Exceed 90-day Tourist Visa in Costa Rica?

Show all answers

tico times directory

Its funny that this question popped up, I just got off the phone with an account in Costa Rica, and he was telling me one of his friends, decided to stay pass the 90 days. He got into a minor traffic accident and when the police saw his Passport with the Visa entry date he was arrested and deported. He is not allowed back into the country for 5 years, which is the law.

Back in August, 2006, a new immigration law was passed to crack down on illegal immigration (which you world fall into that category because you now have been deemed an illegal) and the government has gotten very tough. Years ago, a simple bribe or you were granted a immunity period for a few days so you could travel out of the country for 72 hrs would solve the problem ... not anymore!

Why risk the chance? If you are lacking money, best thing is get on a public bus (cheap) to the nearest border, and spend 72/hrs in another country (stay at a cheap hotel) and come back, and you have another 90 days. If you have the money to live in Costa Rica, you should have the money to take of personal business.

*Amber*

It's really funny how some people (like some of the people who answered above) think that Costa Rica doesn't enforce its laws. It DOES. Trust me.

tico times directory is the correct answer. You will be deported and not allowed back in the country for some years.

Since you exceeded your 90- day visa, you cant leave the country for more than 72 hours and get your passport re stamped anymore. The best thing to do, is to return to your home country temporarily and apply for Costarican residency.

Good luck.

cooldude65

gfhdfhfg

ticosland2008

If you have not yet exceeded your 90 days, go down to Panama for 72 hours and come back. You can travel by bus which is relatively cheap and stay at a hostel in Panama which is also very cheap. If stay past the 90 days, nothing will really happen unless you are arrested during an immigration or police sweep. If your 90 day visa is no longer valid, you can face deportation for 1 to 5 years.
I suggest that you head to either Panama or Nicaragua, except that Nicaraguan hotels are really expensive. Anyway, good luck to you. If you need any more information about Costa Rica, visit the TicosLand.com website.

Kristina L

You know if you leave the country for a week, you can go back and get renewed. Try taking a public bus up to Nicaragua or down to Panama for a week - then come back. You'll get a new 90 days and the public bus is really cheap to go out of the country.

mycostarica@ymail.com

Well, I have been in your same problem before, to be honest nothing happened, police won't do a thing and I had my run going for almost 1.2 years.

they will always let you leave the country, I've heard that the worst that can happen to you is that they won't let you back for one full year after the leave.

for other info on CR check out FAQ at My Costa Rica

Rosi

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: