costa rica travel requirements from canada

Requirements

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Welcome to Costa Rica!

Requirements to enter the country.

Entry to Costa Rica has been opened to tourists from all countries.

All tourists must comply with the immigration processes established in the General Immigration and Aliens Act (Ley General de Migración y Extrangería).

During your visit in Costa Rica, you are required to comply with the health protocols put in place by private companies when participating in any tourism activities in the country.

In accordance with Article 42 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens (No. 8764) and Article 30 of the Immigration Control Regulation (Executive Decree No. 36769-G), foreign nationals intending to enter Costa Rica must provide:

• A valid passport or travel document. Passports and travel documents will only be accepted if they can be read electronically in line with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and must be valid for the period set forth in these guidelines.
• Visa, if required under these guidelines.
• Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
• Return ticket to the country of origin or plan of onward travel that includes the next destination.
• No impediment to entering Costa Rican territory.

MAXIMUM STAY:

The maximum legal stay for foreign nationals will be determined by the immigration agent upon their entry into the country.

Countries in the first group: UP TO 180 CALENDAR DAYS, NON-EXTENDABLE 

Countries in the second group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS

Countries in the third group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Countries in the fourth group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Please remember:

• In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need a ticket for a return flight, which the immigration official will ask to see when you arrive. It is recommended that you make a photocopy of your passport with the entry stamp, which you should carry with you at all times during your stay.
• The number of days you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica will depend on the group your country of origin belongs to.
• The immigration official may ask you to demonstrate that you have the funds needed for your stay in the country.
• The immigration official may indicate in your passport that your permitted stay will be for a different amount of time.
• Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof that they will be leaving the country before their visa or entry stamp expires.

All travelers must therefore have a ticket for return or onward travel.

Non-residents must have a ticket for return or onward travel if they:

Are arriving on a one-way ticket.

Are entering the country with a return ticket that is more than 90 days after their date of arrival.

Are flying to Costa Rica and flying out of a different country.

By law, a return or onward travel ticket may be on one of the following means of approved commercial transportation:

• A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country.
• A pre-purchased flight out of the country.
• Proof of passage on a cruise ship.

Obligatory declarations when entering or leaving Costa Rica:

When entering or leaving a port of entry to Costa Rica, if you are carrying an amount equal to or greater than US$10,000 in cash or securities, or its equivalent in other currencies, you must request and complete the form designated for this purpose in the immigration checkpoint and present it to the Customs Authority for verification. The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures.

Failure to follow the provisions of Costa Rican law (No. 8204, Article 35) will result in the immediate forfeiture of the money.

What kind of vaccines do visitors to Costa Rica need?

As of July 30, 2007, Costa Rican authorities require all travelers from the following countries to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as the Republic of Guyana.

If you need more information, please click here

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Costa Rica Travel Restrictions

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Travelling from Canada to Costa Rica

Open for vaccinated visitors

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Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

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Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Costa Rica from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Costa Rica.

Can I travel to Costa Rica if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Costa Rica without restrictions.

Can I travel to Costa Rica without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Costa Rica without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Costa Rica?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Costa Rica.

Can I travel to Costa Rica without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Costa Rica?

Mask usage in Costa Rica is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Costa Rica?

Restaurants in Costa Rica are open. Bars in Costa Rica are .

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Costa Rica Entry Requirements for Tourists: FAQs & Answers

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Required Documents to Enter Costa Rica

This is a tricky question as the regulations have changed several times without notice over the last few years.  Therefore, we recommend that you visit the Costa Rica Embassy website for exact details.

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The short answer is: You will need the following documents to enter Costa Rica:

1. A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival to Costa Rica.

2. An airline ticket in your name to leave Costa Rica within 90 days of your arrival date.

Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries are not required to have a visa to visit Costa Rica.

Visit the Costa Rica Embassy website for your specific country .

You will be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from any of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, and Venezuela.

Once in Costa Rica, you are required to carry your passport or a copy of it which includes the complete photo and data page as well as the visa stamp page.

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Costa Rica Travel Information

Costa Rica COVID Travel: What You Need to Know

July 1, 2023 By Sammi 236 Comments

If you plan on visiting Costa Rica, here is what you need to know about visiting during COVID-19. Read all about Costa Rica COVID travel, Costa Rica entry requirements, where to get a COVID test in Costa Rica and what happens if you test positive for COVID in Costa Rica.

