OPEN ALL HOLIDAYS

Costa Rica Embassy and Consulate in Canada: Complete Guide

Looking for the Costa Rica Embassy in Canada? Find addresses, visa services, document support, and contact details in this complete guide.
Costa Rican embassies and consulates in Canada offer consular services to Costa Rican nationals residing or visiting Canada, or conducting official business internationally. They also serve foreign nationals who need to travel to Costa Rica, apply for visas, authenticate documents, or handle legal and administrative requirements.

Costa Rica maintains its main embassy in Ottawa, which handles most consular services, as well as limited consular representation in cities such as Vancouver. It’s important to know which office is in charge of your request because sending documents to the wrong location can cause delays. It is also vital to note that Costa Rica and Canada are both members of the Apostille Convention. This means that documents usually only need an apostille, not full embassy legalization.

This guide provides clear, useful information on where to find embassies and consulates, what services they offer, the documents you need to obtain a visa, how to schedule an appointment, and how to submit your documents. Keep reading to make sure you get in touch with the right office and get everything ready the right way from the start.

I offer complete support with certified translations, document preparation, and apostille processing if you need to get documents ready to utilize in Costa Rica. For assistance, contact me.

Contact Information

Costa Rica is represented in Canada by its embassy in Ottawa and an honorary consulate in Vancouver. These offices provide consular services to Costa Rican citizens and foreigners across Canada.

The embassy of Costa Rica in Ottawa is the primary office responsible for most consular services, including passports, visas, and document-related matters. The honorary consulate in Vancouver offers limited assistance and typically does not process visas or complex applications. It is also important to note that the former consulate in Toronto is permanently closed.

Consular services are generally provided by appointment only, and submitting your request to the correct office is essential to avoid delays or rejection.

Costa Rica Embassy in Ottawa, Canada (Costa Rican Embassy)

💻 Official Website: Link
📧 Email: [email protected]
☎️ Phone: +1 (613) 562 2855
📫 Address: 275 Slater Street, Suite 1002, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5H9, Canada
🕗 Hours:
  • Monday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
📚 Various: Facebook, Twitter/X

Costa Rica Embassy in Ottawa, Canada (Costa Rican Embassy)

💻 Website: None
📧 Email: [email protected]
☎️ Phone: +1 (604) 983 2152
📫 Address: 1611 Evelyn St, North Vancouver, BC, V7J 3S9, Canada
🕗 Hours:
  • Monday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 09:00 a.m. — 05:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
📚 Various: None

Consulate General of Costa Rica in Toronto, Canada

The Costa Rica Consulate General in Toronto is permanently closed.

Consular Services List

The Vietnam embassy in Canada provides a range of consular services to Vietnamese citizens, Canadian citizens, and foreign nationals, depending on the nature of the request. Before visiting, it is recommended to confirm service requirements and whether an appointment is needed, as procedures may vary by office.

For Costa Rican Citizens (Including Consular Protection)

Costa Rican nationals living in or visiting Canada can access services such as:
  • Issuance, renewal, or replacement of Costa Rican passports
  • Registration of civil status events (birth, marriage, death) abroad
  • Notarial services, such as power of attorney and sworn statements
  • Assistance in emergencies, such as lost or stolen documents, accidents, or legal issues
  • General consular support and guidance

For Canadian Citizens and Foreign Nationals (Visa and Travel Services)

If you are planning to travel to or stay in Costa Rica, consular services may include:
  • Visa applications (for nationalities that require a visa)
  • Guidance on entry requirements and permitted length of stay
  • Information on residency permits, work, or study options
  • Requirements for supporting documents, including proof of funds, travel plans, and legal status

Document and Administrative Services

Costa Rican diplomatic missions also provide document-related services, including:
  • Notarial services for documents intended for use in Costa Rica
  • Guidance on document authentication, apostille, or legalization processes, as applicable
  • General guidance on preparing documents for submission to Costa Rican authorities
To avoid delays or rejection, ensure that your application is submitted to the appropriate office and that all requirements are met. Most services require an appointment, and walk-ins and in-person submissions may be limited or subject to availability.

Canadian Document Apostille Process for Costa Rica

If you plan to use Canadian-issued documents in Costa Rica, they typically must be authenticated through the apostille process under the Hague Apostille Convention.
Since both Canada and Costa Rica are members of the Apostille Convention, Canadian documents generally require only an apostille to be legally recognized in Costa Rica, eliminating the need for embassy or consular legalization.

Apostilles are issued by the competent authority, depending on where the document was issued or notarized. Provincial authorities issue apostilles for documents issued or notarized within their jurisdiction, while documents issued by the federal government are apostilled by Global Affairs Canada.

Processing methods, payment requirements, and timelines vary by province. Some offices accept in-person applications, while others require mail submission.

Once a document has been apostilled, it is generally accepted in Costa Rica without further legalization, although acceptance remains subject to the receiving authority's requirements.
Depending on the purpose, documents may also need to be translated into Spanish. In some cases, translations must be completed by an officially recognized or certified translator, as required by the relevant authority in Costa Rica.

If you want to prevent delays and errors while preparing documents for use in Costa Rica, you should work with someone who is familiar with the specific criteria for each document type and can walk you through the entire process. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please keep in mind that official diplomatic missions in Canada, including those representing Costa Rica, may not always have the most current service information available on their websites. While specifics may change at any time, we strive to keep the information presented here as accurate and up to date as possible.

What should Costa Ricans do in an emergency while in Canada?

Emergency consular assistance for Costa Ricans in Canada is available. This service provides support in serious situations, including accidents, arrests, or the loss or theft of travel documents.

Costa Ricans can contact the Embassy of Costa Rica for local assistance. In urgent situations, it is important to follow instructions from local authorities and seek help promptly to ensure your safety and proper coordination of support.

Do Canadian citizens need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

Most Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for short tourist stays, typically up to 90 days. However, entry is granted at the discretion of immigration officials upon arrival.

Travellers may be required to present a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of sufficient funds. As entry requirements can change, it is recommended to check the latest official guidance before departure.

How are Canadian documents recognized for use in Costa Rica?

Canadian documents typically must be apostilled to be recognized for official use in Costa Rica. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the document for international use and replaces the need for additional legalization.

Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2024, documents no longer require legalization through the Costa Rican embassy. Instead, they must be apostilled by the appropriate Canadian authority based on where the document was issued or notarized.

What travel documents are required for entry into Costa Rica?

Travellers must present valid travel documents, typically a passport valid for the duration of their stay in Costa Rica. Immigration officials may also request proof of onward travel, accommodation details, or evidence of sufficient financial means.

Requirements can vary depending on nationality and the purpose of travel. To avoid any issues at the border, it is important to review the latest entry conditions before departure.

Where can I find official travel advisories for Costa Rica?

Travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada provide up-to-date information on safety conditions, entry requirements, and potential risks in Costa Rica. These advisories are designed to help travellers make informed decisions before and during their trip.

Checking official guidance regularly can help you stay prepared and respond appropriately to any changes while travelling.

Prepare Your Canadian Documents for Use in Costa Rica With Confidence

I help you prepare your Canadian documents for use in Costa Rica from start to finish. This includes checking the requirements for different types of documents, obtaining the correct apostille, and arranging certified translations when necessary. Each step is handled carefully to make sure that your documents meet all official requirements and that they get to their destination without any unnecessary delays.

Avoid common errors and incomplete submissions by ensuring proper documentation from the start. Contact me to make sure your documents are properly prepared and ready for use in Costa Rica.