Traveling feels a little uncertain these days and not all destinations are an option. The great news, though, is that Costa Rica is welcoming visitors from anywhere in the world.
There are a few things you should know before you make the trip and we’d like to fill you in so that we can help facilitate stress-free, easy breezy travel to, and from, our beautiful country.
Costa Rica does not, at this time, have any restrictions on who can travel into the country. So long as you have a passport and, if needed, a tourist visa, you are welcome.
You must also have proof of intent to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (To prove intent to exit, U.S. citizens must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket).
No proof of a negative COVID test is required for you to enter the country. You will however, need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica.
Tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and individuals aged 18 and younger (even if unvaccinated) can enter the country without a travel policy. The last dose of the vaccine must have been applied at least 14 days prior to arrival in Costa Rica.
It is possible to purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute (INS)or Sagicor of Costa Rica (HRG’s recommendation) covering the duration of your stay in Costa Rica.
However, the Costa Rica Government does require that each member of your party fill out a health pass. This can be found here. This is an electronic form that can be quickly and easily filled out online before your arrival. You’ll be able to get a QR code to display at the airport authorities upon your arrival in Costa Rica.
Visitors to Costa Rica are not required to quarantine- you are welcome to enjoy the country during your vacation here.
Do keep in mind that Costa Rica has some safety measures in place to help protect you and your family, as well as local citizenry, from the COVID-19 virus.
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Face coverings are mandatory in all indoor settings except when eating, while alone, or in a private home.
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All commercial workers who interact with the public are required to wear face coverings as well.
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Face coverings are also required at bus stops and aboard all forms of public transportation including Ubers and taxis.
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Face coverings can be either surgical or homemade, as long as they cover the nose and mouth.
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The Ministry of Health has stated facial coverings should not include venting devices in order to provide maximum protection against COVID-19.
While you’re in the country - what you need to know;
See below for a complete list of current COVID-19 related restrictions.
*Important update (21-January-2022)* Until March 07, 2022, commercial establishments and mass activities can choose to voluntarily request the COVID-19 vaccination QR code from their customers in order to expand their capacity.
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As of January 31, people 12 years and older must present the QR code to enter establishments and activities that voluntarily request it, as had been officially established and communicated since November 30, 2021.
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From Dec. 17, 2021 individuals vaccinated abroad (Costa Rican citizens or foreigners) who do not have a QR code will be able to verify their vaccination status using the physical card provided when they were vaccinated. This will allow these individuals to enter commercial establishments which require proof of vaccination.
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There is a daily nationwide nighttime vehicle restriction from 11:00pm until 5:00am (including Saturday and Sunday).
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Taxis, tourists with proof of hotel and flight reservations, and emergency vehicles are still allowed to circulate at all times.
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The majority of commercial businesses can remain open 7 days a week from 5:00am to 11:00pm.
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National Parks may operate at 100% capacity
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Bars and casinos can operate at 50% capacity
Going back home to the U.S.- What you need to know
As of January 26, 2021 all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of flight departure from Costa Rica.
Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.
The concierge team at HRG can help you arrange to get a PCR test (the recommended test) before your departure. They will arrange for a clinician to come to your condo or vacation villa and perform the test for each member of your party. The cost is $150 per person/test.
There are also testing facilities located right inside the Los Sueños Resort gates at the clinic, provided by the Hospital Metropolitano. Likewise there is a lab located in Jaco Walk. These prices for these tests are comparable at about $120 per person.
We advise arranging for your testing three days prior to departure from Costa Rica, as it can take up to 48 hours to get your test results back. The test results will be emailed to you and you can present the electronic results at the airport to your airline attendant.
Please note the Ministry of Health will issue a 10–14-day sanitary quarantine order to any person receiving a positive COVID-19 test.
Costa Rica’s Directorate for Migration has also announced that persons intending to cross from Costa Rica into Nicaragua via a designated land border crossing must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their intended border crossing.
For more information on this requirement visit this link.
We here at HRG are excited to welcome you to Costa Rica and look forward to making your trip as easy, comfortable, fun and adventurous as it ever was.
Have questions? We are here to answer them. Just reach out - we’re standing by to assist.