Embassy and Consulate of Costa Rica in Washington D.C, USA

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The Costa Rican Consulate in Washington D.C, United States of America provides, in addition to passport issuance and renewal services, other Consular Services for the Costa Rican community.

Location of the Embassy and Consulate of Costa Rica in Washington D.C, USA

• Address: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Phone: 001 (202) 499 – 2991/ (202) 499-2985
• Fax: 001 (202) 265-4795
• E-mail: concr-us-wa@rree.go.cr
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• States: District of Columbia and the States of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia

Schedules

• Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm
• Customer Service: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Consular Services

General Considerations for Consular Procedures

• When carrying out your consular procedures, you should take into account the following recommendations:
• Before going to the consulate, check by phone the hours of attention to the public and the delivery times, so that the procedures are carried out with the necessary anticipation.
• Always ask for a receipt for any amount paid at the consulate.
• All charges made at Costa Rican consulates must strictly comply with the Consular Tariff in force.
• When procedures are carried out by mail, the documents sent must meet all the prerequisites of the law, otherwise they will be returned.
• The Consulates of Costa Rica are not responsible for the loss of documents sent, at the request of the user, by ordinary mail.

For further details we make available the following Consular Procedures Manual (Spanish)< /a>

Notarial Acts

Consuls General and Consuls are qualified as Consular Notaries.

Costs

• $100 protocol acts
• $50 extra-protocol events
• ¢625 colones authentication of the signature of the consular notary (paid in Costa Rica).

The testimonies of the deeds granted at the consular headquarters must be submitted to the Authentication Department for the adhesion of the security ticket (documents that are submitted to the Registry newspaper) and the authentication of the consular notary’s signature.

Legalization of documents

If the document was issued in a country that is not a member of the Apostille Convention, in order for the document to take effect in Costa Rica, it must be legalized before the Costa Rican consulate.

As a prerequisite, the document to be legalized must have been certified by the authentication officer of the country where it was issued. You must identify in which country the document was issued and whether it is a private or public document.

Legalization of Diplomas and Transcripts

If you have studied outside of Costa Rica and require that your documents be recognized by the Costa Rican academic authorities or by a university, school or other institution in Costa Rica, your diplomas and transcripts must be legalized by the Consulate of your jurisdiction.

It is required that the document be duly endorsed by the national educational authority and by the competent authority for legalizations, then it can be presented to the corresponding Costa Rican Consulate. You should contact the Consulate for more information on procedures, requirements, duration and costs.

Transfer of human remains to Costa Rica

The following documents must be presented to the Costa Rican Consulate of your jurisdiction for legalization (if applicable). In the event that the documents are apostilled, the process is carried out directly by the funeral home:

1. Original death certificate.
2. Letter indicating that the person did not die of a contagious disease, issued by the Hospital or the Department of Health.
3. Affidavit of the embalmer.
4. Cremation certificate (when applicable).
5. Copy of the identity document of the deceased person.

If the deceased person was Costa Rican, the process of legalizing the documents is exempt from paying the Consular Tariff. If the deceased person was a foreigner, the cost is $40 per document. All documents must come with the authentication of the corresponding competent authority.

Processing of «no objection letter»

This procedure is carried out exclusively before the Costa Rican Consulate in Washington D.C., USA for the purposes of changing immigration status in the United States. The applicant must contact that Consulate to coordinate what is necessary.

Passport Application

Costa Ricans can either:

• Getting your passport for the first time
• Renew it due to expiration,
• Request a new one due to deterioration, loss or theft. (In case of loss or theft, you must provide the corresponding complaint)

The duration of the delivery of the passport, cost and availability of appointments must be consulted at each consular office in particular.

First time passport application for persons under 18 years of age

• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: Varies depending on the geographical location of the consular office.
• Approximate duration: 15 days from the capture of the information.

Requirements

1. To apply for a new passport for minors, both parents must appear in person at the Consulate. If one of the parents is in Costa Rica, they must go to the General Directorate of Immigration in San José, to carry out the respective procedure, and if they are in another country, they must go to the nearest Consulate to grant authorization. It will not be until the communication is received from immigration that this procedure has been carried out, that the Consul is authorized to make the appointment to capture the information and subsequent preparation of the travel document.
2. Older than 12 years old, the Identity Card for Minors (TIM) – current and in good condition – and a legible copy of it. Minors whose age ranges between 0 and 11 years and 11 months must present a birth certificate issued by the current Civil Registry and in good condition (with less than one year of issue).
3. Copy of the identity card of both parents, or of the Costa Rican residence card or passport in the case of foreigners, current and in good condition.
4. If the parents are in the country as tourists, they must present their current and undamaged passport, as well as a legible photocopy of the page where their personal information appears.
5. If you present a special power of attorney, in the absence of one of the parents, it must be a Notarized Special Power of Attorney.
6. Proof of bank deposit.

