The Costa Rican Immigration Department (DGME) has formally extended visas for tourists until June 1.
The extension is applicable to all visitors who arrived in Costa Rica after December 17, 2019, as stated in the decree published in La Gacetta on Wednesday morning. It now appears that anyone who has entered the country as a tourist can remain in Costa Rica until June 1st, provided they have obtained the travel insurance required by Costa Rica Immigration and that the policy is valid until that date.
All tourists are required to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy of their insurance policy. The insurance policy can be issued by INS or any international provider. The policy must provide for at least $50,000 USD coverage for medical expenses should they become infected with CoVID-19 while in the country, and also provide a minimum coverage of $2,000 USD for lodging expenses.
Failing to register with insurance leaves the visa invalid, and can result in fines and restrictions on returning to Costa Rica.
The Ministry of Transport (MOPT) has not yet released an extension for driving privileges to follow the Immigration extension, therefore it appears tourists who have been in the country beyond 90 days are no longer able to drive legally. Those who have left the country and recently returned by air or sea, are legal to drive until the date of the visa expiration. Whether MOPT will issue an extension remains to be confirmed.
The DGME has stated that this latest tourist visa extension will be the last one. If true, expect a rush for flights at the end of May and plan accordingly.
