Entry Requirements for Costa Rica
British citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Costa Rica and can stay as tourists for up to 90 days through a visa waiver. However, if your plans involve working or an extended stay, it's essential to secure the appropriate visa for your specific circumstances. Note that repeatedly exiting and re-entering the country is not an acceptable substitute for a valid visa. It's advisable to verify the requirements with Costa Rican authorities before travelling. Be aware that immigration officials enforce strict rules regarding overstays, with penalties of $100 per month and potential return restrictions under local laws.
Passport Validity
For travel to Costa Rica, your passport should remain valid for at least one day beyond the date you'll leave Costa Rica. If you hold a passport from a country other than the United Kingdom, different regulations might apply, so consult with the relevant foreign office for Costa Rica passport and visa requirements.
Additional Formalities
When departing Costa Rica via air, there is a $29 departure tax that must be paid. This fee can be settled at the airport before checking in for your flight and is payable in US dollars, Costa Rican Colón or by card. While many airlines now include this fee in their ticket prices, some may not, so it's advisable to confirm whether you need to pay it separately. Our travel consultants can provide guidance on this.
Vaccination Requirements
Costa Rica does not pose a risk of yellow fever, but there is a certificate requirement. Travelers aged nine months and older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including Tanzania and Zambia in Africa (with the exception of Argentina and Panama in the Americas), are required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.
For more detailed information about Costa Rica's passport and visa requirements, please consult the embassy or relevant authorities.