Passport renewal application for people over 18 years of age

• Appointment: Check at the Consulate.
• Cost: Varies depending on the geographical location of the consular office.
• Approximate duration: 15 days from the capture of the information.

Requirements

1. Identity card in good condition and current.
2. Readable copy of both sides of the identity card. Write on the copy the exact address and telephone number of the place where you live.
3. Proof of bank deposit.
4. If the passport is valid, it must be presented. If it is past due, you will not need to submit it.
5. In the event of a request for loss, theft or retention of a passport, you must present the report of the complaint to the police or the theft, loss or retention declaration form.

Passport renewal application for persons under 18 years of age

• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: Varies depending on the geographical location of the consular office.
• Approximate duration: 15 days from the capture of the information.

Requirements

1. The minor must appear, with the father, mother or whoever or whoever exercises legal representation. If you are not going to make changes to the exit permit, it will not be necessary for both parents to appear, only one of them can do the process.
2. Over 12 years of age, the identity card of the underage person (TIM), in good condition, current and in good condition, and a legible copy of it. Minors whose age ranges between 0 and 11 years and 11 months must present a birth certificate issued by the current Civil Registry and in good condition (with less than one year of issue).
3. Copy of the identity card of both parents, whether Costa Rican or of legal residence in Costa Rica, current and in good condition, even if only one of them is present.
4. If the parents are in the country as tourists, they must present their current and undamaged passport, as well as a legible photocopy of the page where their personal information appears.
5. If you present a special power of attorney, in the absence of one of the parents, it must be a Notarized Special Power of Attorney.
6. Proof of bank deposit.
7. In the event of a request for loss, theft or retention of a passport, you must present the report of the complaint to the police or the theft, loss or retention declaration form.

Safe conduct

The safe-conduct is the travel document that is issued exceptionally to allow the Costa Rican citizen to return to Costa Rica or his place of residence, when his passport is destroyed, lost or stolen.

• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: According to the Consular Tariff.
• Approximate duration: It is issued at the consulate. The consultation time with the General Directorate of Migration of Costa Rica must be considered, in the case of minors or when there are special circumstances.

Requirements

1. Application in which you explain the qualified circumstances, emergency or force majeure, that prevent you from obtaining the ordinary passport, attaching a verification document.
2. Original and copy on both sides of identity card, current and in good condition.
3. Two recent passport-size photographs of the front.
4. Complaint or sworn statement about the loss, theft or theft of your passport.
5. Copy of air or land ticket back to Costa Rica (or itinerary).
6. Detailed justification of the situation for which you cannot process your passport, signed by the applicant and by the Consul.
7. Epicrisis or medical opinion if the emergency is due to illness.
8. Proof of bank deposit.
9. Consult with the Consulate for information about additional requirements.

Safe conduct of minors

• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: According to the Consular Tariff.
• Approximate duration: It is issued at the consulate. Consultation time with the General Directorate of Migration of Costa Rica should be considered, in the case of minors.

Requirements

1. Properly completed safe-conduct application form, which will be provided to the user at the respective Consulate and must be signed by both parents.
2. Original birth certificate issued less than a year ago or Minor Identity Card (TIM) – current and in good condition – and a legible photocopy of the same, in the case of children over 12 years of age.</li >
3. Denuncia or affidavit of the loss, theft or theft of your passport.
4. Two passport size photographs, recent and in good condition.
5. Statement signed by both parents. In the event that one of the parents is in Costa Rica, they must go to the Central, Regional Offices or Delegation of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME).
6. Original and photocopy on both sides of the identity cards of the parents, current and in good condition.
7. Copy of air or land ticket back to Costa Rica (or itinerary).
8. Detailed justification of the situation for which you cannot process your passport, signed by both parents and by the Consul.
9. Epicrisis or medical opinion if the emergency is due to illness.
10. Proof of bank deposit.
11. Consult with the Consulate for information about additional requirements.

Temporary exit permits for minors

Any minor person, Costa Rican or foreigner with legal residence in Costa Rica, needs authorization from their parents or legal representatives to be able to leave Costa Rican territory.

• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: Free.
• Approximate duration: It is issued at the consulate and sent digitally to the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration. Permanent permits must be processed in person at the General Directorate of Migration of Costa Rica.

Applies to:

1. Costa Ricans, even if they hold dual nationality (Costa Rican and another).
2. Foreign minors, who hold legal status under the migratory categories of permanent resident, temporary resident and special categories of: students, refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons.
3. The mothers referred to in the two previous points, who have not reached the age of majority, except those who have married.

