How Long Can You Drive with a Foreign License in Costa Rica?

How Long Can Tourists Drive with a Foreign License?

Tourists in Costa Rica can legally drive with a valid foreign driver’s license. as long as their immigration entry stamp (visa) is valid. This means that your ability to drive in the country depends entirely on the duration of your stay.

For most travelers, Costa Rica grants a 180-day tourist visa. This allows you to drive for up to six months using your home country’s license. However, if your visa is shorter than 180 days (which sometimes happens). Your driving privileges will only last for the duration of your permitted stay.

What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa?

If your tourist visa expires and you haven’t left the country to renew it. Your foreign driver’s license is no longer valid in Costa Rica. This means that even if you still have your rental car, you’re technically driving illegally. In this case, it could lead to fines or complications if stopped by the police.

Many long-term visitors do “border runs” to nearby countries (such as Nicaragua or Panama) to renew their visa. Once re-entering the Costa Rica border and receiving a new tourist visa stamp. Your foreign license is valid again for the new period assigned.

Can You Convert a Foreign License to a Costa Rican One?

If you’re planning to stay in Costa Rica longer than 180 days. You’ll need to get a Costa Rican driver’s license to continue driving legally. To do this, you must:

• Have legal residency in Costa Rica.
• Show proof that you’ve been in the country for at least three continuous months before applying.
• Provide a valid foreign driver’s license.
• Pass a medical exam (which is a standard requirement for all Costa Rican driver’s licenses).

For more details on how to get a local license, check out our guide on Getting a Driver’s License in Costa Rica.

Rental Car Considerations

If you’re renting a car in Costa Rica. Your valid foreign license will usually be enough to drive for the duration of your trip. As long as your tourist visa remains valid. However, be sure to check age restrictions. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old.

Learn more in our post on How Old Do I Need to Be to Drive in Costa Rica?.

In short, you can drive in Costa Rica with your foreign license. As long as your tourist visa is valid. Typically up to 180 days. If you’re planning a longer stay, you’ll need to renew your visa or get a Costa Rican driver’s license. Stay on the road legally.

For more driving tips and regulations, check out our post on What’s Driving Like in Costa Rica? to make sure you’re fully prepared for your trip!