Costa Rica entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Costa Rica: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- No - visa-free for short tourist stays
- Vaccines
- 2 recommended, 4 to consider
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the Costa Rica embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for Costa Rica
Passport validity
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave Costa Rica.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visas
British passport holders do not normally need a visa for short tourist stays.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - Costa Rica · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Costa Rica
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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2 weeks before travelChikungunya Consider
For ages 12+. Consider for outbreak areas, long-term or frequent travellers.
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Dengue Consider
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for those with high-risk activities, limited medical access, or long stays (>1 month).
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Consider
Consider for those visiting friends/relatives, long stays, or poor sanitation areas.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - Costa Rica · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in Costa Rica
The UK government does not list Costa Rica as requiring a UK International Driving Permit (IDP). If you plan to drive, check with the embassy of Costa Rica and your car-hire company before you travel.
Costa Rica travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica from the UK?
No - British passport holders don't normally need a visa for short tourist stays in Costa Rica. Always confirm with the UK government's foreign travel advice before booking.
What vaccines do I need for Costa Rica?
No vaccines are listed as required for Costa Rica, but Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
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