[ June 4, 2021 Update ]
Costa Rica has welcomed tourists from Canada, European countries, and all U.S. residents since November 1, 2020, among other nations as well. The Costa Rica government has simplified and streamlined the entry process for tourists.
Tourists must purchase and show proof of 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.
Two Costa Rican companies that offer pre-approved travel insurance plans are the National Insurance Institute (INS) and Sagicor. This means their policies are guaranteed to be accepted when you enter Costa Rica.
For the complete entry requirements for tourists to Costa Rica see the government’s Institute of Costa Rican Tourism updated information here:
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
For U.S. residents returning to the U.S. please see this page for U.S. re-entry requirements.
August 1, 2020
Costa Rica reopens to tourists on August 1, 2020, by commencing international commercial flights from a select list of countries at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose.
Tourism is one of the primary sectors of the Costa Rican economy. Hundreds of thousands of people are employed directly and indirectly in jobs that are connected to providing tourists with services for their travels. There is no greater wish for local business owners, big and small, than to welcome back tourists and continue to give the memorable vacation that visitors have come to experience over and over again in Costa Rica.
However, that wish comes with the need for a safe environment in which to visit Costa Rica; safe for those who live in the country and those who are visiting.
The Costa Rican government continues to have nationwide COVID-19 related restrictions, such as vehicular restrictions (by license plate), mask-wearing, and which commercial business can be open and how.
Areas with COVID-19 cases are under Orange Alert and have more restrictions than areas under Yellow Alert. Where we host our yoga and surf retreats on the Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Santa Teresa, the restrictions are Yellow Alert.
Commencing on August 1, 2020, beaches will be open from 5:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., extended from the previous closure time 9:30 a.m.
For travelers who want to come to Costa Rica as a tourist, the following information is an excerpt from a July 29, 2020 Tico Times article, as translated from the announcement by the Costa Rica government.
The authorized countries from where travelers will be granted permission to enter Costa Rica on a tourist visa as of August 1, 2020, are as follows:
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland.
Travelers from the U.S. (a non-authorized country), for example, will not be able to transit through Canada and fly to Costa Rica. Travelers will need to complete 14 days of quarantine in Canada before flying to Costa Rica.
There will be a review and update of authorized countries every two weeks.
Tourists will need to present a negative result COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Costa Rica and will not need to quarantine.
Costa Rica takes very seriously that the pandemic protocols and regulations are respected and followed by all. This is not about every person for him/herself, rather, as is part of the culture, there is care for the community by the community. Neighbors help their neighbors and visitors alike.
Tourists will receive a warm welcome by Costa Rica!
