Update On Implementation Of Overstay Penalties And Bans

At a Glance

• According to an announcement on the General Immigration Directorate's website, effective April 21, 2020, immigration authorities will begin enforcing penalties for many categories of foreign nationals leaving Costa Rica after their authorized period of stay.
• The penalty is either a fine of USD 100 for each month the foreign national has stayed in Costa Rica beyond their authorized period of stay (retroactive to March 1, 2010), or a re-entry ban for three times the number of months they were out of status for foreign nationals who fail to pay the fine.
• Foreign nationals and their employers should initiate their visa renewal process as early as possible and should ensure they remain in status during their stay or employment in Costa Rica.