- Book online with TUI & save up to 7% on holidays
- FREE child places available for select holidays
- Pay £0 deposits with direct debit & spread the cost
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.
- Essential travel guide
- Weather & climate
- Travel advice
- Travel health
- Covid live updates
- Travel features
- Top travel deals
- Destinations
- FAQs
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.
- Beaches
- Nature
Costa Rica tourist information
✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.
Travelling to Costa Rica? | |
---|---|
Holidays Hotels Holiday rentals Car hire Flights Things to do |
Recommended for Costa Rica
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.
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.
- UK traveller advice for Costa Rica - UK FCDO
- Irish traveller advice for Costa Rica - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
- Canadian travel advice for Costa Rica - Government of Canada
- US travel advisories for Costa Rica - US Department of State
- Safe travel advisories for Costa Rica - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for Costa Rica - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
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
FCDO travel advice
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.
- Vaccines & medicines for Costa Rica - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for Costa Rica - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in Costa Rica - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
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
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.
- Travellers' health for Costa Rica - Ministry of Health, Costa Rica
- Coronavirus timeline in Costa Rica - Our World in Data
- Latest info on travel to Costa Rica - Costa Rica Tourism Board
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.
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*.
Transport options for Costa Rica
Travel advice by country
Be inspired
Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from some of the world's best travel writers plus save on your next trip with the latest exclusive offers
We promise not to share your details
Explore holidays in the sun for less
- Beach holidays
- Family holidays
- City breaks
- Summer holidays
- Winter sun holidays
- Holiday offers
- Top travel brands
- Airlines & flights
- Discount hotels
- Airport parking deals
- TUI
- Jet2holidays
- easyJet holidays
- Love Holidays
- Black Friday sales
Airport parking
- Manchester Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Luton Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Newcastle Airport
Airport lounges
- Manchester Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- Newcastle Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Gatwick Airport