Costa Rica is open to U.S. travelers -- and you don't need a COVID test to get in
Editor's Note
Back in November, U.S. travelers across all states and territories were allowed to resume travel to Costa Rica.
There's an even more interesting twist: you won't even need to bring a negative COVID test result with you.
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In addition to eliminating the requirement of a PCR diagnostic test with a negative result, a quarantine period is also not required.
Travelers entering the country's three international airports (Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport (LIR) and Tobías Bolaños Airport (SYQ)) have to follow certain entry requirements like having a health pass form completed and health insurance as detailed below.
Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery
Who can visit Costa Rica?
All U.S. residents can visit Costa Rica as of Nov. 1, 2020 -- and without a negative COVID test result.
What are the new entry requirements?
While the requirements to enter Costa Rica are lenient, there are still certain entry requirements including mandatory traveler's medical insurance.
To be allowed entry, travelers must complete the following requirements:
- Fill out the electronic epidemiological health pass form before departure
- Show proof of traveler’s medical insurance, either purchased internationally or directly from Costa Rica through the National Insurance Institute or Sagicor.
- For international insurance policies, tourists must request a certification from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish, verifying at least the following three conditions:
- Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to Costa Rica
- Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000
- Includes minimum coverage of $2,000 for potential quarantine lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic
- Note that any emergency medical or dental coverage provided by credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve will not meet this requirement.
- Of course, you'll still need a passport (and visa, if required) to enter Costa Rica like usual.
Bottom line
Costa Rica remains open as well as not requiring a quarantine period.
As of March 10, 2021, Costa Rica has 207,832 cumulative coronavirus cases with 2,848 COVID-19-related deaths.
If you are looking for a place to travel internationally for spring break, Costa Rica could be a worthwhile option since having a negative test is not required for entry. However, because the U.S. requires testing within three calendar days of your flight home, it is important to identify a clinic in Costa Rica that can provide testing.
The Costa Rican government has authorized many labs to provide testing throughout Costa Rica and there are several private labs that offer both PCR and antigen tests that can be found here.
Also, note that many bars and nightclubs remain closed or at reduced capacity.
While it's great that Costa Rica remains open to U.S. travelers, it is important to still follow guidelines of mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related: TPG's destination guide to Costa Rica
Additional reporting by Katherine Fan, Madison Blancaflor and Adrienne Jordan.