Costa Rica to open up borders to the United States.

Published Friday, August 28th 2020 - Updated Saturday, October 3rd 2020
Categories
Costa Rica Travel

******* latest update 10/3/20...3 additional states added for entry into Costa Rica ******

******* updated 9/11/2021... 8 additional states added for entry into Costa Rica ******* 

As of September 1st, 2020, Costa Rica has expanded the list of U.S. states from which it will welcome tourists.  Tourism from the United States to Costa Rica accounts for over one million visitors per year which is the most from any country.  Costa Rica will now allow tourists from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia as well as previously announced states: New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Connecticut.

As of September 15, the list expanded with Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Colorado.  

***** As of September 15, residents of these additional states will be allowed to visit Costa Rica: Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan and Rhode Island.

On October 1, California will be added to the authorized list. 

On October 15th, Florida, Georgia and Texas will be added

On November 1st, the rest of the United States will be added *****

  

“All of these states have an epidemiological condition similar or better than Costa Rica,” Segura said. “The reopening for international tourism continues to be very gradual.”  Gustavo Segura is the Health Minister for Costa Rica.

They have also adjusted the time frame for your negative COVID-19 tests for entry.  Tourists visiting Costa Rica still need to present the results of a negative PCR coronavirus test however, the test can be taken up to 72 hours before the flight.  Keep in mind that you must have your negative results before entry.

To prove their state of residency, U.S. tourists will be allowed to use a State ID card or their driver’s license.  If you are traveling with minors who do not possess a valid State ID or driver's license, this requirement is waived for the minors.

Finally, starting in September, visitors can arrive by flight with a layover in a non-authorized location.  For example, a New Jersey resident could fly from Trenton to Fort Lauderdale to Costa Rica, as long as he or she doesn’t leave the airport in Florida.

Costa Rica has had it's borders closed since mid-March because of the global pandemic.  Earlier in August, the borders were open to the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada and now allow over 40 countries entrance.  Tourism is one of the largest industries in Costa Rica so having the borders open to the United States will allow the country to start it's economic recovery. 

*** Please be advised that the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Costa Rica due to the coronavirus and crime.**

I have lived in Costa Rica for the past 4 years and the country is eager to welcome you back.  The resorts and tour operators have been taking this time to establish protocols, with guidance from local health officials, to ensure the health and safety of tourists.  I have personally visited several of the resorts and can attest that they are ready to welcome you.

Here are the current requirements for border entry into Costa Rica:

  1. All people entering Costa Rica must complete the digital epidemiological form.  This is known as the “Health Pass” or “Pase de Salud.”
  2. Tourists must obtain a negative PCR-RT coronavirus test. The sample for this test must have been taken at most 72 hours before the flight to Costa Rica. 
  3. Tourists must purchase travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19. This policy can be international or purchased from Costa Rican insurers.
  4. Tourists from the United States must demonstrate, via their driver’s license or State ID, that they live in one of the authorized states.

Please contact me here with any travel questions.  Pura Vida!