Visas

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The visa application process for Costa Rica is a process that begins in one’s home country and concludes in Costa Rica once students arrive.  Students will be able to refer to two detailed Visa Guides: Costa Rica Pre Departure Visa Guide & Costa Rica On-Site Visa Guide for the steps necessary to secure a visa for the Fall 2012 semester.  Further, please view a list formatted pre-departure visa guide with a summary of the required steps for US citizens before arriving in Costa Rica.  Be sure to follow the steps in the Visa Guides, but outlined below is a general checklist of documents that all students should prepare and have with them upon arrival in Costa Rica.  Please note that depending on the student's country of origin, additional documents may be required. Please be in touch with the nearest Costa Rican Consulate or Embassy to inquire about the necessary paperwork.

Here is a summary of the required documents that must be prepared prior to traveling to Costa Rica:

  • Birth Certificate (apostilled* by Secretary of State)
  • Police Background Check valid through October - please verify the validity limitations of your document with your state, country, or country (apostilled* by Secretary of State)
  • Embassy Registration Proof
  • Notarized affidavit of financial support backed by an additional official bank letter or certification - it is recommended that the bank letter or documentation demonstrates that a family has access to at least $10,000 USD in order to support their student in case of emergency.  Please note that this letter can be provided by any financial institution such as a bank, brokerage firm, etc.  
  • 2 copies of all documents listed above
  • 6 passport-sized pictures
  • 2 photocopies of FULL Passport (including front and back covers and all inside pages, even if blank)
  • Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after program end date)
  • For students obtaining a Provisional Student Visa prior to traveling to Costa Rica: please bring copies of all documents listed above and documentation of the Provisional Visa.  

*To learn more about getting documents apostilled, please view the detailed visa guide above.