United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Costa Rica passport holders
Costa Ricans enjoy visa-free access to the United Kingdom for up to 180 days. The UK is outside the Schengen Area and has its own immigration system. Note that from 2025, the UK is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-free visitors.
Great news! Costa Rica passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
If traveling to the UK in 2025 or later, check whether the UK ETA is now required for Costa Rican passport holders at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. The ETA application is online and expected to be approved quickly. For current travel, present your valid Costa Rican passport at the UK border. UK border control may ask about purpose of visit, accommodation, and funds.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
Valid passport
Passport valid for the duration of your intended stay
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from UK within the authorized stay.
UK ETA (from 2025) Recommended
Electronic Travel Authorisation if required - check gov.uk for current requirements for Costa Rican citizens.
Return or onward ticket Recommended
Confirmed return or onward travel booking out of the UK
Accommodation proof Recommended
Hotel bookings or letter from host in the UK
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel bookings or host invitation.
Sufficient funds Recommended
Evidence of financial means for your UK stay
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statements or credit cards showing financial means.
Current Travel Situation
Costa Rica to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Costa Rica has long enjoyed visa-free access to the United Kingdom. The UK left the EU in 2020 but maintained visa-free arrangements with Costa Rica. From 2025, the UK is implementing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-exempt nationals including Costa Ricans. The ETA is expected to cost GBP 10.
How to Get There
Ireland shares the Common Travel Area with the UK. If you have a UK ETA or valid entry, you may be able to enter Ireland in some circumstances - check CTA rules. France and Belgium are accessible by Eurostar but Costa Ricans are also visa-free to those Schengen countries independently.
Money & Banking
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC). The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted everywhere. London is one of the world's most expensive cities.
Practical Tips
London is one of the world's great cities with world-class museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern) that are free. The UK's regions offer vastly different experiences: Scotland (Edinburgh, Highlands), Wales (Snowdonia), and Northern Ireland (Giant's Causeway). The Eurostar connects London St. Pancras to Paris (2.5 hours) and Brussels (2 hours) - note that separate Schengen entry rules apply for those onward legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Costa Ricans visit the UK without a visa?
Yes. Costa Rican passport holders can visit the UK visa-free for up to 180 days. However, from 2025 an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may be required - check current requirements at gov.uk.
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa for the UK?
No. Costa Rican passport holders can visit the United Kingdom without a visa for up to six months per visit.
What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The UK ETA is a new digital authorization being introduced for visa-exempt visitors. It will be linked to your passport electronically and is expected to cost GBP 10 when applied for online.
How long can Costa Rican citizens stay in the UK?
Costa Rican passport holders can stay in the UK for up to six months per visit without a visa. The permitted stay is confirmed by the border officer on entry.
How long can Costa Ricans stay in the UK?
Up to 180 days (6 months) per visit. This is much more generous than the Schengen 90-day limit. Border officers make the final decision on length of stay.
What should Costa Rican travelers have ready when entering the UK?
Have your valid passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds ready. Border officers may ask about your visit. Providing clear answers helps ensure smooth entry.
Is the UK part of the Schengen Area?
No. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own immigration controls. Entry to Schengen countries does not grant entry to the UK.
Does a Costa Rican citizen need a visa to visit Ireland on the same trip?
Yes. Ireland is not part of the UK and has its own immigration system. Costa Rican passport holders need to apply for a separate Irish visitor visa to enter Ireland, even if already in the UK.
What are the top tourist destinations in the UK?
London (Big Ben, Tower of London, British Museum, Buckingham Palace), Edinburgh (Castle, Arthur's Seat), the Scottish Highlands, Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds, and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Can Costa Rican citizens work in the UK without a visa?
No. The visa-free access for Costa Rican citizens is for tourism and business visits only. Working in the UK requires a work visa obtained through UK Visas and Immigration.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland use the same currency but have different banknotes. ATMs are widely available. Cards accepted almost everywhere.
Can Costa Rican citizens study in the UK on a visit without a visa?
Short recreational courses of less than 30 days are generally permitted on a visitor status, but academic study requires a Student visa.
Can I visit Ireland from the UK?
Ireland is accessible from the UK by air and sea. The UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area - check CTA rules for travel between the two countries. Costa Ricans need a separate Irish visa for Ireland.
What museums in London are free?
Many of London's greatest museums are free: British Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, National History Museum, and the Science Museum. Book timed entry online.