Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) announced that because of the high volume of passport applications, delivery of the document will take 20 business days.
The measure takes effect January 15, 2024, and the agency recommends starting the process early.
The DGME said that during 2023 it processed 80,000 more passports than it had planned for.
On top of that, appointments to apply for a passport, a process run by the immigration agency, are currently booking far out at both Correos de Costa Rica and Banco de Costa Rica.
That means if you need to renew your passport or get one for the first time, you should do it well ahead of time.
The current cost of a passport is $75 plus 250 colones, which must be paid in advance to get an appointment.
Adults must bring their national ID card in good condition and proof of payment.
Keep in mind that if your appointment is at Correos or Banco de Costa Rica, you pay at the appointment itself, not beforehand.
For minors, the immigration agency says the passport requirements are: both parents present, the Minor’s Identity Card (for those over 12), and proof of payment.
If your passport delivery date doesn’t line up with your travel date, you can request an expedited delivery by emailing pasaportes@migracion.go.cr .
In the email, include your full name, ID number, and where you applied, and attach documents that justify the need for an earlier delivery.
