Traveling to Costa Rica during covid-19: what you should know before you go

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If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, here's what you need to know and expect if you want to visit the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

The basics

Costa Rica reopened to tourism in November.

The country has eased restrictions in recent weeks and is considering creating a digital nomad visa to attract visitors who will make lasting contributions to the local economy.

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What is offered

Costa Rica is known for its "pura vida" and, apart from the pandemic, life is still pure here.

This is a country for nature lovers, with a Caribbean and peaceful coastline, and a jungle that covers about a quarter of the country.

Whether you're here for the cloud forests, volcanoes, or incredible nature and wildlife, your shoulders will definitely drop a few inches.

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Who can go?

Everyone.

Costa Rica reopened, including for tourism, on November 1, 2020. However, of course, there are restrictions.

And the standard visa regulations still apply.

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What are the restrictions?

There is no need for a negative PCR test as there was initially.

All passengers must complete a Health Pass before traveling.

The website provides a QR code that you must show upon arrival.

Tourists traveling to Costa Rica must have valid travel insurance covering possible quarantine accommodation of up to US $ 2,000 and medical expenses of at least US $ 50,000 due to COVID-19.

This must be accompanied by a certificate in English or Spanish, indicating the name of the insured, the dates of coverage and the guarantees stipulated above.

If you can't get a policy that includes quarantine insurance, there are suggestions for insurers on the Health Pass website.

Costa Rican residents and citizens may be subject to self-isolation upon arrival.

Land borders are closed to non-residents, and residents crossing by land must be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival.

What is the situation of the covid?

Costa Rica has added 206,000 cases and fewer than 3,000 deaths during the pandemic.

Along with Mexico, it was the first country to receive vaccines, in December.

So far, about 150,000 people have been vaccinated.

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What can visitors expect?

Things are getting relatively back to normal.

National parks and beaches are open, the latter until 6 pm Restaurants and bars have reopened, but discos have not, and concerts and large groups are prohibited.

There is a nighttime curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Daytime driving restrictions, which were in effect previously, have ended (except in the capital, San José, where restrictions to reduce traffic congestion are the norm anyway ).

In an attempt to recover, the country is planning to roll out one-year visas for digital nomads, with the possibility of renewal for one more year.

Currently, there is a 90-day limit for tourist stays.

Helpful Links

Visit Costa Rica

CNE

The Tico Times

Our recent coverage

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CNN's Julia Buckley contributed to this report.

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