Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit CR?

UK ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Costa Rica. As a Group One visa-exempt country, British citizens can enter and stay for up to 180 days per visit with no advance application, no eVisa, and no ETA. Costa Rica grants British (UK ordinary) passport holders visa-free entry for tourism. The UK is classified in "Group One" of Costa Rica's visa policy, the most favorable tier, which permits a stay of up to 180 days per visit. This 180-day allowance results from a government resolution that took effect in September 2023 (raising the previous 90-day limit) and remains in force as of May 2026, reaffirmed by entry-rule adjustments published in late 2025. No visa, eVisa, or electronic travel authorization is required in advance for a short tourist stay. The exact period granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry, so it may be fewer than 180 days. On arrival travelers should be prepared to show a passport valid for the duration of stay (at least one day beyond planned departure), a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds (about USD 100 per month of stay). Costa Rica is in Central America and is not part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. A departure tax of around USD 29 applies when leaving by air, though it is usually bundled into airline ticket prices.