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When you think of Central America, which country comes to mind? If you are an avid traveler, it’s probably Costa Rica.
While there are many countries in this part of the world worthy of visiting, Costa Rica tends to overshadow the others.
Whether it’s lesser-visited Honduras or the next trendy tourist spot like El Salvador, Central America offers tons of cool experiences for those willing to give it a chance.
Costa Rica has been a mega-popular country for many reasons, but most certainly, it is absolutely gorgeous. So, why wouldn’t travelers want to max out their time here?
Well, if that’s the case, then there is exciting news for you! It was recently announced tourist visas are now being extended up to 180 days.
Who Is Eligible For 180 Day Stays In Costa Rica?
It is October now, but this change actually went into effect last month. Somehow, this big news didn’t make a splash in the headlines.
But that is a good thing, right? Travelers can jump right in to take advantage of the recent visa changes rather than having a dreaded waiting period.
So that begs the question, who is eligible? The answer is easy. Any foreign traveler with a passport issued from a visa-exempt country can now stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days.
This, of course, includes 2 of their most popular tourist demographics – the United States and Canada. Plus, many European nations made the cut too.
Why Make The Change?
The “average Joe” doesn’t tend to take a 3-month long vacation, no matter how awesome the destination may be.
Before the recent change, Costa Rica allowed tourists to stay for up to 90 days. That’s a long time, so why was that not good enough?
Well, let’s face it: Costa Rica knows how amazing their country is to visit. They realized even though 90 days is a long time for many countries; they want to showcase every aspect possible to tourists.
Sure, many travelers may come down to trek through the lush green jungles, stay at stunning waterfront resorts and learn how to surf for a week or two.
The problem is so many visitors to Costa Rica don’t want to go back home! With a boost in tourism in mind, the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) has long been advocating to extend visa periods.
They now have their wish by doubling the amount from 90 days to 180 days. More tourists equals more money.
“The National Chamber of Tourism says the previous residency and stay terms were too short to encourage ample tourist spending and activity,” said Jorge Gamboa of CANATUR.
Digital Nomads Will Be Thrilled With Extended Visa
The digital nomad craze shows no signs of slowing down, with more and more places becoming remote worker-friendly.
In fact, these 5 cities in Costa Rica were recently ranked as the best in the country for digital nomads.
Already a haven for digital nomads to call their home away from home, Costa Rica is literally doubling down to become an even bigger hub for remote workers.
By extending visa stays from 90 days to 180 days, more digital nomads will surely opt to stay long-term, and Costa Rica has plenty of comfortable options for longer stays.
Both solo travelers and digital nomads alike love coming to this country and embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle.
While Costa Rica may not be the most affordable destination in Central America, the laid-back vibes, stunning scenery, and never-ending adventures justify a higher cost of living.
Travelers happily fork over money because rarely does anyone leave Costa Rica disappointed. With a variety of amenities for digital nomads, it is no different for them.
It’s easy to see why remote workers pack up their bags and head to Costa Rica, a short flight away. Now that the visa period has been extended, it’s a win-win for the country and millions of visitors each year.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Sally
Saturday 28th of October 2023
If an American entered Costa Rica prior to the visa extension, is their visa automatically extended? Or is the traveler bound to the 90 day period that was in place when originally entering Costa Rica?
Dana
Thursday 12th of October 2023
You stopped short of addressing accomadation options (and prices) per region, for those tourists who wish to stay the full 6 months!