A Country-by-Country Guide to the Central America Entry Requirements for Tourists

Immigration expert Brandon Miller offers a country-by-country guide to the Central America entry requirements for tourists from the most “popular” countries.

If you want a unique travel experience, then Central America hits the spot. The seven countries of Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, Belize, and Nicaragua all offer unforgettable adventures for travelers and potential immigrants/expats.

Central America has pretty much everything. Tourists will find a range of archaeological sites, natural beauty, amazing beaches, and so much more. It’s an ideal destination for any traveler.

But before you can enter the region, it’s helpful to be aware of the entry requirements for each country. This is especially important if you’re living in the region as a perpetual tourist, something many people do before applying for residency. This is a sensible “try before you buy” approach to moving abroad.

Whatever category of eventual residency you seek, whether it’s as a retiree, investor, or other kind, it makes sense to spend at least a few months to a year as a tourist first, to determine whether you want to stay long-term or not. There’s no point in committing yourself to the residency process if you find a country isn’t for you. Luckily, Central America is easy to hang out in as a tourist.

Central America Entry Requirements

The following entry requirements for Central America apply to travelers from the US, Canada, the EU, and the UK, with slight variations depending on your specific country of origin. If you hold a passport from elsewhere, consult the embassy of the country you plan to visit for specific entry requirements.

It’s important to note that all Central American countries aim to remain yellow fever-free. If you’re entering the region from a country on the World Health Organization’s yellow fever list, you must provide proof of vaccination against the disease.

Entry Requirements for Belize

Belize welcomes visitors with straightforward entry requirements. Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Upon arrival, you’ll receive an initial 30-day stay, but Belize offers multiple options for extending your visit. You can renew your tourist status at the immigration office every 30 days for up to six months, costing $100 US per month. For those planning longer stays, Belize offers a Long Stay Permit at $500 per person, subject to specific conditions. When entering the country, immigration officers may request proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds – generally around $75 per day – to ensure you can support yourself during your visit.

Entry Requirements for Costa Rica

Costa Rica provides one of the most generous initial tourist allowances in Central America, with stays of up to 180 days possible upon entry. This flexibility makes Costa Rica particularly attractive for long-term travelers and potential expats looking to “test drive” life in the country. If you wish to stay beyond your initially granted period, you’ll need to exit Costa Rica and re-enter for another potential 180-day stamp. One strict requirement to note is that an onward or return ticket is mandatory for entry – this rule is consistently enforced, and airlines will check for this documentation before allowing you to board your flight to Costa Rica.

Entry Requirements for Honduras

Honduras requires visitors to have a passport valid for at least three months beyond their entry date, along with proof of onward travel. The country grants tourists a 90-day stay, but there’s an important caveat: Honduras is part of the CA-4 agreement along with Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. This means your 90-day limit applies to all four countries collectively, and you cannot reset your tourist status by visiting another CA-4 nation. Many travelers needing to renew their tourist status go to Belize, which sits outside the CA-4 zone.

Entry Requirements for El Salvador

El Salvador allows a straightforward 90-day visa-free stay for visitors, with the option of a one-time 30-day extension available through local immigration offices. Entry requirements include a valid passport with at least one blank page for stamps and a $12 tourist card fee upon arrival. The country’s participation in the CA-4 agreement means that time spent in El Salvador counts toward your total 90-day allowance in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua as well. When it’s time to renew your tourist status, you’ll need to leave the entire CA-4 region – not just El Salvador – before returning.

Entry Requirements for Guatemala

Guatemala welcomes tourists with a 90-day visa-free stay, requiring only a valid passport for the duration of your visit. While the country technically offers visa extensions through immigration offices, most visitors find it simpler to exit and re-enter the country to reset their tourist status. However, Guatemala’s participation in the CA-4 agreement adds complexity to this process – visiting another CA-4 country (El Salvador, Honduras, or Nicaragua) won’t reset your tourist status, as these countries share a common 90-day limit. Instead, travelers typically choose to visit Belize or Mexico when it’s time to renew.

Entry Requirements for Nicaragua

Nicaragua grants visitors a 90-day stay upon entry. Your passport must be valid for at six months and you’ll need to pay entry fees that vary depending on your mode of arrival – $10 for air passengers and $12 for land crossings. Tourist status can be extended by leaving and re-entering, with Costa Rica being a popular choice since it’s not part of the CA-4 agreement. Nicaragua has unique requirements for non-tourist visitors, particularly those planning volunteer or charitable work. These groups must pre-register online and secure advance permission from both the Nicaraguan Embassy in your home country and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Entry Requirements for Panama

Panama offers up to 180 days visa-free, but maintains strict entry requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least three months, and you’ll need to show both proof of onward travel and sufficient funds – a minimum of $500. After completing a 180-day stay, Panama requires visitors to remain outside the country for at least 30 days before returning, making it important to plan ahead for longer stays.

Wrapping Up

Central America’s entry requirements offer a great deal flexibility for travelers and potential expats. The CA-4 agreement between Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador requires careful planning, but neighboring countries like Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama provide convenient options for visa runs. Most countries offer straightforward extension processes and relatively long initial stays, making it feasible to experience life in different locations before committing to residency. Remember that requirements can change, so it’s wise to check with official sources close to your travel date and keep track of your visa duration.

Brandon Miller is a Canadian immigration consultant and the founder of Maple Immigration Services.