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Published Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Immigration extends tourist visas
due to covid-19 emergency


By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Foreigners who entered the country as tourist after December 17, 2019 (still living in Costa Rica) will now have their tourist visa expiration dates extended, according to the General Directorate of Migration on Tuesday.

The extension is one of several preventative measures authorities have taken to fight the spread of coronavirus covid-19.

The expiration period for tourist visas has been extended until May 17. This applies to all tourists who are living in the country. Foreigners must proceed with the corresponding procedure to renew the tourist visa or leave the country once the extension period has ended.

Procedures for resident credentials renewals must be done online by email, previous_ccss@migracion.go.cr.

Procedures for renewal of Residency Identification Cards, or DIMEX ID’s, will only be available through appointments at Banco de Costa Rica and Correos de Costa Rica. Appointments will not be allowed in the Migration facilities.

The renewal appointments of temporary residence for a Costa Rican spouse must be requested through email,
previous_ccss@migracion.go.cr.

Other types of procedures related to the renovation of residency credentials may also be requested at any Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica branches.

The refugee application procedures must also be requested by email, refugio@migracion.go.cr

The changes immediately began Tuesday and will run until May 17, 2020. The entry of people at immigration facilities is not allowed until the mid- May. After May 18, the authorities will announce further changes.

The country remains in a state of emergency over the covid-19 pandemic, according to a government decree released on Monday.

The decree allows the use of government funds to finance needs such as purchasing supplies or attending emergencies in any part of the country, due to the increase in cases of coronavirus.



Starting today at midnight until April 12, only Costa Ricans and foreign residents can enter the country.

This order applies at all immigration entry points by sea, air and land. Exempt the crew of air transport, commerce or supplies services.

Also, Costa Ricans and foreign residents who enter during the restriction will have to perform mandatory preventive isolation for 14 days, ordered by the ministry.

For more information about changes to foreigner immigration services can be found at the General Directorate of Migration phone lines 506-1311 or (506) 2299-8100.


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