicants must indicate the Schengen country of first intended entry.
At the end of the application, the traveller has to answer a series of yes or no questions about their health, criminal history, and previous trips to conflict areas.
Approval of the ETIAS travel permit
Before submitting the form, the applicant should check that all their details are correct.
Following submission, Costa Ricans will be notified via email about the status of the application.
When the application is approved, each applicant will receive a message in their inbox.
Some applications may be reviewed manually. If that’s the case, status notifications may take longer, up to 72 hours.
In the rare event that an ETIAS is not approved, the person will receive a message from the ETIAS team. The applicant will have the opportunity to appeal and present additional documents or information.
How long does it take to get ETIAS from Costa Rica?
Getting an ETIAS from Costa Rica is a fast and easy process. Completing the application does not take much time, especially if the traveller has their requirements in hand.
The ETIAS visa waiver system will process most applications in a matter of minutes. However, it is advised to submit it at least 72 hours before the departure date.
Once an authorisation is approved, it is linked electronically to the applicant’s passport. Therefore, printing the ETIAS is not necessary.
When does ETIAS expire?
An approved ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until the passport expires. In case that the travel document expires before ETIAS, a Costa Rican tourist should submit a new application.
How long can I stay in Schengen with ETIAS?
The electronic authorisation grants a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. ETIAS is a multiple entry visa waiver.
Costa Ricans can continue travelling to Europe without applying for a visa. ETIAS is one way the EU is working to smooth arrivals and departures from the region.