Updated August 11, 2021

COVID-19 and Travel to Costa Rica

Traveling to Costa Rica during COVID-19 is easier than you think! Here is what you need to know:

Costa Rica is open to the world!

• Please note: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for entry. All unvaccinated travelers are still required to provide travel insurance (see our recommendation below!)
• No PCR or Antigen Covid Test test required to enter the country!
• Direct flights from the US and Europe (American Airlines, United Airlines and more!)
• Wearing a mask remains strongly recommended throughout the country.
• Beaches, national parks, activities, restaurants & hotels are OPEN and respect strict hygiene protocols.
• A curfew is in place for the month of July from 10PM to 5:00AM (applies strictly to vehicles, excluding rental vehicles)

As of July 16th: Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is no longer required for vaccinated travelers!

As of July 2nd:  Costa Rica received it’s first vaccines last December. As of the beginning of July, more than 35% of the population has been completely vaccinated! The country has been receiving assistance from the United States government to speed up the vaccination campaign.

As of June 5th, 2021: It’s official… Panama is open to tourism! In June 2021, only 300 – 400 COVID cases per day have been registered in the country. A negative PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours before your entry into Panama is required. If you are unable to get tested within the 48 hour time frame before your trip, a test can be completed at the Tocumen International Airport for $50. For non-vaccinated persons, a compelling reason for entry must be presented.

If you have any questions about your travel arrangements, you can contact the toll-free number: 0800 130 000.

What you need to do :
•  Fill out a digital epidemiological form here.

Travel Insurance: COVID-19 Coverage

Please note: Travel insurance is recommended, but no longer necessary, for fully vaccinated travelers! All unvaccinated travelers are required to provide travel insurance.

It is recommended that your insurance cover on-site assistance and medical expenses up to $50,000, as well as $2,000 for housing in case you need to be quarantined and require medical care.

Terra Caribea’s Top Choice for travel insurance.

 

Travel insurance can be bought up to 48 hours before your trip.

The travel insurance should provide you with a certificate in English or Spanish that states that you are covered in case of Covid-19.

Fill Out the Digital Epidemiological Form to Travel to Costa Rica

Complete the “Pase de Salud” and download the first 2 documents requested (in Spanish or English). Fill in personal information and flight information.

Once everything is validated, you’ll receive a green QR Code that you’ll present to customs.

If you plan to show paper documents upon your arrival in country, you’ll receive an orange QR Code.

If the code is red, it means that one of the two documents is not valid.

We suggest you print your documents to simplify the boarding and customs process.

The Silver Lining...The Upsides to Travel During Covid-19

•  Flexible cancellation policies (travel agency and related services, airlines and more).
• Attractive prices for international flights and local service providers.
• Reinforced health and safety measures.
• Little if to no tourists in usually crowded areas: with a limited number of flights per week and a drop in tourist traffic, Costa Rica will offer you – and you alone – a more exclusive experience with local encounters.
• Experience Costa Rica’s lush nature and greenery with little to no people around

Why is Costa Rica the First Country in America to Reopen International Borders?

On July 21, 2020, Costa Rica was awarded the title of “Safe Destination” by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

This title was granted to the country thanks to the work of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, which subjected the country to a thorough review process of all health protocols developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and private sector tourism companies.

The awarding of this title reinforces Costa Rica’s prestigious and responsible image as a safe tourist destination.

Health Protocols in Place in Costa Rica

It is important to note that Costa Rica is still affected by the pandemic and certain measures must be followed when traveling within the national territory.

– Disinfect or wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (at least 30 seconds recommended).
– Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
– Wear a mask to protect yourself and others (wearing a mask is mandatory in public places)
– Cough or sneeze into your elbow, mask or a Kleenex.

– Take antibacterial hand gel and your own pen with you to fill in forms and sign documents
– Maintain social distances: Keep one meter or 6 Feet from others.
– Temperature checks may be performed before entering certain areas.

Terra Caribea Suppliers Commit to Your Safety During Your Costa Rica Trip

Each of our suppliers has a strict sanitary protocol, adapted to the services provided to the customers.

The protocols have been studied and approved jointly with the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) and follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.

Be responsible and follow all the indications of the collaborators! The priority is your health.

– Anyone who meets you at the airport will be equipped with a mask and will offer you antibacterial hand gel.
– Rental vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before your arrival (cleaning protocol with a 70% alcohol solution).
– Rental companies present will all be wearing masks and you’ll be able to check-in and sign documents electronically.
– All reception staff working in the hotel will wear masks.
– Access to common areas and swimming pools will be regulated.
– There will be no luggage service.
– Some establishments will perform temperature checks upon your arrival at the hotel.
– For all your activities, sanitary standards will be respected. Entrance to the sites will be limited in number of people.
For more detailed information please contact us.

Did you know that Costa Rica is a global example of good health crisis management?

The World Economic Forum, the New York Times, CNN and the BBC channel have highlighted the success of the handling of the crisis in the country. In fact, health is one of the areas that Costa Rica puts in the spotlight!