As the COVID pandemic has been declared “over”, Costa Rica has not really updated any information about the situation in Costa Rica. We will only update this post if there are new updates.

Current Costa Rica Coronavirus Situation

Please click on this link, Costa Rica coronavirus to read the latest updates and statistics.

Costa Rica COVID Travel Restrictions and Border Opening

Costa Rica closed their borders beginning of March 2020.

On November 1, 2020, Costa Rica opened their borders to all countries in the world via air. On April 5, 2021, Costa Rica opened the land borders between Nicaragua and Panama.

Costa Rica Entry Requirements (COVID-19)

**As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. Still valid on January 1, 2023.** Costa Rica does not require quarantine, a health pass, travel insurance, QR code or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. There are no COVID-19 sanitary requirements to enter Costa Rica. Entering Costa Rica is exactly how it used to be before the pandemic.

The only sanitary measures and requirements for tourists is some places may still require face masks, hand washing and temperature taking.

Traveling around Costa Rica is nearly exactly how it used to be before COVID. There are nearly zero restrictions.

Do I have to be vaccinated to go to Costa Rica?

No. You do not have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for Costa Rica. Costa Rica is not requiring tourists to be vaccinated against COVID. Fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people can enter Costa Rica. You don’t need to have any booster shots to enter Costa Rica.

Costa Rica will not ask you for any COVID-19 vaccination information when you enter the country.

>> Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! <<

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Costa Rica COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Tourists Need to Know About

When it comes to COVID restrictions in Costa Rica, the only ones pertaining to tourists are hand washing and temperature taking when required. Face mask wearing is 100% optional in all places except required in medical and health facilities.

There are no other restrictions – no driving restrictions, no curfew, etc. Costa Rican establishments do not require any proof of vaccination to enter.

Please check our post Costa Rica COVID to see details.

Do I Need to Wear a Mask in Costa Rica?

As of May 11, 2022, face masks in public spaces, open spaces and indoors have no longer been mandatory in Costa Rica except for health officials. However, individual establishments may still require them for their guests and people can still wear them if they wish.

Likewise, the face mask mandate may be reinstated at any point, particularly indoors and public transportation settings, so please be aware of this and bring at least one mask with you still.

My Experience Flying into Costa Rica

I flew into Liberia (Guanacaste) International Airport in October 2022 and into San Jose International Airport in June 2022. Since the previous COVID entry requirements were removed on April 1st, flying into Costa Rica was exactly like how it was pre-COVID. No negative test required, no quarantine, no health pass, no insurance, nothing was checked.

At immigration, the officer will ask how many days you are in Costa Rica, your first destination and occupation.

Then after passing immigration, it is normal procedure. Pick up luggage, go through customs and then exit airport. See what it’s like to go through customs and immigration in Costa Rica in our post.

**Please note due to the increase of flights arriving at the same time, immigration and customs has been taking much longer. P lease take that into consideration for your transportation plans when you land**

Where to Get a COVID test in Costa Rica

In case you need to get a COVID test in Costa Rica whether you are feeling sick or if you need one to re-enter your home country, nearly all labs, clinics and hospitals can administer COVID tests.

Please check your home country requirements to see what they require for re-entry. **The United States has removed its COVID test requirement on June 12, 2022. That means that air travelers entering the United States from abroad will no longer need to produce a 24 hour negative COVID test result.***

COVID tests in Costa Rica are done via a nasal swab.

Cost and Turnaround Time

The cost of a COVID test in Costa Rica varies between $55-300 USD per test. Antigen tests have an average of 1-8 hour turnaround time and are cheaper ~$50 USD. A PCR test is around $150 USD with a turnaround time of around 24-72 hours. Some labs may offer same day PCR tests for ~$300 and at home tests are now available. Results will be emailed in English or Spanish.

What Happens If You Test Positive for COVID in Costa Rica?

First, if you are feeling sick or believe you have COVID-19, isolate yourself and go to a clinic or lab to get tested.

If you need hospitalization, Costa Rica will not refuse anyone who requires COVID-19 hospital care regardless of their immigration and vaccination status.

Then if you are taking the test to re-enter your home country, airlines will not let you board with a positive test result. If your home country requires a negative test and you test positive, you will have to quarantine a given amount of days (usually 5- 14), which is determined by the doctor who attended you and the severity of the disease. You will have to comply with the entire duration of your stay at home order – even if you test negative during that period of time.

Tourists won’t be penalized if they overstay their tourist visa due to a stay at home quarantine order.

