Job Discussion Forums

krobmaine · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 8

I will be returning to the States for good at the beginning of May. However, I must do a border run between now and then in order to renew my visa. I've been told that it's cheaper if I just overstay and pay a fine or exit fee at the airport when I leave. I wonder: is it that simple, or are there ramifications for overstaying your visa? I don't want a blotch on my passport history, as I'd like to come back to visit Costa Rica again. What do you suggest I do? THANKS!!

OleLarssen · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 337

It appears that no-one knows for certain (on this board) what will happen if you overstay your visa. Some say that you get a rather hefty fine almost regardless of how long you overstay. Some say that it's a small fine. Others have left the country on an overstayed visa with no problems. And there are those who claim that there's a difference in leaving the country over land and through Juan Santamaria - over land, you're more likely to get in trouble (especially if you re-cross the same border a few days later). In JS - the airport in San Jose - they'll let you through regardless.

I bet that helped.

:)

deessell2 · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 132 Location: Under the sun

I overstayed my visa by four months the first time and then three months the second time. There were no problems at all.

E1Gringasmo · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Alajuela, Costa Rica

Desell is right nobody cares, this isnt the us. but i have heard of people getting a little bit of a hardtime doing the panama visa vacation. Costa Rica deported 11 people last year and they were all criminals. Nobody cares about overstays but if you�re nervous get a CR drivers license as a different form of id besides you passport.