Costa Rica Travel FAQs

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Costa Rica are available from the NHS website

For up to date information around safety and security in Costa Rica read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Costa Rica.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). This peaktourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it anideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging on beaches. That said, the dry season is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit.

British nationals don't need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 90 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.You should check the requirements with the Costa Rican authorities.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón.

Mexican Tree Frog, Golden Orb Weavers, Ocelot, Three-Toed Sloth, King Vulture Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan.

Gallo pinto, which has a literal meaning of "spotted rooster", is the national dish of Costa Rica. It consists of rice and beans stir-fried together in a pan to create a speckled appearance.

Costa Rica's official and predominant language is Spanish. The variety spoken is Costa Rican Spanish, is a form of Central American Spanish. A Creole-English language, Jamaican patois (also known as Mekatelyu), is spoken along the Caribbean coast.

The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón. Tipping in Costa Rica is not mandatory, though restaurants do add a service charge on the final bill that includes 10 percent gratuity.

Local Costa Rica travel experts are available.