This is one of the reasons why we highly tourists to purchase a travel insurance, even though it is not mandatory. Many travel insurances will now cover COVID costs and it is especially important now since travel is still very messy with lots of flight delays and cancellations. Check our post for travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica here.

What Is Open in Costa Rica Right Now During COVID-19?

Everything. It is exactly how it used to be pre-COVID. There are no restrictions at all.

Had to Reschedule Your Trip? Here Are Some Helpful Resources

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica destinations guide (Best places to visit)

Costa Rica weather

Mytanfeet Costa Rica destination map

How to avoid crowds in Costa Rica

Disclaimer: Costa Rica border openings, travel restrictions and entry requirements are ever changing. We do our best to update this post with the latest information as much as possible. Please remember that the decision to travel is up to you and it is your responsibility to stay safe. Make sure to check the recommendations of your country when it comes to international travel.

Reader Interactions

April 6, 2023

Hi! Thank you for the information you have shared. Very helpful.

I am curious if you know about any requirements when arriving back in the USA after a visit to CR?

I am considering traveling from USA April 29, 2023 and returning May 6, 2023.

US no longer requires a negative COVID test to reenter the country from abroad

June 4, 2022

In order to get the quarantine, if you took an at home test, you need to contact the ministry of health yourself because with an at home test, results are not sent to the government, if you tested positive from a test done at a lab in costa rica, your results will be sent and the doctor will give you your quarantine information.

We just had a client test positive last week after getting her results back from her lab test here and they gave her order in one day so try to call them or maybe the email went to spam? Or you can try to call the lab you got your test with if you took a test in costa rica

June 2, 2022

Hello. I am in San Jose right now 6/1 and I tested positive for covid. I am confused as to when I will hear from the ministry of health. How long has it taken for other people to get their quarantine orders? I’m already self quarantining but I haven’t heard anything and I have no idea if I have to stay here for two more days or 10 more days since my symptoms started 7 days ago (And I have been quarantined for six of those days already, due to a positive home test, before I even got this official test). So my question is, how long does it normally take for the ministry of health to contact a covid positive tourist? I cannot find anything official about this. So barring anything official, can I hear about experiences with testing positive upon departure?

April 25, 2022

Hi. Flying out of Costa Rica at end of May. Canada does not require a covid test for fully vaxxed. Does Costa Rica require a covid test to get on plane even though Canada does not require it to enter the country? Thank you.

Costa Rica does not have any exit requirements.

Charlotte says

April 11, 2022

Hi! My family and I are going to Costa Rica next month and we aren’t sure if we need to be Covid tested or not before being able to return to the US. None of us are vaccinated. Anybody know?

April 12, 2022

Hi Charlotte, as of today, the US does require a negative test 24 hours before your flight, please check the CDC website (international travel section) for details and for updates

March 14, 2022

We will be in CR next week and are going to book appointments at the San Jose testing facility prior to our return. Our flight home is super early in the morning. Do you know if we’re able to get to the facility via car the evening before to do the test? I’m unclear if it’s accessible to the public, or if you have to be at the airport to access.

Thanks for your help.

I’m sure you can, you can make the appointment on the website and it’ll have the details

Natalie says

February 8, 2022

Thank you so much for your blog. Lots of useful information! One question – for covid testing to come back into the United States – can you use an at home test? As long as it is travel approved?

Yes I do know the US CDC website has a section regarding at home tests and which ones they accept so I would check their website

January 28, 2022

Are you considered fully vaccinated for the QR code or the vaccination card if you have had the first two jabs but not the booster yet?

Yes, the last dose must have been administered at least 14 days before your arrival day to Costa Rica, Costa Rica is not requiring the booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated (as of today – always check because things change all the time)

January 26, 2022

Hi Bailey, the CDC uses certain criteria to classify countries so with an Incidence Rate (new cases over past 28 days per 100,000 population) of more than 500, it is level 4, we have had a big increase of confirmed cases here in Costa Rica so per that criteria they moved us to Level 4. Our population is a little more than 5 million, and lately, there has been like 2-56000 average cases a day

Annette says

January 27, 2022

What happens after March 7 if I am already in Costa Rica with a tour group that is scheduled to depart on March 10? The new regulations about restaurants and hotels say that after that date tourists are not permitted

February 6, 2022

As of today, the date is March 8 when they will put the mandatory QR code in effect

Arielle says

February 15, 2022

Sorry to belabor this point but to be clear starting March 8th a person will not be able to enter any establishments (restaurant’s etc.) or participate in any activities (i.e. zipline, ATV etc.) if they are not fully vaccinated?

