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UK ETA Requirements for Costa Rica Citizens

Everything Costa Rican travellers need to visit or transit the UK with an ETA in 2025.

Do Costa Rica citizens need a UK ETA?

Citizens of Costa Rica are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling for short visits or airport transit. The ETA is a quick online pre‑travel check that links to your passport.

  • Fee

    Β£16 per application, payable online.

  • Validity

    Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

  • Stay & entries

    Multiple entries; generally up to 6 months per visit under visitor rules.

  • Processing time

    Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.

Eligibility Overview

Apply for UK ETA

Requirements for Costa Rica applicants

  • Valid Costa Rican biometric passport

    Use the same passport you apply with when you travel.

  • Recent digital photo

    Plain light background, neutral expression, no glare (UK photo rules).

  • Email address

    For confirmations and updates.

  • Payment method

    Debit/credit card or mobile wallet to pay the Β£16 fee.

Full Requirements

Photo & Passport Rules

What Costa Rica nationals can do on an ETA

Allowed (examples)Not allowed
Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events.Paid work, self-employment, providing services to UK clients.
Business meetings, conferences, trade visits.Internships or training with pay; long-term assignments.
Short study (≀ 6 months) and airport transit.Long-term study or residence; overstaying permitted period.

If your plans include work or a longer stay, apply for the appropriate UK visa rather than using an ETA.

How to apply (for Costa Rica citizens)

  • Start the application online or in the UK ETA app

    Create an account or sign in.

  • Scan/enter passport & upload photo

    Use NFC scanning in the app if available.

  • Answer eligibility questions

    Select your purpose: tourism, business or transit.

  • Pay the Β£16 fee & submit

    You’ll receive an email confirmation.

  • Wait for approval

    Many decisions arrive within hours; allow up to 3 working days.

Apply for UK ETA

Processing Time

UK ETA – FAQ for Costa Rica Citizens

Do Costa Rica citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes. Costa Rican passport holders travelling to the UK for short visits or airport transit need an ETA before departure.

What documents do I need to apply?

A valid Costa Rican biometric passport, a recent digital photo that meets UK standards, an email address, and a payment method to pay the Β£16 fee.

How long is the ETA valid?

Typically up to two years, or until your passport expiresβ€”whichever comes first. It generally permits multiple visits of up to six months each.

How long does approval take?

Many applications are decided quickly, often within hours, but allow up to 3 working days for additional checks.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The ETA permits tourism, business visits, short study, and transit only. Paid work or long-term stays require a visa.

Do I need an ETA if I have a UK visa?

No. If you hold a valid UK visa, you do not need an ETA while that visa remains valid.

What if my ETA is refused?

You can apply for the appropriate UK visa that matches your travel purpose and provide any requested supporting documents.

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