#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_ImmigrationAlert: Government Issues New Immigration Regulations
On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, the Government of the Republic issued two new Executive Decrees...
Nov 24, 2022 11:49:59 AM
2 min. read
#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_ImmigrationAlert: Immigration Recommendations for your Trip Abroad
The end-of-year holidays are just around the corner, and many people take this opportunity to visit other countries during their time off. This is why for both foreign and national citizens it is important to remember certain aspects regarding the immigration process, for purposes of avoiding unexpected inconveniences that might affect the enjoyment of your trip.
If you are a foreign citizen with an immigration category status in Costa Rica, whether residence, short-stay or special category, you should take into consideration the following:
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Remember that your passport will always be the official document to enter and leave the country. Therefore, you should keep it in valid and good condition.
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Your immigration identity document for foreign citizens (DIMEX) should remain valid. In cases where the expiration date stated in the document has been reached after being subject to the extension issued by the General Immigration Authority (DGME), you must schedule your renewal appointment (you should do so before December 31st this year) and carry with you the relevant evidence of said appointment. Your DIMEX will be extended until your appointment date and, in the meantime, said evidence will be the document that proves your legal permanence in the country.
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In the same situation of an expired document, the Immigration Authority granted the possibility to obtain a certificate of application for DIMEX validity extension, which is an official document signed by the staff of the immigration authority evidencing that your identity document remains valid. Said certificate may be processed both by email through dimex@migracion.go.cr, and physically at the main offices of the Immigration Authority located in La Uruca, San Jose. You should apply for it, where possible.
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As for minors with a residence or special category status, they should apply for the relevant exit permit in order to be able to leave the country.
If you are a Costa Rican citizen and are planning to leave the country, you should bear in mind the following:
- Review the validity of your passport. The country of destination, in exercise of its sovereign powers, might ask for a minimum validity term in your document in order to enter. This is why it is important to review the specific entry requirements for your country of destination, such as the need of visa and the minimum validity of passport.
- Article 76 of the General Immigration Act sets forth the requirements to leave the country, such as the absence of any exit restrictions ordered by judicial authorities, and payment of the relevant fees allowing the person to leave the country.
- All minors must have their exit permit duly issued by the General Immigration Authority.
- A healthy immigration practice consists in verifying whether there is a diplomatic representation of Costa Rica in the country of destination or not. If affirmative, you should know their location in advance and inform them about your trip before you travel in case of any emergency.
- In case of loss or theft of your passport, you should report this to local authorities and then contact the Costa Rican consular authorities immediately so that they may issue a document allowing them to travel back to Costa Rica.
We hope you consider these recommendations and enjoy your selected destination without any concerns during the upcoming holiday season.
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