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Citizens of Costa Rica are required to have a visa before entering Vietnam. Fortunately, you can easily apply for a Vietnam eVisa entirely online. Here is everything you need to know.
Do Costa Rican Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Citizens of Costa Rica are NOT included in Vietnam's visa-free entry program. All Costa Rican passport holders must obtain a visa prior to traveling to Vietnam.
The good news is that Costa Rican citizens are eligible for the Vietnam eVisa, which is the most convenient way to obtain travel authorization. You can apply 100% online, and approval generally takes just 3 to 5 working days.
Costa Rican citizens cannot enter Vietnam without a visa. Please apply for your eVisa at least 1-2 weeks before your scheduled departure.
Visa Options for Costa Rican Travelers
Costa Rican citizens have two primary choices when applying for the Vietnam eVisa:
| Option | Cost | Processing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry) | $25 USD (~11,400 CRC) | 3-5 working days | Most tourists |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry) | $50 USD (~22,800 CRC) | 3-5 working days | Multi-country SE Asia trips |
There is no Vietnamese Embassy in Costa Rica. Therefore, applying for the eVisa online is the only practical method for tourists.
Costa Rican Citizen eVisa Requirements
To successfully apply for a Vietnam eVisa, Costa Rican citizens need:
- Costa Rican passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date, with ≥ 2 blank pages
- Clear, color scan of your passport data page (JPEG/PNG, under 2MB)
- Recent passport-style photo: 4x6cm, white background, JPEG, under 2MB
- Working email address to receive the approved eVisa PDF
- Credit or debit card for the online payment ($25 or $50 USD)
- Your planned travel dates and intended port of entry
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The online application process takes about 10-15 minutes:
1. Go to entryvietnam.com or the official portal (evisa.gov.vn) 2. Select 'Costa Rica' as your nationality 3. Choose between single entry ($25) or multiple entry ($50) 4. Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport 5. Upload your passport scan and portrait photo 6. Select your entry port (e.g., Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City) 7. Pay the fee securely by credit or debit card 8. Wait 3-5 working days for the application to be processed 9. Download and print your eVisa PDF (we recommend printing at least 2 copies)
Flights from Costa Rica to Vietnam
There are no direct flights from Costa Rica to Vietnam. Travelers from San José (SJO) will need to take long-haul flights with layovers.
- **Common Routes:** Most travelers connect through North America (like Los Angeles or New York), Europe, or Asia before flying into Vietnam.
- **Airlines:** Delta, United, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines are commonly used for these routes.
- **Entry Points:** The most popular arrival airports in Vietnam are Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
Make sure the entry port you select on your eVisa application exactly matches your final arrival airport in Vietnam.
Important Tips for Costa Rican Travelers
Keep these tips in mind when planning your trip:
- **Apply Early:** Apply for your eVisa at least 2 weeks before departure to account for any potential processing delays.
- **Currency:** Costa Rican Colones (CRC) are impossible to exchange in Vietnam. Bring USD or EUR cash, and rely on ATMs in Vietnam to withdraw Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- **Max Stay:** Costa Rican citizens can stay up to 90 days on an eVisa. This cannot be extended from within the country.
- **Travel Insurance:** Given the long flight and distance, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.