Costa Rica has confirmed 127,012 cases of COVID-19 since March 2, 2020. U.S. citizens from all 50 U.S. States and Washington, D.C. are allowed to enter Costa Rica via flights from the United States or other countries.
Visitors arriving to Costa Rica no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica. In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting: 1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica, 2) guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of 50,000 USD and, 3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness. It is also possible to purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute (INS) or Sagicor of Costa Rica, covering the duration of your stay in Costa Rica. In addition to the coronavirus-related measures, U.S. tourists must also have a valid passport and proof of intent to exit Costa Rica within 90 days.
During November, most commercial establishments can remain open nationwide, including in Orange Alert areas. Vehicle restrictions based on license plates will also continue and are standardized throughout Costa Rica. On weekdays, vehicles with authorized license plate numbers are permitted to drive from 5:00am to 10:00pm. On weekends, all vehicles can circulate from 5:00am to 9:00pm. Beaches can remain open nationwide from 5:00am to 10:00pm Monday thru Friday, and from 5:00am to 9:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. National Parks are also open nationwide. For an English language summary of the current restrictions, please visit this link. For an interactive map of the areas under Orange and Yellow alert, please visit this link.
The Costa Rica Directorate of Migration has announced that Permanent/Temporary Residents of Costa Rica may enter the country via air regardless of where they are coming from but must present the following documentation: 1) Passport, 2) Valid DIMEX, 3) evidence Caja payments are up to date for each person, and 4) a completed Health Pass (Pase de Salud). Residency holders who are not up to date on Caja payments will still be allowed to enter Costa Rica but will be required to become current with their payments within 22 days. Residency holders who are not up to date on Caja payments must also present proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 related hospital and lodging expenses for 22 days. U.S. citizens with temporary or permanent residency who enter Costa Rica via a designated land border crossing will receive a sanitary order requiring a 14 day in home quarantine. For a summary of entry requirements for permanent and temporary residents, please visit this link.
The Costa Rica Directorate of Migration has announced that tourists who entered Costa Rica after December 17, 2019 and who entered until October 31, 2020 can legally remain in the country until March 2, 2021. Immigration control officers have authority to determine the legal length of stay in Costa Rica for all tourists who enter as of November 1, 2020. Immigration officials are currently limiting the duration of stays to correspond with coverage dates provided by the COVID-19 medical insurance. Tourists are not able to extend their stay while in Costa Rica. Those seeking to extend their stay will be required to exit Costa Rica and purchase additional COVID-19 medical insurance prior to reentry.
The Public Works Transport Ministry (MOPT) has announced that tourists who entered Costa Rica between December 17, 2019 and November 30, 2020, will be allowed to use a foreign driver’s license to operate a vehicle until March 2, 2021. Tourists entering Costa Rica as of December 1, 2020 can legally drive in Costa Rica using a foreign driver’s license for up to three months after their date of arrival. Tourist in both categories should also have a copy of their passport photo page and entry stamp for Costa Rica with them while driving. The grace period for obtaining a Costa Rican driver’s license extended to U.S. citizens with temporary and permanent residency in Costa Rica since March 2020 will expire on expire January 11. After January 11, holders of temporary or permanent residency will no longer able to drive with a foreign license. The full text of this announcement can be found at this link. An unofficial English translation of this announcement can be found at this link. Appointments to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license can be found at this link.
The Costa Rica Directorate of Migration has also announced it will begin accepting new applications for residency as of December 1. For a full transcript of this announcement, please follow this link.
The Ministry of Health has announced that face coverings are now mandatory in all indoor settings except when eating, while alone, or in a private home. All commercial workers who interact with the public are required to wear face coverings as well. Face shields can continue to be worn, but only if a face covering is worn underneath. Face coverings are also required at bus stops and aboard all forms of public transportation. Face coverings can be either surgical or homemade, as long as they cover the nose and mouth. The Ministry of Health has stated facial coverings should not include venting devices in order to provide maximum protection against COVID-19.
AIRLINE OPERATIONS:
Multiple airlines are now offering regular commercials flights between multiple cities in the United States and both Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport in Liberia (LIR). Airlines currently offering regular services include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Jet Blue, Spirit, and United Airlines. Please check with the individual airlines for scheduling and prices. For a complete list of all airlines operating in Costa Rica, visit the airport websites at https://sjoairport.com/en/reporte-operaciones/ and https://www.liberiacrairport.com/airlineinformation-liberia-airport.
These commercial flights are open to public booking. Policies regarding luggage allowances and seating arrangements will be managed by the respective airlines. Please visit www.united.com, www.spirit.com, www.delta.com, www.aa.com, and www.jetblue.com for further information regarding availability and connections. The cost of these flights will be based on the passenger’s final destinations. These prices are set by the airlines.
Passengers traveling with pets and Emotional Support or Service Animals will need to consult with the airline directly regarding additional fees and space availability. Proper documentation and veterinary certificates will be required. Please visit the airline websites for more information. For more information on requirements for pets to enter the United States, please click on this link.
IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS ON ALL OUTBOUND FLIGHTS:
U.S. airlines currently require all passengers to wear face coverings during the check-in process and for the duration of the flight. Health regulations for boarding the U.S bound flights will be managed according to Costa Rica Ministry of Health guidelines. At this time that includes medical personnel monitoring passenger lines for people with COVID 19 symptoms and asking passengers with symptoms to self-identify. Health regulations for arrival at U.S. airports are managed by the airport and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) under guidance from CDC and state health officials. Check with the airport and CBP websites for updates. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/coronavirus.
All passengers will be subject to Costa Rica immigration and customs laws and Airline policies. The U.S. Embassy is not able to intervene if people are stopped for violations or do not meet airline regulations. U.S. Citizens must have valid passports to enter the United States. If you do not have a valid U.S. passport, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. immediately to apply for an Emergency Passport. Foreign national passengers must possess an official travel document from their country of nationality and permission to approach a United States port of entry such as a legal permanent resident card, U.S. visa, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) pre-approval. For more information on U.S. entry follow this link: https://www.cbp.gov/travel.
