Costa Rica travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Costa Rica with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, ecotourism capital of the world © Photodiscoveries - Fotolia.com
Costa Rica, ecotourism capital of the world © Photodiscoveries - Fotolia.com

Costa Rica travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Costa Rica with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Costa Rica - quick facts
Flight time✝ 11.5 hours
Time difference UK -6 hours
Language(s) Spanish
Currency Costa Rican Colon
Electricity A + B plug (120V)
Driving side Right

Why visit Costa Rica?

Considering a holiday to the Costa Rica? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Beach babes - beaches
    Beaches
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature

Costa Rica tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.

Travelling to Costa Rica?
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Costa Rica weather

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall

The Costa Rica weather guide shows long term monthly averages for San Jose.

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Costa Rica travel advice

Check the latest travel advice on visiting Costa Rica from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Costa Rica.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDOFCDO travel advice

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Costa Rica travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Costa Rica with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Costa Rica, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Costa Rica covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in Costa Rica with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

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Costa Rica travel features

Do you want to learn more about Costa Rica? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Costa Rica including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to Costa Rica due to Covid-19?

Costa Rica is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for Costa Rica.

Check out Ministry of Health, Costa Rica for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from Costa Rica?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from Costa Rica. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to Costa Rica from the UK?

The flight time to Costa Rica from the UK is typically 11.5 hours.

Flights to Costa Rica

What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?

The time difference between Costa Rica and the UK is UK time-6 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Costa Rica?

The main language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish.

Learn a language for Costa Rica with Rosetta Stone*, Babbel* and Mondly*.

What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC).

Send money to Costa Rica with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.

Which plugs are used in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?

They drive on the right side of the road in Costa Rica.

Find out more about driving in Costa Rica with International Drivers Association*.

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