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Passport/Cédula Question
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=43301		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  El Tranquilo [ Fri May 03, 2013 5:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Passport/Cédula Question
I have an upcoming trip from CR to the US next month and it looks like I'll have less than six months left on my current passport for my return flight to CR. I have permanent residency in here. Does anyone know if the six month or less rule on passport expiration applies when you are carrying a CR cédula?

p.s., The US embassy doesn't have any available appointment slots until the end of May, so getting a new passport in time doesn't look like it will work. I also called United for clarification, but the young lady in Bangladore with whom I spoke seemed more confused than helpful--which makes me a little concerned that I'll run into the same kind of confusion when trying to board my return flight.
Author:  DGD [ Fri May 03, 2013 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
Your CR residency should kill a carrier's speculation as to whether you'll be denied entry but gringo airlines are clueless.

Taca, maybe Avianca now, don't know if it switched names yet, are less confounded about the issue. They'll fly you in as long as you have time to get out. They did me last year with 30 days left on my passport for a 10 day stay. No problem.

Obviously it's better to get it timely renewed, but one of those things.

Let us know what happened.
Author:  Irish Drifter [ Fri May 03, 2013 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
When I got a new passport (March this year) I had an appointment as they said was required. However, they were processing those without appointments also. I would download the proper form and fill it out go to the Consulate tell the guard you have an appointment, they did not check anything when I told them that, and once you are inside take a number for passport services. Stop at the little booth and get your pictures (1000 colones) then go to windows 4 or 5 and tell them your sad story. I think they will help you out. Took about 10 days to get my new passport so I would go next Monday if I were you.

Worst thing that can happen is they tell you to get lost which is no worse then your present predicament :) .
Author:  GoodDayJohn [ Fri May 03, 2013 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
Have you considered renewing it while you are in the US? There are places where you can get same-day service.
Author:  Hioctane [ Sat May 04, 2013 8:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
Usually you can get expedited service if you are travelling soon. Ask the consulate about the options.
Author:  Rac [ Sat May 04, 2013 8:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
I used same-day service in Miami recently.

You need to get an appointment with the passport office by going on-line. They offer pretty quick appointments.....for 1-2 days later. You can't get into the office without an appointment confirmation number.

My appointment was for 10 am. I got the new passport in my hands at 3:45 pm. Bring a good book and a lot of parking meter money.

The ADDITIONAL cost for same-day service is $100.
Author:  Sauceman2015 [ Tue May 07, 2013 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
El, how long are you going to be in the states? I got mine renewed in only 3 weeks. However, correct me if I am wrong, you can travel if you have 90 days left on your passports to C.R. Get it when you get back. If you were to loose your passports, the embassy would get you right on in and get you a new one for $110 in about 10 days.
Author:  Irish Drifter [ Tue May 07, 2013 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
One Lucky Dogg wrote:
El, how long are you going to be in the states? I got mine renewed in only 3 weeks. However, correct me if I am wrong, you can travel if you have 90 days left on your passports to C.R. Get it when you get back. If you were to loose your passports, the embassy would get you right on in and get you a new one for $110 in about 10 days.


Looking at the website of the Costa Rica Consulate it would seem the requirement is a passport valid for six months.

Quote:
VISAS, RESIDENCES, PERMITS
1. Tourist Visa
2. Requirements for Temporary Residence in Costa Rica
3. Requirements for Permanent Residence in Costa Rica
4. Permits



1. Tourist Visa

Not all people who wish to travel to Costa Rica need a tourist visa; this will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and duration of stay. Visa requirements are based on international agreements or treaties. However, the visa does not guarantee entry to Costa Rica and, as in the United States, this depends on the immigration officer upon arrival.



Please consider the following information:

1. Americans do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country)

2. Citizens of other nationalities do not need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica if they have a United States, a European Union country or a Canadian tourist visa, a visa for crew or a business visa (multiple entry). Note: Such visa must be stamped in the passport and be valid for at least three months.

3. If the foreigner has permanent residence, a student visa, a work visa or refugee status in the United States and/or any country of the European Union and Canada, he/she does not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. In addition, he/she must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and a round trip ticket. Note 1: This type of visa must be stamped in the passport, and must be valid for at least six months. Note 2: Permanent residents must submit their residency card (i.e. green card), which must be valid for at least six months. Note 3: The residence proof stamped on a passport, parole or work cards are not accepted. If this is what you have, you need to find out if you need a tourist visa at the Consulate of your jurisdiction.

4. For foreigners who do not meet any of the above requirements, the tourist visa will depend on their nationality and they should apply for it at the Consulate of their jurisdiction.

5. If you will be traveling to Costa Rica from South America and/or sub-Saharan Africa, you will need the YELLOW FEVER VACCINE. The countries considered at risk are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana and Venezuela. You can travel to Costa Rica ten days after the shot. Exceptions
Author:  El Tranquilo [ Wed May 08, 2013 1:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
Thanks for the useful suggestions, guys. I called the embassy and explained my situation and they were able to fit me in without an appointment. I should have my new passport with time to spare.

Their website was very definite about needing an appointment and their online appointments were booked for close to a month, but they were pretty accommodating if you have extenuating circumstances and ask nicely.
Author:  CRGolfer [ Wed May 08, 2013 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
I don't know about you, but I have been a permanent resident for several years. When I come and go from Costa Rica I do not get either exit or entry stamps in my passport. However, they do swipe my passport and cedilla but do not stamp it. Going into Nicalandia, Panama, Aruba, Colombia, Mexico, Italy, France, Haiti, Spain and Republica Dominicana, for work related trips, I have been stamped coming and going for each of those countries also. Likewise I have never been stamped in my US passport coming or going.

The expiration would make a difference only in convenience factor. You can use this as an assist to get a quick appointment without waiting but you will have to pay the, believe $50, rush fee on the new passport.

Coming and going while you have active and valid residency means no tourist visa, the 6 month rule I passports is a tourist visa rule.
Author:  DGD [ Wed May 08, 2013 10:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Passport/Cédula Question
1. Americans do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country)

Here's where the 6 month thing comes in:

3. If the foreigner has permanent residence, a student visa, a work visa or refugee status in the United States and/or any country of the European Union and Canada, he/she does not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. In addition, he/she must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and a round trip ticket.

Gringo airlines don't get the distinction. Avianca no problem.
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