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. The situation

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.

A closer look

Penalties. The following penalties are contemplated under the current rule: 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. The amount of the fine will be calculated, and paid, at the time of departure. Re-entry ban for three times the number of months they were out of status, for foreign nationals who fail to pay the fine. Affected foreign nationals. The above penalties apply to tourists, transit visitors, airline crewmembers, short-stay or special category visa holders and temporary residents who have fallen out of lawful immigration status and who have not filed for change of status or started a renewal application; or who were notified of a rejected immigration status but have not filed an appeal. Exclusions. Foreign nationals exempt from these penalties include minors, refugees, asylees, stateless persons, persons of legal age with disabilities, border workers, permanent residents and foreign nationals who have applied for naturalization...