UPDATE: Effective 6/12/2022, the United States will no longer require international travelers to get a COVID-19 test within one day of attempting to fly back to the USA.
It is time to travel, step out and start living because “Costa Rica Welcomes You Back.” You have had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica. As of November 12th, 2020, all USA citizens can travel to Costa Rica.
Over the last couple of years, we know it has been challenging to travel, and this article will help you with what you need to do to jump on that flight to come to see us, as requirements have changed entering Costa Rica and coming back to the United States.
Let’s break it down on how we can get you back down sooner than later.
Updated Entry Requirements for Visitors to Costa Rica
The country of Costa Rica implements various entry requirements for all visitors. These are simple steps that you can complete in concise order. CRE is a resource for you throughout this process.
You will need a valid passport and meet immigration requirements to enter Costa Rica, consisting of a return ticket home and an address where you will be staying in Costa Rica.
Importantly, a negative coronavirus test is not required to enter Costa Rica, and there is no quarantine mandate after arrival.
Over the last couple of years, Costa Rica required you to get travel insurance if you were unvaccinated and a Health Pass. However, as of April 1st, 2022, Costa Rica has revoked these requirements.
We suggest you head to the Costa Rica Tourism Board about travel requirements if you need more information.
COVID Restrictions in Costa Rica
Whether you want to visit Arenal Volcano or enjoy Costa Rica’s best beaches, the coronavirus restrictions within the country are relatively non-intrusive.
All Costa Rican activities can operate, which means beaches, national parks, adventure tours, hot springs, and all the attractions that make Costa Rica an ecotourism hotspot are open.
All businesses are operating at total capacity, including hotels, bars, restaurants, and casinos, as the country approved on April 1st, 2022.
Costa Rica does ask you to take precautions for COVID, as simple as washing your hands, wearing a mask if you feel the need to, and not traveling if you are sick. In general, be prepared to have a mask handy at all times.
If you have questions regarding the coronavirus in Costa Rica, a hotline with Spanish- and English-speaking operators are available by dialing 1322.
How Many Cases of COVID-19 Are There in Costa Rica?
This Google query shows Costa Rica’s COVID-19 total cases and deaths, far less than the USA and many other countries.
The new president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, eliminated the use of masks for the population, and people do not have to be vaccinated. The only people who need to wear a mask are public health care workers.
President Chaves stated, “The decree wants to give freedom and responsibility to Costa Ricans for their health.”
The Ministry of Health is the authority in Costa Rica that officially releases any verified information regarding COVID-19 in Costa Rica. Therefore, please visit the ministry’s website to access the most up-to-date reports and guidelines regarding the spread of this virus inside Costa Rican borders.
Costa Rica Medical Care
Costa Rica has a robust public and private healthcare network. As a result, thousands of Americans visit Costa Rica each year to receive affordable, high-quality medical care!
If you get sick (with Covid-19 or anything else), you’re never far from excellent care.
Planning Your Trip Back Home
If you’re starting to dream of a trip to Costa Rica, you may be focusing on where to go and what to do. But now more than ever, it’s important to do your due diligence when it comes to international travel.
Many countries, including the United States and Canada, required a negative coronavirus test within one day of flying home. Thankfully, more than 100 different labs across Costa Rica offer coronavirus tests for tourists, so visitors can feel comfortable knowing there are plenty of options to fulfill their travel requirements. However, this requirement is lifted as of 6/12/2022.
Costa Rica doesn’t impose any specific restrictions when flying out of the country.
Effective 6/12/2022, the United States will no longer require international travelers to get a COVID-19 test within one day of attempting to fly back to the USA from Costa Rica. The CDC has stated that:
“The CDC will reassess the decision in 90 days and could reinstate it if there were a new COVID variant of concern, the official said.” (source)
Where To Get Tested In Costa Rica?
If you want to get a COVID-19 test while traveling in Costa Rica, the US Embassy in Costa Rica has helpful information. They state:
“Results for COVID 19 tests conducted in San Jose and the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are generally available within 24 (hours). Tests conducted outside the GAM may take longer to process, including in remote and coastal locations. It is important to ask the testing facility for the expected results date when scheduling an appointment. Testing is available at medical facilities across Costa Rica. Follow this link for a complete list of properly licenses testing locations.” (source)
There are also opportunities to get a COVID test at each airport in Costa Rica, San Jose (SJO) – Juan Santamaria Internation Airport and in Liberia (LIR) – Daniel Obuder Quiros International Airport. It is suggested that you arrive at least four hours before your flight. Here is the link to learn more about the COVID testing at the airports.
Conveniently, Costa Rica Escapes has been making all of the necessary arrangements for travelers’ Covid PCR tests while on vacation. We have been working the appointment efficiently into itineraries so that travelers are not greatly inconvenienced during your much-deserved vacation. We have been ensuring that our travelers’ COVID tests have been be taken within the required 24 hours, and in some cases, we have arranged for tests to be taken from the comforts of travelers’ hotel to minimize the time needed for this.
However, due to the Biden Administration’s change on 6/12/2022, a COVID-19 test upon return to the United States will no longer be necessary!
The 2022 Costa Rica Travel Summary
It is time for you to come back and visit Costa Rica. The requirements are pretty simple.
Tourists simply need:
- A valid passport.
- A return flight home.
- The address where you will be staying is in Costa Rica.
And, of course, our team at Costa Rica Escapes will make sure you know what you need to know before traveling as you figure out what part of Costa Rica you want to see, such as the Caribbean Side, the Pacific Side, Monteverde, or any city throughout Costa Rica.
Costa Rica will welcome you with open arms whenever you’re ready to travel. Contact us below.
John Rabenau has been working in the eco-tourism & adventure travel industry in Costa Rica since 2002. He has worked in a variety of capacities from Outdoor Educator & Principle Guide to Itinerary Design Manager & Business Owner for numerous organizations. He has grown Costa Rica Escapes into one of the most reputable Costa Rica travel agencies since its creation in 2006, hosting more than 5,000 people with custom vacation itineraries.