Costa Rica is open to tourists from all countries without COVID-19 test or quarantine if they enter via air. Visitors from the U.S. are also welcomed to Costa Rica.
In order to be granted access to the country, arrivals must present medical insurance that covers COVID-19 and fill out the new Health Pass form.
The vaccination campaigns that have already started have prompted authorities to ease some restrictions.
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Disclaimer: Travel restrictions and governmental regulations can change rapidly and the information below might be outdated within a few hours. Therefore, double-check all information with your embassy or on official websites. Traveling Lifestyle does not take any responsibility for your decision to travel.
Costa Rica Reopening – Latest Updates
July 7 – Costa Rica to welcome back fully-vaccinated cruise ships on September 1
The Tourism Board (ICT) has announced the island will be accepting “fully-vaccinated” cruise ships from September 1 under the Presidential Directive 082-MP-S, said the board in a statement earlier this week.
To be eligible to participate, both passengers and crew must have taken the last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before sailing.
Tourists will also need to fill out their Health Pass report no less than 72 hours before arrival.
“The restart of this tourist activity will benefit the ports of Limón, Puntarenas, Caldera, Quepos and Golfito,” said Gustavo Segura, Tourism Minister.
So far, Windstar, Lindblad, Sea Cloud, Seabourn Quest, Celebrity Millennium, Carnival Pride, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess and Seven Seas Mariner are the cruise companies ready to resume operations to/from Costa Rica in September.
Source: The Tico Times
June 20 – Costa Rica set new record for international arrivals amidst its highest peak of the pandemic
For the third month in a row, Costa Rica has set a new record for foreign international arrivals since the country reopened back in November.
The country received 90,321 international visitors last month. 72,328 of them were from the United States, according to figures released last week by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
However, not everything is good news. Costa Rica has not been able to overcome the third wave of its coronavirus pandemic.
This has forced authorities to extend existing movement and business restrictions nationwide through at least July 12 due to high levels of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
(Source: Aviation Online)
June 3 – Costa Rica has extended driving and other restrictions due to an increase in COVID-19 cases at least until the end of June
The Costa Rica license plate rotating system that limits citizen movements will continue through the end of June due to an increase in COVID-19 cases over the last 4 weeks.
Additionally, multiple other business restrictions will also remain in place. As of now, bars can only operate at 25 percent capacity. Public events can host a maximum of 30 people.
Hotels with more than 100 rooms are allowed to operate at 75 percent capacity and places of worship cannot host more than 200 attendees.
National parks are still allowed to open at 50 percent capacity and restaurants, grocery stores can be open at 50 percent capacity for now.
(Source: Tico Times)
April 21 – Costa Rica brings back 30% of their regular tourists
The last time Costa Rica saw this number of tourists was back in March 2020, when the pandemic has already hit most of the countries around the world.
With 89,263 international passengers over the last weeks, the country has brought back 30% of their pre-pandemic tourists.
62,370 visitors arrived from the United States, 2,706 from Mexico, 1,429 from Canada, 14,183 from Europe, 3,382 from Central America, 3,881 from South America and 284 from the Caribbean, according to data collected by the General Migration office (DGME).
“These are very encouraging numbers considering the world situation and the difficulties facing the recovery of the tourism sector; it is essential to adhere to health protocols to protect the reactivation of the tourism industry in the country,” said Gustavo Segura, Minister of Tourism.
So far, 300 Costa Rican companies have been granted “The “Safe Travels” seal which guarantees the destination has implemented strict sanitary measures.
April 2 – Costa Rica reopen land borders with restrictions
Effective April 5, the Costa Rica government will allow nationals and permanent resident permit holders to use land borders to enter the country. When crossing the land borders, travelers will receive a sanitary order requiring them to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine at home.
Also, people crossing the Nicaragua border will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to the border crossing.
What are the current requirements to enter Costa Rica?
- Insurance that covers COVID-19 and quarantine lodging. (We recommend Safety Wing).
- Filling out the new Health Pass form.
Can Americans enter Costa Rica?
From November 1, all 50 U.S. states are allowed to enter Costa Rica.
COVID-19 situation in Costa Rica
As of July 7, Costa Rica has confirmed 375,812 COVID-19 cases and 4,740 deaths caused by the new coronavirus.
Costa Rica reopens for European tourists
Travelers need to fill out a digital Online Health Pass available online and translated into several languages.
Furthermore, tourists must purchase insurance through the country’s national insurance company (INS). It needs to cover accommodations if a tourist is struck by coronavirus. Should this happen, the insurance will handle quarantine quarters and, if needed, hospitalization.
Like other locations across the globe, Costa Rica has a face mask/shield policy. They are mandatory in all public spaces that aren’t private homes or restaurants. For the latter, staff is required to wear face coverings.
Costa Rica After COVID-19
Costa Rica hopes to be fully operational once COVID-19 numbers across the globe are small enough to completely reopen. Especially since the time between fall and spring is the prime travel season.
When it occurs, some restrictions may still be in place. For instance, wearing a mask and social distancing.
Also, because bars and nightclubs are hotbeds of coronavirus due to ventilation systems, they might remain closed or only accept a reduced capacity.
How To Plan a Trip to Costa Rica?
Preparation for a Costa Rica trip should not be delayed. Visitors may want to keep track of numbers and restrictions to determine the best places to visit in the country.
For instance, while flights come into the airport in San Jose, it might be better to avoid the city as it poses a higher epidemiologic risk and more restrictions. In fact, travelers might consider landing at the country’s other two international airports to completely avoid the city.
Review the country’s Ministry of Health website for current information on phased openings and focus attention on the yellow zones. This is generally the location for most of the country’s eco-friendly attractions. For instance, walking tours of the Monteverde Cloud Forest still occur but accept smaller groups.
Another location that will be a prime place to visit is the country’s beaches. Those in yellow zones are now open for most of the day, as are any other outdoor areas. This means visitors can enjoy the area as long as they follow Costa Rica’s rules.
The Costa Rican motto is Pura Vida — Pure life. Despite the frustrations encountered since the early spring, its citizens and tourist areas are ready to welcome tourists. Take advantage of this time to prepare a trip that encompasses the beauty and ecological wonders the country provides.