February 23, 2022

Correct that is what they said

In the hotels and resorts do you need to be fully vaccinated to stay there or can you stay unvaccinated?

April 26, 2022

There are no sanitary measures for COVID anymore in Costa Rica, as of April 1, they’ve removed all restrictions (only left is the mandatory face masks and hand washing)

Bailey says

I saw that the US (CDC) has raised travel to Costa Rica to a level 4 (Do Not Travel) because of a high-level of Covid in the country. Has there been a report of cases increasing significantly? My family has plans to return in mid April.

susan lopez says

January 24, 2022

HI we are arriving this Friday Jan 28 at 6pm to SJO- heard from a San Jose resident that its taking up to 6 hours to get through customs because they are so short on staff due to the 15 day stay at home policy if you get covid – workers are at 30%. Have you heard of this and can you provide any links to the actual articles?

I don’t know what article they’re talking about but it is true immigration and customs is taking a lot longer (customs is for luggage, immigration is for people).

Bobbi Summers says

Great Blog! You guys are awesome! Just to clarify… We will be in Jaco 24 hours prior to departure to US, and will need the rapid test. Listed on the approved site was only 1 location in Jaco and it was PCR only. You had listed 3. One of your other comments implied that some these service locations take your test to an approved location to be tested… hence Jaco has 3 approved places… correct?? Sorry to be a pain… This must be one of the most commented on posts I have seen!!

Yes so many nurses/doctors or clinics that take your sample will then send it to an approved lab to do the actual test.

Stephane Utz says

January 22, 2022

Hello, We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in April. My wif and myself are vaccinated but our children of 9 and 13 are not. Will they need to be in order to access public places like hotels, restaurants, museum,…? Thanks, Stephane

As of today, they said that children 12 and up will need to present the QR code (for proof of vaccination) if establishments ask for it

Michael says

January 21, 2022

Hello, You mention in your update not to rely on shared shuttles due to low availability. Is this still the case please?

Yes, never assume that all shared shuttle routes are running, many of them are now requiring at least 4 people to run so you will need to check availability if you are just 1 person

January 20, 2022

No, the insurance is required to enter the country for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals but it won’t be accepted to enter establishments after Feb 8 (at least so far – government hasn’t made any new updates on it so they are only accepting the QR code for fully vaccinated individuals)

Matthew YANTZ says

Thank you for the help.

Hello, I a. Planning on traveling to CR Feb 5 to 12. I am fully vaccinated but my wife is not vaccinated. We have both tested positive over Christmas. I have no problem buying the insurance for her, but I can’t find any info if the insurance covers us going to hotels, restaurants, bars etc.

Jolene says

January 14, 2022

Thank you for all this information, it’s very helpful! My husband and I plan to travel to CR next week and trying to research tests for coming back to the US. I have seen a few people who had at home Binax antigen tests done with verification via televisit to travel home when traveling abroad. Have you seen this allowed in CR?

January 15, 2022

The test to re-enter the US has to fulfill the USA regulations and requirements (not Costa Rica’s since you’re departing Costa Rica), I believe the CDC has a section about home tests on their international travel page

chris drown says

January 13, 2022

My husband and I, along with friends are coming to Costa Rica arriving Feb 5, 2022. We are thinking of purchasing the approved BinaxNow rapid test with telehealth service to bring with us. We plan to pack the test in our checked luggage. Do you know if customs at Liberia airport allows us to bring them into the country? We also plan to bring additional test kits to test once a week while there.

Thank you. I have enjoyed reading your site very much.

I think so – I’ve gotten some feedback from people who did their self administered test in CR so they brought it down themselves

Sandra says

January 7, 2022

Hi, We are in this beautiful country and have been able to stay at places that are out of the grid in the jungle as only visitors and felt more safe than at home in our own country which is Sweden in this case. I strongly recommend people to investigate jungle lodges in our case in the south area (Corcovado & Golfo Dulce).

To my question, me and the boyfriend have been wondering if there is a specific quarantine accommodations, a list of accommodations one must choose from and that is mandated/listed by the CR authorities if one of us test positive? We haven’t been able to find official I formation regarding the procedure when a tourist test positive.

Thanks in advance & thank you for sharing the info above!

Stay safe & God bless!

