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Costa Rica Embassy in Switzerland (Bern)
The Costa Rica Embassy in Switzerland is an official diplomatic mission of Costa Rica, located in Bern. It provides visa information, Costa Rica passport services, consular assistance and support for Costa Rica citizens living in Switzerland and travelers heading to Costa Rica.
Switzerland Key Facts
About the Costa Rica Embassy in Switzerland
The Embassy of Costa Rica in Bern represents the government of Costa Rica in Switzerland and manages the bilateral relationship between the two countries, covering diplomacy, trade and cultural exchange. As Costa Rica's principal mission in the country, it works directly with the Switzerland government and oversees consular services nationwide.
Who the embassy serves
Citizens and residents of Switzerland traveling to Costa Rica come here for visa guidance and application requirements. Costa Rica citizens living in Switzerland rely on the mission for passport renewals, civil registry matters such as birth and marriage registration, notarial services and emergency assistance.
How the consular network is organized
Costa Rica operates 4 missions in Switzerland, so the office you need depends on your region — the network section below shows every location. As a rule of thumb, the consulates general in the major cities process the highest volume of visa and passport applications.
Costa Rica's Diplomatic Network in Switzerland
The embassy in Bern is the main mission, but most visa and passport applications are handled by the consulates in other cities. Choose the office that covers your region:
Traveling the other way? See the Embassy of Switzerland in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Embassy in Bern — Location, Address & Directions
Costa Rica Embassy Services in Switzerland
Visa Applications
Apply for a Costa Rica visa for tourism, study, work, business or transit. The embassy provides visa information and application guidance for citizens and residents of Switzerland, with most applications processed through the consulates general in the major cities.
Passport Services
Passport renewal and replacement for Costa Rica citizens abroad, including lost or stolen passports and emergency travel documents.
Emergency Assistance
Consular help for Costa Rica citizens in distress: accidents, hospitalization, arrest, lost documents or crisis situations in Switzerland. 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 Costa Rica and Switzerland legal systems.
Birth & Marriage Registration
Registration of life events for Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica citizens involved in legal proceedings in Switzerland.
Costa Rica Visa Information
Who needs a Costa Rica visa?
Entry requirements for Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica 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.
Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica authorities is always the final word.
Upcoming Public Holidays in Switzerland
The embassy may close on Switzerland public holidays as well as Costa Rica national holidays — always confirm before visiting.
BundesfeiertagAug 1, 2026 Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and PrayerSep 20, 2026 Christmas DayDec 25, 2026 Boxing DayDec 26, 2026 New Year's DayJan 1, 2027 Good FridayMar 26, 2027 Emergency Numbers in Switzerland
Free to call from any phone, 24 hours. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact the Costa Rica Embassy in Bern?
Call +41 31 372 78 87 during office hours, email Embajada.Costa.Rica@thenet.ch.
Where is the Embassy of Costa Rica in Bern located?
The embassy is located at Marktgasse 51, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
How do I apply for a Costa Rica visa in Switzerland?
Contact the embassy or check the official website for the current application procedure — many countries route applications through online portals and visa application centers, and the consulates general usually handle the highest volume of applications. Book an appointment before visiting.
Do Switzerland citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
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 Costa Rica immigration portal before booking travel.
What are the Embassy of Costa Rica in Bern opening hours?
The mission is generally open on weekdays (09:00–12:00–13:30–14:00 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 Costa Rica in Bern provide?
Visa information and applications, passport services for Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica citizens do in an emergency in Switzerland?
Call the local emergency number 117 first for immediate danger. For consular help — lost passports, accidents, arrests — contact the mission at +41 31 372 78 87 during office hours or use the emergency line on the official website.
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