IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Costa Rican government has announced that immigration offices will remain closed until Dec. 1, and that it will not accept applications for a change in category before that day. The government will extend expiration dates for certain documents.

Key Points:

  • Tourists who are unable to leave due to COVID-19 restrictions and entered the country after Dec. 17, 2019 can stay until March 2, 2021.
  • International documents, like birth certificates, will remain valid until June 1, 2021.
  • Foreign nationals who have expired DIMEX under the temporary or permanent residence category will have valid DIMEX until Jan. 11, 2021.
  • Foreign nationals with a DIMEX who fall under the non-resident category (estancia) will have an extension until Feb. 12, 2021.

Background: Not all permits will be available to be issued at the same time. Certain permits will be available later in a fall. View a detailed list here. Applicants should expect to follow COVID-19 health protocols while at immigration centers.

Analysis & Comments:
While immigration offices will remain closed for at least two more months, the extensions will provide some relief for foreign nationals who are unable to leave Costa Rica or whose immigration status will expire soon. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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