Costa Rica
Costa Rica travel guide for Britons
Britons do not need a visa for Costa Rica for stays up to 90 days. You need a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Plan around the dry season (December–April) for beaches and the green season for lower prices. Budget about £50–70 per day as a backpacker or £140–230 mid-range, plus flights.
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Key facts
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from entry
Entry requirements
No visa needed for tourism stays of 90 days or less.
Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel (flight or bus ticket).
A yellow-fever certificate is only required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.
- Visa: No (check for changes before travel)
- Passport validity: ≥6 months
- Max stay: 90 days
- Onward travel proof: required
Embassy
The British Embassy in San José is the main point of contact for UK citizens in Costa Rica. It can help with lost passports, arrests, and medical emergencies, but it cannot pay bills or provide legal advice.
For consular assistance, call the embassy or use the UK government's online services.
- British Embassy San José — consular assistance, passport renewals, emergency help.
Emergency
Police, ambulance, fire: 911 (free).
British Embassy (San José): +506 2287 1000 (after hours use the 24-hour consular line on the gov.uk site).
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Costa Rica?
No. UK citizens can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. You need a valid passport (at least six months validity) and proof of onward travel. Check the latest rules before you fly.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry from the UK, but if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need a certificate. Check with the embassy or your travel clinic.
Can I use my UK driving licence in Costa Rica?
Yes, a valid UK driving licence is accepted for rental cars for up to 90 days. You must be at least 21 (some firms require 25) and have a credit card for the deposit. An International Driving Permit is optional.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Costa Rica
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