Doing Your Border Runs the Right Way in Costa Rica

Many of you may already know this; however, it is always important to remember that an essential requirement when applying for residency in Costa Rica is maintaining legal status in the country. This means that your entry stamp—received at the port of entry—must be valid.

For example, if you entered Costa Rica and received a 90-day tourist stamp, you will have 90 days to file your residency application with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. If you are not ready to submit your application within that window, you must complete the necessary border runs to renew your legal stay.

What Are Border Runs?

Border runs, simply put, mean departing Costa Rica and re-entering the country in order to receive a new entry stamp.

Some expats plan trips back home and take advantage of the time away to visit friends and family. Others coordinate a short trip to neighboring countries such as Nicaragua or Panama, sometimes staying only a few hours or a few days before returning.

The objective is always the same: to receive a new entry stamp—often for up to 90 days, depending on nationality. It is important to note that some nationalities receive fewer days, and the final number of days granted always depends on the discretion of the immigration officer upon arrival.

The Proper Way to Do a Border Run

The correct way to complete a border run is straightforward:

• Exit Costa Rica through an authorized port of departure

• Present your passport to immigration authorities

• Re-enter through an authorized port of entry

• Receive a new entry stamp directly from an immigration officer

Upon re-entry, authorities may also request:

• Proof of onward or return travel

• Evidence of where you will be staying

• Proof of sufficient financial means during your stay

These questions are standard and form part of Costa Rica’s lawful immigration controls.

Practices That Can Create Serious Problems

Over the years, we have heard, seen, and dealt with more than a few “creative” border-run stories. These are worth addressing clearly.

Anything other than physically exiting and re-entering Costa Rica through authorized borders is not correct, not straightforward, and not legal. One of the most problematic examples is having a third party take your passport out of the country while you remain in Costa Rica, only to return it later with a supposedly new entry stamp.

While this may sound enticing to some, it is against the law. A fraudulent entry stamp can result in serious consequences, including the denial of a residency application altogether.

Overstays and Fines: A Risky Alternative

Current legislation allows applicants who have overstayed to file for residency by paying a fine of USD $100 per month of overstay. We emphasize current, as we have received information from legal advisors within Immigration that steps are being taken before Congress to eliminate this option from the law.

In practice, and based on experience, authorities generally prefer applicants to hold valid entry stamps rather than rely on the payment of fines. For this reason, we usually recommend completing proper border runs instead of accumulating overstay penalties.

How Authorities View Fraudulent Entry Stamps

We recently participated in a specialized course led by a substitute judge of the Migratory Administrative Court, where the topic of border runs was discussed in detail.

Unsurprisingly, it was made clear that fraudulent entry stamps—unfortunately not a rare occurrence—are treated very seriously by the authorities. In such cases, the matter may escalate beyond administrative review and involve the Immigration Police, significantly complicating or halting the residency process altogether.

Why Doing It Right Matters

Border runs can be tedious and tiring. However, they remain a necessary part of maintaining legal status for those who are not yet ready to file their residency application.

Taking shortcuts or engaging in fraudulent practices is simply not worth the risk. The potential consequences can undermine months or years of planning and derail your entire path toward legal residency in Costa Rica.

Making sure that your entry stamps are obtained properly, lawfully, and transparently is one of the simplest—and most critical—steps you can take to protect your residency application.

Feel free to reach us with your questions or comments.