Costa Rica Passport Ranking: Visa-Free Countries and Visa Requirements

Costa RicaThis country’s passport is ranked No. 51 globally.Last check:Last update:
Mobility Score142

How Do We Rank It?

passportreports.com's AI-supported ranking model ranks passports by mobility score, a metric that combines visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and electronic travel authorization access. When scores are tied, it first compares the number of visa-free destinations, then destinations accessible with electronic travel authorization, and finally visa-on-arrival destinations. Review the algorithm used in our methodology.

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Visa Requirement Map

Passport Mobility Over Time

Annual Mobility Score and global ranking history for this passport.

Mobility History Table
YearMobility ScoreGlobal Rank
20208651
202111553
202214251
202314552
202414649
202514448
202614251
Population
5,174,789(2026 est.)
Official language
Spanish
Government type
Presidential republic
Continent
North America
Capital
San José
Currency
Costa Rican colóns
Area
51,180 km²
Phone code
+506

Costa Rica: Other Rankings

Welcoming rankWelcoming Countries
92nd out of 199 countries
Within-Language RankingSpanish
7th out of 20 countries
Form-of-Government RankingPresidential Republic
7th out of 57 countries
WTO Members RankingWTO Member Countries
55th out of 159 countries
OECD RankingOECD Countries
36th out of 38 countries
CELAC RankingCELAC Countries
12th out of 33 countries
G77 RankingG77 Countries
16th out of 132 countries

Key Destination Access

USARequired

A valid visa is required before travel.

United KingdomeTA

An electronic travel authorization is required before travel.

CanadaRequired

A valid visa is required before travel.

Schengen AreaVisa-Free

Visa-free travel is available.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The interior is dominated by volcanic mountain ranges and lush rainforests. This diverse geography supports one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world.

The capital, San José, is the political and cultural hub, with a mix of modern and colonial architecture. Daily life for many Costa Ricans, or Ticos, revolves around family and community. The pace of life is generally unhurried, and there is a strong cultural emphasis on peace and stability. The country famously abolished its military in 1949, redirecting funds to education and healthcare.

Costa Rica is often considered a model of democracy in Latin America, with a long history of peaceful governance. It is recognized internationally for its environmental policies and dedication to renewable energy. The nation maintains friendly diplomatic relations with most countries and actively participates in regional organizations. Its neutral stance and commitment to sustainability shape its global image.