By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant recalibration of its immigration strategy, Costa Rica has implemented a dual-pronged policy that simultaneously extends a warm welcome to long-term tourists while erecting a new security barrier for its regional neighbors. The new directives, officially published in La Gaceta under Directive AJ-484-11-2025, signal a clear government focus on bolstering the tourism economy and tightening national security.
The changes, orchestrated by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME), effectively create two distinct pathways for entry. One path offers a generous extension for visitors from key tourism markets, while the other introduces a stringent new screening process specifically targeting travelers from Honduras. This move replaces the previous immigration framework established in 2023 and sets a new tone for foreign entry into the country.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the evolving immigration landscape in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica continues to attract global talent and retirees, but navigating the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) requires precision. Recent administrative shifts underscore the necessity for applicants to present meticulously prepared files from the outset. Proactive, professional legal counsel is no longer just an advantage; it’s essential to avoid costly delays and ensure a smooth transition to residency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s emphasis on meticulous preparation serves as a critical reminder for all prospective residents navigating the country’s evolving administrative landscape. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and invaluable perspective on ensuring a successful immigration process.
The most celebrated aspect of the new regulation is a major boon for the nation’s vital tourism sector. Citizens from countries in the “Group 1” category, which historically includes the United States, Canada, and most of the European Union, will now be eligible for a stay of up to 180 consecutive days. This doubles the previous 90-day limit, a long-standing constraint that often forced visitors into inconvenient “border runs” to renew their stay.
This extension is a strategic play to attract digital nomads, retirees, and other long-stay travelers who contribute more significantly to the local economy. By allowing these visitors to remain in the country for a full six months without interruption, the government hopes to stimulate greater spending on accommodation, food, and local services, providing a much-needed boost to businesses across Costa Rica.
On the other side of this policy shift lies a new and uncompromising security measure aimed at travelers from Honduras. While Honduran citizens remain in “Group 2,” meaning they do not require a pre-approved consular visa to enter Costa Rica, they now face a mandatory new requirement at the border. All Honduran nationals over the age of 18 must present a valid police background check certificate from their country of origin.
The DGME’s directive leaves no room for ambiguity, underscoring the seriousness of this new filter. The rule is absolute and applies to every adult Honduran traveler, regardless of their travel history or other documentation. This is a clear signal that security concerns have become a top priority in the administration’s bilateral policy with its Central American neighbor.
The requirement… will be enforced even if the person has a provisional visa issued by the Consulate
General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME), Directive AJ-484-11-2025
Analysts suggest this targeted requirement is not an arbitrary decision but a calculated response to growing concerns over the cross-border movement of criminal organizations within the region. By demanding a clean criminal record at the point of entry, Costa Rican authorities aim to proactively identify and deny access to individuals deemed a potential security risk before they enter the country. This measure, however, risks rekindling diplomatic tensions with Tegucigalpa, potentially echoing a past “visa war” between the two nations, though officials frame this as a technical security protocol rather than a political sanction.
Ultimately, Costa Rica’s new immigration landscape reflects a delicate balancing act. The nation is rolling out the welcome mat for high-value tourism, recognizing its economic importance, while simultaneously reinforcing its borders against perceived regional threats. This two-tiered approach will be closely watched by international travelers and neighboring governments alike, as it redefines who can enter Costa Rica and under what conditions.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME):
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing and controlling the entry, exit, and residency of foreign nationals. As a dependency of the Ministry of Governance and Police, the DGME oversees all immigration and nationality services, enforces immigration laws, issues passports, and works to ensure national security at all points of entry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, anchored by a deep-rooted commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm champions a forward-thinking approach, consistently developing innovative solutions while dedicating itself to societal betterment. This philosophy is demonstrated through its proactive efforts to demystify the law, aiming to build a more capable and knowledgeable community by making legal understanding accessible to all.
