The Global Expat Hub
Costa RicaMost visas need a passport valid well beyond your intended stay, and renewal from abroad takes longer than at home. Renew before you apply.
Official renewal portals
United States 🇺🇸travel.state.gov · routine 6–8 weeks, expedited fasterUnited Kingdom 🇬🇧gov.uk · online renewal, about 3 weeksCanada 🇨🇦canada.ca · 10–20 business days in personAustralia 🇦🇺passports.gov.au · about 6 weeksNew Zealand 🇳🇿passports.govt.nz · about 2 weeksIreland 🇮🇪dfa.ie · Passport Online
Renewing once you live in Costa Rica
- Check validity against your visaCosta Rica typically wants 6–18 months remaining at application and at each renewal.
- Locate your embassy or consulate in San JoséMany now run online renewals with postal return; others need an appointment.Where: your country's embassy in San José
- Update your residence cardA new passport number usually has to be registered with Costa Rica immigration within a set window.
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