Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Legalization?
- In international law, Legalization is the process of authenticating or certifying a legal document so a foreign country's legal system will recognize it as with full legal effect.
- Legalization is the process needed for transfer of documents between countries that do not form part of the Apostille Convention signed as part of the Hague Convention (Countries with Apostille).
- The Legalization process involves a Chain of Authentications that gives validity to the previous one in the eyes of the next official receiving the document.
- During the Legalization, the parties that form the Chain of Authentications do not attest to the content of the document, ONLY the validity of the previous seal.
- Chain of Authentications: Document --> Public Notary in country of origin --> Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Country of Origin --> Embassy of Singapore in Country of Origin --> Singapore Academy of Law in Singapore --> Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore --> Embassy of Costa Rica in Singapore.
- The Embassy of Costa Rica only legalizes documents that have the full chain as explained above.
- The cost of each legalization is US$40 at the equivalent rate in Singapore Dollars.
- All Legalization must be paid before the appointment time to the following account:
- Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica, Account No. 392-301-776-1 United Overseas Bank (UOB),Singapore Swift Address: UOVBSGSG Bank Code (Clearing Code): 737
- The Consulate does NOT receive cash payments.
- Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
- Singapore citizens DO NOT require a visa for tourism up to a maximum duration of 90 days. However, to enter the country they have to present:
- a valid passport;
- a ticket to exit Costa Rica and;
- not having an impediment of entry into the country.
- Not all people who wish to travel to Costa Rica need a tourist visa, this will depend on the nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and duration of stay. The visa does not guarantee entry to Costa Rica as it depends on the immigration officer upon arrival. For more information, visit the Visa section on this website.
- Singapore citizens DO NOT require a visa for tourism up to a maximum duration of 90 days. However, to enter the country they have to present:
- Can I enter Costa Rica with a one-way ticket?
- All visitors must have an entry and exit ticket, whether it is by air or by land, as the case may be, as a requirement to enter the country.
- Do I need an International driver's license to drive in Costa Rica?
- You are allowed to drive with your normal driver’s license for three months.
- What is the currency of Costa Rica?
- The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón. Credit cards are generally accepted and ATMs are found throughout the country.
- The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón. Credit cards are generally accepted and ATMs are found throughout the country.
