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Do I need a visa for Japan as a Costa Rica citizen?

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Short answer

Do I need a visa for Japan as a Costa Rica citizen?

Yes. Costa Rica passport holders need a visa (in most cases an eVisa or e-permit) before boarding a flight to Japan. Apply online before you book non-refundable tickets.

Single or multiple entry depending on the visa class you pick; tourist visas are usually valid 30–90 days.

Visa needed
Yes
Max stay
0 days
Passport validity
6 months
Visa cost
$20–$100 government fee

What you must show at the border

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    Approved visa or eVisa
    Printed or on your phone — carriers verify it before boarding.
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    Costa Rica passport valid 6+ months
    Beyond your planned departure date, with at least one blank page.
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    Onward or return ticket
    Airlines are fined for carrying passengers Japan refuses, so they check this at the gate.
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    Proof of accommodation
    A hotel booking or host address for your first nights.
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    Funds for the stay
    Budget roughly $180/day mid-range; border officers may ask for evidence.
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    Travel insurance
    Recommended for Japan.

How to get your Japan visa

  1. 1
    Pick the right visa class
    Tourist / e-visa for holidays; business or digital nomad permits for work.
  2. 2
    Prepare the documents
    Passport scan, photo, itinerary, accommodation, funds and insurance.
  3. 3
    Apply online and pay
    Expect $20–$100 in government fees and 3–15 working days of processing.
  4. 4
    Book only after approval
    Then add insurance and an eSIM before departure.
Plan the trip

Flights and stays in Japan

Typical daily budget: $65 backpacking · $180 mid-range · $450 comfortable.

Flights · Aviasales
flight_takeoff Cheapest flights to Japan

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Recent searches from major hubs: ~$1080 round-trip.
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Hotels · Hotellook
hotel Best hotels in Tokyo

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Typical mid-range night: $360.
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FAQ

Costa Rica → Japan questions

Do Costa Rica citizens need a visa for Japan?add

Yes. Costa Rica passport holders need a visa (in most cases an eVisa or e-permit) before boarding a flight to Japan. Apply online before you book non-refundable tickets.

How long can Costa Rica citizens stay in Japan?add

Tourist visas for Japan are normally issued for 30–90 days and can sometimes be extended in-country.

How much does a Japan visa cost for Costa Rica passport holders?add

$20–$100 government fee, typically 3–15 working days. Budget separately for the trip itself: about $65/day backpacking, $180/day mid-range and $450/day comfortable in Japan.

How much passport validity do I need for Japan?add

At least 6 months beyond your intended departure, plus one blank page. Airlines deny boarding on this more often than immigration does.

Is travel insurance required to enter Japan?add

Insurance is recommended for this route. We recommend at least $100,000 of medical cover including evacuation.

When is the best time to visit Japan?add

Mar–May & Oct–Nov is the sweet spot for weather and prices. Local currency is JPY and the main language is Japanese.

Where else can Costa Rica citizens go?

🇵🇹 Portugal🇹🇭 Thailand🇲🇽 Mexico🇫🇷 France🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇹 Italy🇬🇷 Greece🇹🇷 Turkey

Other nationalities visiting Japan

🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇨🇦 Canada🇦🇺 Australia🇳🇿 New Zealand🇸🇬 Singapore🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇹 Italy
Full Japan entry dossier →Japan country guide →Visa checker tool →
Tours & day trips

Planning tours and day trips in Japan?

Guided excursions, transfers and attraction tickets are usually 40–100% cheaper booked online before you arrive in Japan. These guides cover what each costs and when a package beats doing it yourself.

All package tour guides →
Before you go — Japan trips

Two things we never travel without: a medical policy that actually pays abroad, and a way to claim cash back when an airline ruins the plan.

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  • Accepted for Schengen, UAE and most visa applications
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