1. Do Costa Rican citizens need ETIAS?
- You are travelling on an eligible Costa Rica passport
- Your trip is a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- You are visiting one or more of the 30 ETIAS countries
- You are travelling for tourism, business, transit or another permitted short-stay purpose
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. It is not a visa and approval does not itself guarantee entry at the border.
2. Passport rules for Costa Rica
Apply with the Costa Rican passport you will actually use for the trip. ETIAS will be electronically linked to that travel document.
The ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to the passport used in the application. If that passport expires or is replaced, a new ETIAS will normally be required.
ETIAS for travellers from Costa Rica
- ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation rather than a Schengen visa.
- The 90/180-day rule remains the key short-stay limit.
- A second EU nationality or certain residence rights can change whether ETIAS is required.
3. ETIAS cost and validity
*Or until the travel document used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
4. Where will Costa Rican citizens need ETIAS?
ETIAS applies to eligible short trips to 30 participating European countries. Start with these destination guides:
5. How ETIAS will work
Applications are not open yet. Use the official EU website when ETIAS launches; ETIAS.guide is an independent information website.
Visit the official EU ETIAS website6. Important exceptions
- EU citizens do not need ETIAS when travelling under EU free-movement rights.
- If you hold more than one nationality, the passport you actually travel on determines the relevant rule.
- Some residence permits, residence cards and other statuses can change the requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can Costa Rican citizens apply for ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not yet operational. The current official timetable is Expected Q4 2026.
What is the difference between ETIAS and a Schengen visa?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt travellers. A Schengen visa is a visa required for travellers of nationalities that are not visa-exempt for short stays. ETIAS does not replace a Schengen visa where a visa is required.
Do children need ETIAS?
Eligible children are expected to need their own ETIAS authorisation, but applicants under 18 are exempt from the application fee.
Do Costa Ricans need ETIAS for Spain?
Yes, once ETIAS is operational, eligible Costa Rican passport holders travelling visa-free for a short stay in Spain are expected to need ETIAS.
Does ETIAS guarantee entry at the border?
No. Normal entry conditions and border checks still apply.