United Kingdom
Costa Rica
Costa Rica visa for British citizens
Entry requirement
British citizens do not need a visa for Costa Rica: stays of up to 180 days are visa-free.
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
For longer stays: study, work and residence
Costa Rican citizens travelling to the United Kingdom
Costa RicaUnited Kingdom Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) United Kingdom visa for citizens of Costa Rica
Travel advice for Costa Rica
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from the United Kingdom to Costa Rica, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates Costa Rica at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 1 April 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Costa Rica (updated 19 May 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Costa Rica (updated 13 October 2026).
Good to know
How long British citizens can stay in Costa Rica
British citizens may stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s neighbours for British citizens
Panama and Nicaragua admit British citizens visa-free.
Costa Rican citizens travelling to the United Kingdom
Costa Rican citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 180 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do British citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
British citizens do not need a visa for Costa Rica: stays of up to 180 days are visa-free.
How long can British citizens stay in Costa Rica?
British citizens can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days.
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Costa Rican citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 180 days.
Can British citizens enter Costa Rica visa-free?
Yes, British citizens can enter Costa Rica without a visa and stay for up to 180 days.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.