SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do Costa Ricans need ETIAS?

Yes

Yes. Costa Rican citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches Costa Ricans will need an ETIAS authorisation to enter the Schengen area.

Needs ETIAS?
Yes
Cost
€20
Validity
3 yrs
From
Q4 2026

Costa Rica's citizens travel visa-free to the Schengen area for short stays, and that status is precisely why ETIAS will apply. ETIAS is an online travel authorisation rather than a visa.

ETIAS does not alter the 90-days-in-180 rule for Costa Ricans; it is an extra step to complete online before departure.

Passport requirements

Your Costa Rican passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave Europe and issued within the previous 10 years. ETIAS is linked electronically to that passport, so keep the two consistent and reapply if you renew.

How Costa Ricans will apply

When ETIAS launches, Costa Ricans will apply online on the official EU portal, pay €20 (free under 18 or over 70), and receive an authorisation linked to their passport for up to 3 years. It is not a visa - see what ETIAS is and how it differs from a visa.

ETIAS gets Costa Ricans to the border; it does not extend the stay. Check how many days are left with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do Costa Ricans need ETIAS?

Yes. Costa Rican citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches Costa Ricans will need an ETIAS authorisation to enter the Schengen area.

How much will ETIAS cost Costa Ricans?

€20 per application, free for travellers under 18 or over 70. One authorisation lasts up to 3 years. See ETIAS cost.

When will Costa Ricans need ETIAS from?

From the launch of ETIAS, expected in the last quarter of 2026. No exact date is set yet - track it on the ETIAS start date page.

Does ETIAS change the 90-day limit for Costa Ricans?

No. ETIAS lets you travel, but the 90/180-day rule still caps short stays at 90 days in any 180. Plan it with the 90/180 calculator.

Sources