If your authorized tourist stay in Costa Rica has expired, check your actual immigration record and contact DGME about your situation. Do not rely on a promised grace period, a social-media fine calculator or a claim that crossing the border will automatically reset your status.
What the law says about overstaying
Article 33(3) of Law 8764 sets out a US$100 penalty per month of irregular stay or, in its absence, an entry prohibition equal to three times the irregular period. The provision also addresses departure when authorized stay ends, with exceptions involving a category-change application or an authorized extension.
This statutory wording is not confirmation of how fines are being collected at every border today. We have not verified a current DGME notice establishing the collection procedure for September 2026. Ask DGME for the applicable procedure and a case-specific calculation; this guide does not promise that a fine is waived, payable on arrival at an airport, or the only possible consequence.
What to do if you have already overstayed
- Confirm the dates. Gather your passport, arrival record, authorized stay, and any DGME application receipt or decision.
- Explain the circumstances. Keep supporting records if illness, lost documents or another problem affected departure. Do not assume those records automatically excuse an overstay.
- Contact DGME promptly. Ask what departure, status or payment steps apply and request an official explanation where possible.
- Get individual advice when needed. A pending application, an existing restriction or disputed dates needs review of the actual file.
Keep copies of any official response, receipt and departure record. Avoid paying an intermediary who promises to erase your travel history.
A fee is not an extension
DGME publishes a separate tourism-extension process with its own eligibility, documents and US$100 fee. That fee is different from an overstay penalty. An extension must be considered before your authorized period expires, and it cannot be used as a general promise of more days after the maximum stay.
See the tourist visa guide for the distinction between nationality-group limits and the period actually granted. Consult DGME’s Prórroga de Turismo instructions for the current application process.
Why a border run is not a guaranteed solution
Do not build a plan around a claim that a particular border is less strict or that a fixed number of hours abroad guarantees another admission. Before arranging travel, resolve uncertainty about your record with DGME. Our border-run guide explains the separate entry decision.
Residency applications require a separate review
If you have filed for residency or intend to apply, have an adviser review the category, submission date and official case records. A tourism deadline, an application receipt and an approved residence are different documents; do not assume one automatically answers every question about travel or work.
Prepare before asking for help
Send your adviser the authorized stay, arrival date, nationality, intended departure and any DGME notices. Avoid sending full passport details through a public comment. Contact CRIE for help assessing residency-related documentation.
Sources checked September 7, 2026: Law 8764, Article 33(3), official government-hosted text; DGME tourism-extension instructions; DGME visa requirements. Current collection practice remains a matter to confirm directly with DGME.