Eligible citizens from Costa Rica now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada
News Release
June 6, 2023 - San José
Costa Rica is an important partner for Canada because we share values on a wide range of issues, such as trade and human rights, as well as safe, orderly and regular migration. We also recognize the importance of expanding and simplifying travel between our countries.
Canada is pleased to announce the addition of Costa Rica to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Citizens from Costa Rica who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA, instead of a visa, when travelling to Canada by air.
Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier and more affordable for thousands of known travellers from Costa Rica to visit Canada for up to 6 months for either business or leisure. It will also help facilitate more travel, tourism and international business between our countries, and help strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties.
This decision complements our existing mobility measures for Costa Rica, like the Student Direct Stream, which offers expedited study permit processing to those who are applying to study in Canada, and our youth mobility agreement, which facilitates travel and work in both our countries.
Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (for example, by car, bus, train and boat—including by cruise ship), will still need a visitor visa. Travellers can visit Canada.ca/eTA to find out whether they’re eligible for an eTA and how to apply for one.
Quotes
“This exciting development means that more individuals from Costa Rica can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements. This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers; it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen our bond with Costa Rica.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Canada is a destination of choice for so many around the world. We’re making it easier for more people to visit Canada, whether they’re coming to do business, sightsee, or reunite with family and friends.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need to travel to or transit through Canada by air.
- The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct light-touch, pre-travel screening of air travellers. It costs CAN$7 to apply, and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.
- To apply for an eTA, travellers need only a valid passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.
- Costa Rica is one of the 13 additional countries whose eligible citizens may now benefit from visa-free travel.
- Over the last 10 years, Canada issued 37,848 temporary resident visas to citizens from Costa Rica. These individuals, along with current US non-immigrant visa holders, may now be eligible for visa-free travel.
Associated links
- Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announces that 13 more countries are now eligible for visa-free travel
- Find out about Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Citizens from some visa-required countries
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