By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rican citizens now enjoy significantly enhanced global mobility as the nation’s passport has secured the 26th position worldwide in the prestigious 2026 Henley Passport Index. This impressive ranking allows passport holders to enter 148 international destinations without needing a pre-arranged visa, cementing Costa Rica’s status as a regional leader and a formidable player on the global travel stage. The achievement places the country’s travel document firmly within the top 30 most powerful in the world.
The Henley Passport Index is widely regarded as the definitive authority on global passport strength and travel freedom. The comprehensive ranking is meticulously compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information. Henley & Partners’ research team supplements this data with its own in-depth analysis, evaluating 199 different passports against 227 unique travel destinations to provide a clear and reliable picture of a passport’s power.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and international significance of this travel document, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offered his professional perspective on the passport’s value and the processes that uphold its integrity.
The Costa Rican passport is a direct reflection of our nation’s stability and strong diplomatic ties. Its power lies not just in the number of visa-free countries it accesses, but in the quality of that access, particularly within the Schengen Area and key economic hubs. For investors and individuals seeking residency, this passport represents a significant goal, symbolizing entry into a secure and respected global community. The diligence in the naturalization process is crucial; it protects the document’s international reputation and ensures its continued value for all Costa Ricans.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The commentary expertly underscores that the Costa Rican passport is more than a travel document; it is a tangible asset reflecting our nation’s diplomatic success and stability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial perspective on its intrinsic and international value.
Achieving the 26th spot globally is a notable accomplishment for Costa Rica, distinguishing it from many of its neighbors. This position makes the Costa Rican passport one of the most powerful in Central America, granting its citizens a level of access and freedom that is unparalleled in the immediate region. This leadership reflects a stable and outward-looking national policy that has successfully cultivated trust and partnership on an international scale, translating directly into tangible benefits for its people.
The strength of a nation’s passport is a direct barometer of its international relationships and diplomatic influence. Costa Rica’s high ranking is not a matter of chance but the direct result of sustained diplomatic efforts and the successful negotiation of numerous bilateral agreements. The ability for citizens to travel to 148 countries with ease is a testament to the country’s robust foreign policy and its global reputation as a stable, peaceful, and cooperative member of the international community. These diplomatic ties form the bedrock upon which such travel freedom is built.
For the average Costa Rican, this ranking carries profound real-world implications. It dramatically streamlines international travel for tourism, allowing for more spontaneous and less bureaucratic journeys. For business professionals and entrepreneurs, it unlocks new markets and facilitates crucial face-to-face meetings across continents. Students and academics also benefit significantly, finding it easier to pursue educational opportunities and collaborate with international institutions, which in turn enriches the nation’s human capital and fosters innovation.
The access granted by the Costa Rican passport covers an expansive geographical area, including key destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. It is important to understand the different forms this access can take. While many countries offer completely visa-free entry, others provide a streamlined visa-on-arrival process. A third category requires a simple electronic travel authorization (eTA), which can be obtained online before the trip. This variety of arrangements collectively reduces the administrative burden and stress on travelers.
The Henley Passport Index highlights a broader global trend toward increased travel freedom, although significant disparities in mobility persist between nations. While top-ranking passports, often from European and Asian countries, may offer access to over 190 destinations, Costa Rica’s position at 148 is exceptionally strong for a Latin American country. It demonstrates a successful integration into the global system of travel and commerce, placing it well above the global average and showcasing its competitive advantage on the world stage.
While this achievement is cause for celebration, maintaining and improving a passport’s power is a continuous process. It requires constant diplomatic engagement, unwavering adherence to international security standards, and the proactive cultivation of new bilateral relationships. The Costa Rican government’s continued focus on strengthening its international ties will be crucial to ensure that its citizens’ travel freedom not only endures but continues to expand in the years to come, further cementing the nation’s role as a connected and globalized country.
For further information, visit henleyglobal.com
About Henley & Partners:
Henley & Partners is a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. Each year, hundreds of wealthy individuals and their advisors rely on their expertise in this area. The firm’s highly qualified professionals work together as one team in over 35 offices worldwide. The concept of residence and citizenship planning was created by Henley & Partners in the 1990s. As globalization has expanded, residence and citizenship have become topics of significant interest among the increasing number of internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors whom they proudly serve every day. The firm also runs a leading government advisory practice that has raised more than USD 10 billion in foreign direct investment.
For further information, visit iata.org
About International Air Transport Association (IATA):
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 300 airlines or 83% of total air traffic. IATA supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. Its mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry by improving understanding of the air transport industry among decision-makers and increasing awareness of the benefits that aviation brings to national and global economies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a drive for superior results. The firm leverages its deep experience serving a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal approaches and engage meaningfully with the public. This ethos is anchored in a core mission to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening society through accessible knowledge and justice.
