Costa Ricans must attend an in-person interview to apply for a US visa

Q COSTARICA — Starting today, October 1, all Costa Ricans applying for a visa to the United States must appear in person at the embassy for an interview, including children under 14 and adults over 79, according to Vice Consul Samantha Ducey.

The measure affects both new applicants and those needing to renew a visa that has expired for more than 12 months.

Some exceptions may apply, provided the applicant meets certain criteria, such as filing the application in their country of habitual residence, not having been previously denied, and having no apparent ineligibility.

In the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica press release of September 29, 2025, it explains this is an update from the Department of State to the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a non-immigrant visa interview waiver.

The exceptions to this new provision are:

• Applicants classified as A-1, A-2, C-3 (except assistants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1 visas.
• Applicants for official or diplomatic visas.
• Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican applicants) within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa, provided that the visa was issued with full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant is at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa, provided that the visa was issued with full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant is at least 18 years old.

To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria:

• Apply in their country of nationality or habitual residence (except for applicants for diplomatic visas and certain official visas).
• Never have been denied a visa (unless the denial has been overcome or pardoned).
• Not have any apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis and for any reason.

Applicants should consult embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information.