Jeff_Costa_Rica

Costa Rica will reopen its airports August 1 for the first time since mid-March. Land borders will remain closed. For the time being, only visitors from Canada, UK, and EU will be allowed in. American visitors and flights being allowed back will depend on the US getting the coronavirus pandemic under control. No one expects that to happen soon.

Visitors must present a negative COVID-19 test that was taken no more than 48 hours before their arrival. They must fill out an online epidemiological form. They must have or purchase health insurance that covers them for any medical expenses while in Costa Rica.

aprildavies1037

Does anyone know if US citizens will be allowed in Costa Rica if they are traveling from EU, UK or Canada? For example people who have been living abroad and have not returned to the US since before the Covid crisis or do you think US passports will be virtually useless regardless where we've been living?

Jeff_Costa_Rica

A US passport will keep you out for now. It doesn't matter where you've been living or where you fly from.

volcanogirl

Thanks for the update. Nice to see the safety steps they're putting into place.

volcanogirl

https://www.nacion.com/el-pais/infra...3ca31e7/video/ is a nice video showing some of the steps the airport is implementing.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Thank you for posting that, volcanogirl.

Supposedly the rule about only passengers entering the terminal has been in effect since Sept. 11, 2001, but they've gotten lax about that. I'm glad to see they'll enforce that again.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

The Costa Rican consulate in Miami is now saying that US citizens could fly to Costa Rica under those circumstances. (That's different than the original announcement.) You would have to have spent at least 14 days in Canada, UK, or EU, and fly nonstop from one of those countries to Costa Rica. You'd still have to present a negative COVID-19 test, fill out all the epidemiological forms, and buy health insurance in Costa Rica.

chenoamason7581

How has the situation been there? Is it worth spending the money on the travel or better to wait still? I want to be able to enjoy the trip, not just have to sit in a hotel room.
Thanks!

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Open-air tourist attractions are generally open. National parks might be partly open, that is. some trails or sectors are open but others are closed. Beaches are open until 2:30 pm. Restaurants can operate at 50% capacity. Bars and nightclubs are closed. A lot of places have not reopened, though, because demand is so low.

Masks are required when inside any establishment other than your hotel room or when eating or drinking inside a restaurant. Beyond that, anytime you are indoors, you must wear a mask, and there is no room or patience for debate about it. No mask, no entry, period.