Understanding Costa Rica Overstay Tourist Visa Late Fees

When it comes to an overstay tourist visa in Costa Rica, we know that many travelers and expats may be concerned about the potential financial implications of overstaying their visa. As with any country, it’s essential to follow the rules and regulations when it comes to staying in Costa Rica on a visa. If you overstay your visa, you may be subject to fines or penalties, and it’s crucial to understand how these fees are calculated and what your options are. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about visa late fees in Costa Rica.

Do you have an expired tourist visa or DIMEX card? Are you looking to travel soon? Watch out for your visa late fees in Costa Rica! Costa Rica Immigration (La Migración) charges fines for people trying to leave the country with an:

– Expired DIMEX with Temporary Residency/Special Categories 
– Overstayed Tourist Visas

These fines are recommended to be paid prior to attempting to leave the country.

How much are the fines? 

In Costa Rica, visa late fees are calculated based on the number of days that you overstay your visa. As indicated in article 33, paragraph 3, a fine of USD $100 USD is applied for each expired month that the person remained in the country irregularly.

For example, if you overstay your visa by one month, you will be required to pay $100 USD in late fees. If you overstay your visa by two months, you’ll be required to pay $200 USD, and so on, you get the idea.

How can you pay the fines?

If you have to pay the fines, they can be paid via the following methods:

Via Bank of Costa Rica (BCR) at any of the agencies of the Bank of Costa Rica throughout the country in the following accounts in the name of the Ministry of Finance:

The receipt must state your name as it appears on your passport or the DIMEX. The payment receipt will be asked for at the time of departing the country. If you fail to show the payment receipt, you may experience a delay trying to exit the country and possibly receive an entry ban trying to re-enter Costa Rica.

Fines may also be paid at BCR “Puntos Tucán.” Tucán is BCR’s new Financial Correspondent. It is a tool available in affiliated businesses for easy and prompt transactions.

Who is Exempt?

Those exempt from the fines are on the following list (supplied by La Migración):

• Minors;
• Refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons;
• Persons of legal age with disabilities;
• Cross-border workers;
• Tourists stay up to date;
• Permanent residents, EVEN those who have the DIMEX expired;
• Those who have extended or renewed their permanent residence;
• Those who have made a change of immigration category;
• Those who have been denied on their residency application but at the time of their departure have not been notified;
• Those who have been denied residency were notified but have filed an appeal.

-Written by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my visa to Costa Rica?

Yes, you can extend your visa in Costa Rica by visiting the immigration office and submitting an application for an extension.

How long does it take to process a visa extension in Costa Rica?

The processing time for a visa extension in Costa Rica can vary depending on a variety of factors, but it typically takes around two weeks.

Can I negotiate my visa late fees in Costa Rica?

No, visa late fees in Costa Rica are non-negotiable and must be paid in full.

What happens if I don’t pay my visa late fees in Costa Rica?

If you don’t pay your visa late fees in Costa Rica, you may be prevented from re-entering the country or face legal consequences.

Can I avoid visa late fees in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can avoid visa late fees in Costa Rica by ensuring that you leave the country before your visa expires or by renewing it.

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Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)