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🇬🇧 Does a British need a visa for Costa Rica 🇨🇷?

What this means for your trip

Visa-free entry lets you arrive with a valid passport and pass border control without applying in advance.

Border officers can still ask for a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and enough money for your stay, and they decide on entry. The stay limit applies per visit; many countries also cap total days within a period.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Costa Rica at a glance

Capital: San José · Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡) · Official languages: Spanish · Calling code: +506

U.S. State Department travel advisory for Costa Rica: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 2 April 2026). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: Costa Rica uses plug types A, B, the United Kingdom uses G. Mains voltage differs (Costa Rica: 120 V; the United Kingdom: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Costa Rica →

Your embassy in Costa Rica

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Costa Rica, contact the embassy of the United Kingdom:

• British Embassy San Jose · Edificio Centro Colón,Paseo Colón and Streets 38 and 40 · gov.uk

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

The other way round

🇨🇷 Costa Rican passport holders visiting the United Kingdom: Costa Rican passport holders do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.

The British passport at a glance

All destinations for United Kingdom passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Costa Rica →

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