May 28 - Costa Rica is eager to welcome back Canadians to the land of Pura Vida this September, with the recent publication of Air Canada’s fall/winter flight schedule.

 

Air Canada is currently scheduled to resume flights to Costa Rica from September 2021 to April 2022, departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport throughout the fall and winter travel season. The full schedule of flights to San José and Liberia airports, along with special flight promotions can be found at aircanada.com.

 

For the Costa Rican Tourism Industry, safety remains a top priority in order to keep visitors healthy, and with the support of the private sector, have implemented a set of 16 protocols to ensure the safety of national and international tourists. These protocols, which were authorized by the Ministry of Health, outline specific processes and guidelines for tour operators, cruises, airlines, hotels and other tourism companies.

 

Below is everything Canadian travellers need to know before booking a trip to Costa Rica.

 

Before You Go

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Costa Rica, travellers should read up on Costa Rica’s COVID-19 health and safety policies before departing and ensure they are following these policies during their stay. It is recommended that all travellers continue to use caution on the ground, avoid crowded areas and maintain 6-feet distance apart from others outside your travel bubble.

 

Additional traveller considerations are as follows:

• Across Costa Rica, many hotels and resorts are operating at 75% capacity in public areas such as lobbies, restaurants and pools. For hotels and resorts in areas under an orange alert for COVID-19, 50% capacity is mandated in all areas, including rooms
• Rental car companies are responsible for providing travellers with the necessary documents to drive outside of any vehicular restriction hours
• Most indoor businesses (supermarkets, pharmacies, retail stores, etc.) are operating at reduced capacity and at reduced hours – Monday through Sunday between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Travellers may experience longer wait time
• Face masks are required at indoor locations (except private residences and while eating in restaurants) and on any public transportation (buses, taxis, etc.)
• Restaurants have reopened at 50% capacity with several extending operation hours for delivery and pickup options
• National Parks are operating at 50% capacity. Advance reservations are recommended where possible

 

 

Border Entry Requirements

The following is a list of entry requirements for Canadian travellers visiting Costa Rica:

• Travellers are required to fill out a digital form, called the Health Pass. This form is available at salud.go.cr
• Travellers must show proof of a travel insurance policy that covers the following: guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for a minimum of USD $50,000; and a minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for extended lodging expenses due to the virus. Canada’s insurance requirement can be met through international travel insurance providers, as well as via two local options, National Insurance Company and Sagicor

 

Please note, Canadians are NOT required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Anitgen test on arrival. Canadians are NOT required to quarantine upon arrival (quarantine is required only in the event exposure and/or a positive test are identified during the trip).

 

In Destination

Costa Rica offers numerous physically distanced experiences that make a trip to Costa Rica safe and enjoyable. Travellers can enjoy activities such as:

• National parks (now offering online reservations and payments)
• Select beaches open at a reduced schedule
• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Canyoning
• Birdwatching
• Rafting
• Ziplining
• Rainforest canopy tours
• Volcanos
• Thermal springs

 

Visitors should check national park and local tour operators’ websites for availability and hours of operation. For suggested itineraries and a list of Tourism Board certified tour operators, head to visitcostarica.com.

 

Returning Home

Should the Canadian Government continue to require proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of a flight to Canada, Costa Rica has facilitated pre-departure testing through a network of laboratories across the country, alongside on-site testing at some authorised hotels.

 

The network of national laboratories are well-equipped to handle pre-departure testing, with results delivered back to the traveller in a maximum of 48 hours. PCR testing can be obtained for between $100-$150 USD per person.

 

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and entry requirements, please refer to the Ministry of Health (ministeriodesalud.go.cr) and Visit Costa Rica website (visitcostarica.com).

 

 

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