Costa Rica cracks down on long-term tourism with "visa run" bill

Costa Rica is moving to curb perpetual tourism with a new bill aimed at tightening visa regulations. The proposed Perpetual Tourism Law targets visitors who extend their stay indefinitely by doing repeated visa runs. If passed, it would introduce stricter penalties for overstaying and new re-entry restrictions, signaling a shift in how the country manages long-term tourism.

One of the biggest changes would be the increase in overstay fines, jumping from $100 to $300 per month. Tourists who max out their 180-day visa would also need to wait at least 90 days before they’re allowed back into the country. Additionally, immigration authorities would step up border controls, keeping a closer eye on exits and re-entries to prevent abuse of tourist visas.

The bill was introduced on February 25, 2025, by Frente Amplio deputy Priscila Vindas Salazar and is still in the early stages of discussion. While this legislation focuses on tightening visa policies, the government’s overall approach to tourism remains centered on sustainability.

While he didn’t directly mention the bill, William Rodríguez López, Minister of Tourism, commented on the country's broader tourism strategy:

"After months of joint work between the public and private sectors, we are pleased to have the guide that will allow us to continue promoting tourism and its chains, adapted to the new reality."

The motivation behind the proposed changes comes down to a few key concerns: long-term visitors not contributing taxes, rising housing prices in coastal areas due to foreign demand, and gaps in immigration enforcement. Authorities hope that by tightening the rules, visitors who want to stay long-term will consider legal residency options such as the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa.

This bill is still in the proposal stage and has not yet become law. Travelers planning to visit Costa Rica should stay informed about these potential changes and consider consulting with immigration experts for the most up-to-date information.

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