Information Regarding American Citizen Services During COVID-19 Restrictions

 U.S. Embassy San Jose suspended routine consular and visa services on March 18, 2020 due to COVID-19.  As of October 1, American Citizen Services has opened a LIMITED NUMBER of appointments for routine services to include accepting applications and renewals for full validity U.S. passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notary services, and applications for social security numbers.  Please visit the U.S. Embassy website at https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ to see the next available appointments for passports, CRBA, and notary services.  Please email the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at FBU.CostaRica@ssa.gov to schedule an appointment to apply for a social security number.  We are currently unable to provide routine in-person services for U.S. citizens.  This includes welfare and whereabouts visits, prison visits, and outreach to U.S. citizen communities across Costa Rica.  U.S. citizens with emergencies may contact acssanjose@state.govor call +506-2519-2590 during business hours and +506-2519-2000 after hours.

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose requires all visitors to the Embassy to bring and wear face coverings, this includes visa applicants and U.S. citizens.  Visitors must maintain coverings over their mouth and nose during their visit (please note that for security and identification purposes the Embassy staff may request visitors to momentarily remove face coverings).   This guidance includes all visitors over 2 years of age.   Visitors are also requested to follow instructions for distancing and other health measures during their visit.  Visitors that arrive without face coverings or who do not follow health protocols may be asked to reschedule their appointment.

The United States government has no higher responsibility than to serve and protect its citizens, including those who live or are traveling abroad. To this end, the American Citizen Services Unit in Costa Rica provides prompt, courteous, and efficient services to United States Citizens and other clients, consistent with U.S. laws and regulations.

American citizens can apply for U.S. passports, document their foreign-born children who qualify as U.S. citizens, notarize documents for execution in the U.S., inquire about social security and other federal benefits, and request help in an emergency.

Whether you are Residing in Costa Rica or here for a week’s vacation, please enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that we may be better able to assist you in an emergency.

Alerts and Messages

See all Messages and Alerts for U.S. Visitors to Costa Rica.