Preparing For A Trip To Costa Rica?

Visa Information / Entry requirements – Costa Rica

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Costa Rica set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Costa Rica’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

All travellers from any country will be admitted into Costa Rica as long as they meet the visa requirements. More information is available on the Costa Rica tourism board website.

Entry requirements in response to coronavirus

There are no COVID-19 related entry requirements for Costa Rica. The former requirements for filling in a Health Pass and for showing proof of adequate insurance policy are no longer in force. However, the authorities in Costa Rica may restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company, airline and the Costa Rica tourism board website for any changes at short notice. A travel insurance policy is recommended to cover medical expenses and lodging in the event of COVID-19 infection.

Transiting Costa Rica

The authorities are permitting same-day airside transit with a confirmed onward booking.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

If you are visiting Costa Rica, your passport should have at least one day’s validity from the date you are leaving Costa Rica.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 90 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. If you plan to work, or stay for a longer period, then multiple exit and entry is not an approved alternative to obtaining the relevant visa for your circumstances. You should check the requirements with the Costa Rican authorities.

The immigration authorities are strict about foreigners who have overstayed. Fines of $100 per month of overstay and restrictions on return can be applied under local law.

Passport validity

Your passport should have at least one day’s validity from the date you are leaving Costa Rica. If you hold a passport other than a British Citizen passport, different regulations may apply.

Evidence of onward travel

Entry to Costa Rica may be refused if you are unable to produce evidence of return or onward travel (for example a return air ticket).

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Costa Rica.

Airport tax

There’s a departure tax of $29 when leaving the country by air. Most airlines include this in ticket prices; a few have still not done so. Check with your airline or travel company whether you need to pay this separately. If so you can pay by cash or credit/debit card in dollars or local colones.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Travelling with children

Under Costa Rican law, children under the age of 18 born in Costa Rica are automatically considered to be Costa Rican citizens, even if travelling on a British passport. Either notarised written consent from both parents or a Costa Rican passport is required in order for the child to leave Costa Rica. Contact the Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate for further information on laws regarding the international travel of Costa Rican children.

Tourism Health Information – Costa Rica

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of the country or territory you are travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

UK health authorities have classified Costa Rica as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

There is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya virus and Dengue fever in Costa Rica. The number of reported cases of dengue is increasing. The worst affected areas are Limon and Puntarenas. If you’re in Costa Rica, you should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Medical care in Costa Rica is of a generally high standard. Ambulance services in remote areas may vary. Only initial emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors. Subsequent treatment will be charged. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Weather & When To Go To Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s reputation as a tropical paradise with sun, sea and surf is well deserved. This country hosts a range of different climates so that there really is something for everyone. With its long coasts of Caribbean and Pacific beaches as well as mountainous highlands, thick rain forests, and abundant valleys there are many types of weather.

The above said, Costa Rica overall – being not far from the equator – has a tropical climate year round. The temparture is fairly constant across all 12 months, with a daily low around 18C (64F) reaching a daily high most days around 26/27C (80F). However, it should be noted that the country has multiple microclimates depending on elevation, rainfall, topography, and the geography of each particular region. Thus in the mountains tempratures can be cooler at 10C (50F) and humidity is also higher on the Caribbean side than on the Pacific side.

Costa Rica’s most important climate feature is that the year can be split into two periods, the dry season (December-April) generally the most popular time to go there, and the rainy season, known locally as “the green season” (June to October) – with May and November being the 2 ‘shoulder season’ months, where one season fades out and the other season fades in.

Budget-conscious travelers may prefer to visit Costa Rica in the green season, when hotel rates are lower. Fewer crowds, lush landscapes and inexpensive lodging make August – October wonderful months to travel in Costa Rica. Also much of the rain can be at night on the Pacific side which can leave some of the day clear and sunny even in the rainy season. The country experiences a mini-high season in June and July when the rains temporarily lessen.