Requirements

1. Passport in good condition and current of the minor for whom the permit is to be processed.
2. Copy of the data sheet of the minor’s passport.
3. Adolescents over 12 years of age must present the Minor Identity Card (TIM) – in good condition and current – and a legible copy of it, in these cases the birth certificate will not be accepted. Minors whose age ranges between 0 and 11 years and 11 months must present a Birth Certificate issued by the Civil Registry in good condition and in good condition (less than one year old).
4. In the case of resident minors, they must present a copy of the DIMEX issued by Migration, and a certified copy of the birth certificate legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, or apostilled in the country of origin . If this document was issued in a language other than Spanish, it must be
   accompanied by the corresponding official translation. Failing that, a copy of the birth certificate that appears in the residence file duly stamped and signed by the official of the Immigration Management may be provided.
5. Two recent passport-size frontal photographs of the minor, with a white background.
6. In the case of the parents or legal representative, they must submit along with the above documents: If they are Costa Rican, original and copy of the current identity card and in good condition. If they are residents, original and a copy of the current residence card and in good condition. If they are non-resident foreigners, original and copy of passport quality page where the signature appears.
7. Complete the form provided by the Consulate.
8. In case of absence or conflict of parental authority, the court decision must be submitted.
9. If one of the parents is out of the country, they must go to the nearest Costa Rican consulate to authorize the minor.
10. In the case of a person of legal age authorized by the PANI, the signature of the PANI must present a resolution.
11. In the case of a judicially declared legal guardian, they must present the literal birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry where the registration of the guardianship is demonstrated. In the case of one of the parents whose parental authority is suspended, or is a legally declared guardian or there is a judicial resolution, the final judicial resolution must be presented.
12. In the event that one of the parents is absent, the other parent may process the passport of their daughter or son with a special notarized power of attorney. Specify, in the notarized special power of attorney, the person(s) authorized to accompany the minor on the trip, as well as the link that exists between them and their companions. In cases where the minor travels alone or unaccompanied, this must be expressly indicated in the special power of attorney.

In the case of the express refusal of one of the parents or of the person(s) exercising legal representation, as well as in cases of prolonged absence of one of the parents; the exit permit must be processed before a competent judge.

It is not necessary for the underage person to appear to apply for the exit permit.
For each minor person, even if they belong to the same family group, the requirements must be submitted independently.

Obtain Identity Card

First time application

• Application: Costa Ricans over 18 years of age. The consulate cannot process the Minor Identification Card (TIM).
• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: Free.
• Approximate duration: The arrival of the identity card at the consular office could take up to 3 months. However, if a relative of the interested party makes the courier payment directly before the Civil Registry of Costa Rica, the delivery will be within a period of approximately 5 days from the preparation of the same.

Requirements:

a. First time procedure for Costa Rican citizens.
It is the Costa Rican identity card process that a person carries out from the time they reach the age of majority:

1. Personal request.
2. Being 18 years of age or turning 18 on the date of an upcoming election.
3. Appear with two Costa Rican witnesses with valid ID or present the Identity Card for Minors (TIM ID) in good condition, current or expired (up to a maximum of 6 months). If you do not have the possibility of presenting witnesses, they must be presented at the Civil Registry, once the request arrives at that institution.
4. All applications for identification cards must be signed by the applicant.
5. If you want to include «known as» see the institutional link.
6. Two recent passport-size frontal color photographs with a light gray background.

b. First time procedure for naturalized persons.
The person who was naturalized appears before the Consulate with their current passport and in good condition, or with the residence card issued by the General Directorate of Migration and Aliens, attaching the naturalization letter issued by the Supreme Court of Elections. In these cases, it is not essential that witnesses be provided, since before delivering the letter to the user, the TSE carried out an investigation process, which gathered the sufficient and necessary certificates to grant him citizenship.

c. First-time procedure for a person over twenty-one years of age.
It occurs when the person appears before the consulate without the identity card, since he has never been a carrier of it. The application for a first-time identity card is processed accordingly, but attaching an affidavit from the interested party in which he indicates the reasons why he has requested it up to now. This requirement is ignored if the witness is one of his parents, grandparents or older siblings, whether they are Costa Ricans or foreigners. If the user presents two Costa Rican witnesses with a valid identity card and in good condition, then the signatures are received, but one of their parents or direct relative must ratify in Costa Rica or through a third consulate the reasons for the delay in processing their application.

In all cases, it must comply with article 75 of the Organic Law of the Supreme Court of Elections of Costa Rica. Foreign witnesses are not allowed, since it is not possible to verify their identity in the Integrated Identity Card System (SICI).

Renewal of Identity Card

• Appointment: Check with the consulate.
• Cost: Free.
• Approximate duration: The arrival of the identity card at the consular office could take up to 6 months. However, if a relative of the interested party makes the courier payment directly before the Civil Registry of Costa Rica, the delivery will be within a period of approximately 5 days from the preparation of the same.

Requirements

1. Personal request.
2. All applications for identification cards must be signed by the applicant.
3. If you want to include «known as» see the institutional link.
4. Two recent passport-size frontal color photographs with a light gray background.
5. Expired identity card or copy of birth certificate.

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