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United States Embassy in Costa Rica (San Jose)
The United States Embassy in Costa Rica is an official diplomatic mission of United States, located in San Jose. It provides visa information, United States passport services, consular assistance and support for United States citizens living in Costa Rica and travelers heading to United States.
Costa Rica Key Facts
About the United States Embassy in Costa Rica
The Embassy of United States in San Jose represents the government of United States in Costa Rica and manages the bilateral relationship between the two countries, covering diplomacy, trade and cultural exchange. As United States's principal mission in the country, it works directly with the Costa Rica government and oversees consular services nationwide.
Who the embassy serves
Citizens and residents of Costa Rica traveling to United States come here for visa guidance and application requirements. United States citizens living in Costa Rica rely on the mission for passport renewals, civil registry matters such as birth and marriage registration, notarial services and emergency assistance.
United States Embassy in San Jose — Location, Address & Directions
United States Embassy Services in Costa Rica
Visa Applications
Apply for a United States visa for tourism, study, work, business or transit. The embassy provides visa information and application guidance for citizens and residents of Costa Rica.
Passport Services
Passport renewal and replacement for United States citizens abroad, including lost or stolen passports and emergency travel documents.
Emergency Assistance
Consular help for United States citizens in distress: accidents, hospitalization, arrest, lost documents or crisis situations in Costa Rica. Emergency contact procedures are published on the official website.
Document Notarization
Authentication and certification of official documents for use abroad — powers of attorney, certified copies and signature legalization for papers moving between the United States and Costa Rica legal systems.
Birth & Marriage Registration
Registration of life events for United States nationals abroad: births, marriages and deaths are entered into the national civil registry so they are recognized at home.
Legal Assistance
Referrals to local legal resources and lists of lawyers for United States citizens involved in legal proceedings in Costa Rica.
United States Visa Information
Who needs a United States visa?
Entry requirements for United States depend on your nationality, the purpose of your trip and how long you plan to stay. Some travelers enter visa free for short visits while others need a visa or electronic authorization — check the current rules with this embassy or on the official United States immigration portal before booking travel.
Long stays, work and study
Work, study and family visas usually require sponsorship or admission first and take longer to process than visitor visas. Typical United States visa documents include a valid passport, photos, proof of funds, travel insurance, accommodation details and purpose specific papers. Apply well before travel and book your visa appointment early.
United States Visa Application Checklist
Officers refuse incomplete files more often than weak ones — run through this checklist before your appointment:
- ✓Passport valid well beyond your return date, with at least two blank pages
- ✓Completed application form, signed and dated
- ✓Recent passport photos meeting the United States specifications
- ✓Travel or medical insurance if required for your visa category
- ✓Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings, rental agreement or host invitation
- ✓Refundable travel reservation (buy the real ticket only after approval)
- ✓Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay
- ✓Employment letter with approved leave, or business/university enrolment documents
- ✓Visa fee payment and appointment confirmation
Requirements vary by visa type and nationality — the official checklist from the United States authorities is always the final word.
Upcoming Public Holidays in Costa Rica
The embassy may close on Costa Rica public holidays as well as United States national holidays — always confirm before visiting.
Guanacaste DayJul 25, 2026 Our Lady of Los ÁngelesAug 2, 2026 Mother's DayAug 15, 2026 Independence DaySep 15, 2026 Columbus DayOct 9, 2026 Christmas DayDec 25, 2026 Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica
Free to call from any phone, 24 hours. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact the United States Embassy in San Jose?
Call +506 2519 2000 during office hours, or check the official website for contact forms.
Where is the Embassy of United States in San Jose located?
The embassy is located at Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
How do I apply for a United States visa in Costa Rica?
Contact the embassy or check the official website for the current application procedure — many countries route applications through online portals and visa application centers. Book an appointment before visiting.
Do Costa Rica citizens need a visa for United States?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of travel and length of stay. Check the current rules with this embassy or on the official United States immigration portal before booking travel.
What are the Embassy of United States in San Jose opening hours?
The mission is generally open on weekdays (08:30–12:00–13:30–17:00 on Mondays) and closed on weekends and public holidays of both countries. Check the live status in the office hours panel on this page.
What services does the Embassy of United States in San Jose provide?
Visa information and applications, passport services for United States citizens, document notarization and legalization, civil registry matters, and emergency consular assistance.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
Almost always, yes. Most missions require appointments for visa and passport services; walk-in availability is limited to emergencies. Book through the official website.
What should United States citizens do in an emergency in Costa Rica?
Call the local emergency number 112 first for immediate danger. For consular help — lost passports, accidents, arrests — contact the mission at +506 2519 2000 during office hours or use the emergency line on the official website.
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