Costa Rica reopened its borders to foreign tourists after four and a half months of closure. Starting today, September 1st, travelers from the United States and Canada will be welcome into the country. Both Costa Rica’s main international airports, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), in Liberia, Guanacaste will start receiving the arrival of commercial flights from the U.S.

If you are considering visiting Costa Rica, here are six important things to know before planning your vacation.

 

1. What countries are allowed to enter?

Only countries with controlled spread of the virus will be added into the list as the situation progresses. Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister, Gustavo Segura, explained that the country evaluates a state’s new coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last two weeks as the primary deciding factor into whether to allow its residents. In 2019, Costa Rica welcomed 3.1 million foreign visitors. More than 1.3 million tourists came from the United States, nearly 235,000 from Canada, and more than 500,000 people arrived from Europe.

• More than 44 countries are authorized to enter; including Canada
• Starting September 1st, Costa Rica started to welcome tourists from six states of the United States: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, or Virginia (and Washington, D.C.)
• On September 15, the list expanded and authorized visitors from Colorado, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan, and Rhode Island
• October 1st, California and Ohio will be added into the list

 

2. Entry Requirements

• Complete digital epidemiological form “Health Pass” • Negative PCR coronavirus test. The test must be taken 72 hours before arrival • Travel insurance – international or purchased in Costa Rica through the National Insurance Institute- that covers medical care, or an unexpected extended hotel stay due to COVID-19. This policy can be international or purchased from Costa Rican insurers. More details on the type of coverage needed here • Travelers opting for foreign travel insurance must demonstrate pdf proof in English or Spanish; coverage for medical expenses for at least $50,000 and a minimum of $2,000 for extended stay expenses. Protect Your Travel Experience • Face masks in all indoor circumstances are mandatory. The only exceptions are at restaurants and all open-air tourism activities

 

 

New Costa Rica Dream Adventures Vacation Protocols

 

3. What is open?

• Tourist attractions are operating normally. This includes all open-air activities. • Beaches open daily from 5:00 am to 2:30 pm • Most national parks are open • Hotels can operate at 100% capacity • Restaurants can operate at up to 50% capacity. • Essential services like supermarkets, pharmacies, health clinics, are operating normally

 

4. What is closed?

• Bars and nightclubs. Restaurants that serve alcohol can • Casinos remain closed • Mass-gathering events in general

 

5. The restrictions you should be aware of

• There are driving restrictions in place. Travelers are exempt if driving a rental car to/from the airport, or to/from a hotel. • Most businesses will close at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. • Mandatory wear of masks inside any public establishment. Exceptions: restaurants, hotel rooms, infants, and people with certain disabilities. • Some establishments may require guests to wash their hands and/or get their temperature check • Expected to maintain physical distancing 6 feet or greater

 

6. What happens if I get COVID-19 symptoms while in Costa Rica?

• Dial 1322. English-speaking operators are available • If you test positive, there is mandatory 14-day quarantine stay at your hotel room • If vacationing with Costa Rica Dream Adventures, travelers can call 24/7 in-country travel support for assistance

 

Since its first reported case on March 6th, 2020, Costa Rica, a country of 5 million people, has 39,699 confirmed cases; 15,737 people have recovered so far, and there have been 418 deaths as of August 31st, 2020. See daily statistics.

 

 

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