Costa Rica’s borders have been open to tourism from some countries since August 1, 2020 and open to all countries since November 1, 2020. At the moment, travelers from any country can enter Costa Rica by air as long as they meet Costa Rica entry requirements, so it’s one of the best countries open for travel right now.

All tourists need to complete a Health Pass form before boarding their flight and have valid travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.

Can I travel to Costa Rica right now?

Yes, the great news is that Costa Rica is open for tourists from any country in the world as long as they are traveling by air. Below is a map of all the countries that can currently visit Costa Rica.

Costa Rica - EN

Costa Rica COVID-19 travel restrictions

Costa Rica’s entry requirements are relatively simple and straightforward. All you have to do is complete this Health Pass form and have proof of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage – that’s it! There are no PCR testing or quarantine requirements.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Costa Rica?

No, PCR testing is not mandatory to travel to Costa Rica. The Health Pass form you complete before arrival functions as your declaration that you don’t have COVID-19.

Costa Rica COVID-19 travel restrictions

Do you need to complete a Health Pass form (Pase de Salud) to travel to Costa Rica?

Yes, all travelers absolutely must complete a Health Pass form online before they enter Costa Rica. The form is available to complete 48 hours before boarding.

Is there any mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Costa Rica?

No, there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Costa Rica. The only circumstance in which you’d have to quarantine is if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 at any point during your stay in Costa Rica.

Can I travel to Costa Rica right now?

Is health insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to enter Costa Rica?

Yes, you need to present proof of valid travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Costa Rica. Insurance must also cover accommodation in case of quarantine. Information on whichever insurance you choose must be entered into the Health Pass form when you complete it. You also must have a certification (either in English or Spanish) from your insurance company that states:

1. The validity of your insurance policy during your stay in Costa Rica.

2. A guarantee of at least $50,000 worth of coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses.

3. A minimum coverage of $2,000 for extended accommodation fees due to pandemic illness or for trip cancellation/interruption due to illness; this is to cover extra accommodation fees for quarantine.

The best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, as we discovered by comparing different COVID-19 travel insurance, is Heymondo. They offer pretty extensive coverage for testing and treatment abroad, so their policy is perfect for meeting Costa Rica’s standards. You can even save money by using our 5% Heymondo discount.

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COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Costa Rica

Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Costa Rica.

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Costa Rica, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Costa Rica changes its entry requirements.

Other travel restrictions for Costa Rica during COVID-19

Costa Rica also has a few other entry requirements and restrictions for travelers:

• Travelers from all countries need to have proof of their intent to leave Costa Rica before their visa expires, usually within 90 days. This is usually a return plane ticket or a bus ticket out of the country.

• Immigration officials may also ask you to prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Costa Rica.

• Face masks are required in all public areas and on public transportation.

• Depending on your nationality, you may be required to get a tourist visa to travel to Costa Rica. Check if you need one below.

What is open in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has opened for tourism with certain capacity limitations. That said, it has given the mayors of the 82 cantons the power to regulate and restrict activities they deem unsafe for locals and tourists.

Open hotels in Costa Rica

All of Costa Rica’s hotels are open at full occupancy. However, any hotel’s common areas like restaurants, lounges, and swimming pools, are limited to 50% capacity.

Open restaurants in Costa Rica

Restaurants in Costa Rica are also open, but only at 50% capacity.  Opening hours are between 5 AM and 10 PM daily. No more than four people per table are permitted.

Bars have also opened in Costa Rica. They’re operating at 50% capacity and require patrons to stay six feet apart.

Open beaches in Costa Rica

All of Costa Rica’s beaches have opened, both in the Caribbean and Pacific. However, they’re only open from 5 AM to 6 PM daily.

Open beaches in Costa Rica

In some cases, if the beach exceeds capacity, the mayor of that canton may close the beach (or lake) to locals and tourists.

Vehicle restrictions for tourists in Costa Rica

There are some vehicle restrictions in place for travelers in Costa Rica. Depending on the car plate, vehicle use is limited to certain days of the week.

However, rental cars are exempt from this regulation, as well as tourists who are arriving or departing from a hotel (with a verified reservation) or the airport.

Tours and attractions open to tourism in Costa Rica

Attractions and excursions in Costa Rica are operating with new security measures for COVID-19. Protocols include social distancing, regularly sanitizing frequently-touched surfaces, and mandatory face masks.

Tours and attractions open to tourism in Costa Rica

Many attractions in Costa Rica are accessible with a rental car, so booking a full tour or excursion isn’t necessary. However, there are a few that I highly recommend:

• Excursion to Tortuguero
• Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
• Excursion to Tortuga Island
• Rafting on the Pacuare River

Open airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s airport is open and operating with new security measures in place.

Some airlines that have resumed their flights with Juan Santamaría International Airport are American Airlines, Iberia, Spirit, United, KLM, British Airways, Avianca, Air Canada, and Air France, among others.

Costa Rica is currently one of the best destinations to travel to, and there are quite a few flight deals.

Where to get a pcr test in Costa Rica

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get tested in Costa Rica, here is a list of places you can get a PCR test.

Costa Rica reopening to international tourism – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Costa Rica reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

This guide on Costa Rica reopening to tourism will be updated with any new developments. If you want more information on Costa Rica and COVID-19, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy COVID-19 Updates on Costa Rica
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Costa Rica
• US State Department Travel Advisory for Costa Rica
• Entry Requirements for Costa Rica
• Health Pass (Pase de Salud) Form
• Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) Facebook Page in Spanish
• Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health Website
• Current Alerts and Measures for Costa Rica in Spanish

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