Tourists Overstaying Their Visa Now Face Stiff Fines and Penalties

Individuals who have attempted to take advantage of lax immigration laws in Costa Rica in the past will now be facing much stiffer penalties and fines. New immigration laws, which were previously extended for one year, were officially placed into effect in Costa Rica on Friday, August 1. Under the new laws, anyone who overstays any type of visa in Costa Rica will be fined $100 for every month he or she remains in the country following the expiration of his or her visa. The laws does apply to tourist visas.

Individuals who are not able or who are unwilling to pay the fines will be prevented from re-entering Costa Rica for a period of time equivalent to three times the length of time which they overstayed their visa. For example, if an individual overstays his or her tourist visa by six months, he or she could be barred from re-entering Costa Rica for 18 months.

Fines must be paid within 48 hours in advance of the individual leaving the country. The fines may be paid at any Banco de Costa Rica branch.