January 11, 2022

From what I have read, you will need to find your own place and hotels may deny you if you are COVID positive. The couple people I knew who tested positive rented an Airbnb

Dean Thompson says

January 5, 2022

Excellent blog site full of detailed and accurate info – KUDOS!

I have twice entered Costa Rica in the last 5 months (once by air initially and subsequently by land as a border hope to renew my tourist visa). I relied upon an electronic copy of a receipt for shuttle bus with a well established company in Costa Rica as proof of ongoing travel. They advised that this is very common practice and they have never had a problem. In neither case was I actually asked to show my proof of ongoing travel. All that said, I agree with blog authors that an ongoing plane ticket is most secure and lots of folks buy a ticket that is fully refundable and then cancel shortly after entering country to improve flexibility on how and when they will exit the country before their visa runs out.

Chaise says

January 10, 2022

Hello, thanks for your blog it really helps. My question is do you have any experience or an opinion on using a travel agency like bestonwardticket.com or onwardticket.com to provide proof of onward travel. The way I understand the process is that your renting a plane ticket and its all legit but im not sure.

Thanks again, Leaving for CR in 3 days!!!

I have known people who used that website – I have never personally used it but I know many people who have.

You can also purchase a refundable flight or many airlines have a 24 hour window where you can cancel without penalty

Sabrina says

January 4, 2022

Hi, thanks so much for your blog – it’s so useful!

I’m coming to Costa Rica in April and I plan to stay a couple of months and then travel around Central America. I was told that at the Airport they will accept a bus ticket out of Costa Rica as proof of you existing the country – is this your understanding too?

Just post just mentions flights, so I thought it was worth checking as it’s been worrying me!

It honestly depends – pre COVID they would sometimes accept bus tickets but airlines are getting stricter so they may not, it’ll depend on the agent. To avoid any hassle, a flight is the best proof out, you could try with a bus ticket but it really will depend on the agent if they decide its enough which is why I always recommend a flight as that is 100% to be accepted as proof

Judy Walsh says

January 3, 2022

Not a comment, but rather, a question. I live in CR and have for over 4-1/2 years. I applied for residency in October of 2019, and still have not received my Resolution. I am fully vaccinated with Pfizer and have had my booster shot two weeks ago today. I have my QR code. I need to make a border run in the next two weeks (Los Chiles) but I cannot find clear information about what I need to do for entry to Nicaragua and then return to CR the same day. Could you please help me understand what I do and do not need. I REALLY do not want to buy the insurance again for three more months.

Hi Judy, you’re fully vaccinated so you don’t need to purchase the insurance for Costa Rica anymore but Nicaragua does require a PCR test to enter and it’s within 72 hours from last time I had checked. Also although you’re in process for residency, I would recommend to still bring proof of you leaving Costa Rica within 90 days because from my experiences, immigration is classifying you as a resident if you have DIMEX card, and a tourist if you do NOT have a DIMEX card even if you’re in the process – they’re classifying it either tourist or resident, one or the other and not in between

Even though this one is for Penas Blancas, it is the same entry/exit requirements so you can check this post: https://mytanfeet.com/travel-tips/crossing-the-border-between-costa-rica-and-nicaragua/

Dennis christensen says

December 29, 2021

Hi Guys! We are coming there again in march. We fly out on a Monday and we need to be tested within 72hrs of flying. Do they do testing and run the labs all weekend for results? We will be based in Tamarindo btw.

December 30, 2021

Some labs may not open Sunday but most open Saturday

Ramiro Tijerina says

January 1, 2022

This information is very helpful since I have a trip to CR in Sept. Every little bit will help out especially in this area. The content on this blog is straight to the point and easy to understand.

December 28, 2021

We wife and I just spent 8 days in Guancaste on our first trip to CR….we loved it!!!! Thank you very much for all of the information you provide, it was very helpful.

We plan to return in April with our kids. Question: after February 8, 2022….will only fully vaccinated individuals be allowed to stay in hotels, hostels, airbnbs etc??

According to the government regulations they plan to put in the QR code mandate after Feb 8 so all establishments must ask for the QR code to allow only fully vaccinated in but just keep an eye bcause things are always changing

Brandon says

December 26, 2021

Is there any way to enter CR without a flight out for example if i wanted to walk across the border into nicaragua?

Land crossings will require you proof of leaving Costa Rica, actually land crossings tend to be more strict so I would make sure you have it.

December 21, 2021

So, as I understand it, before I leave Atlanta I will be asked to show QR code. It won’t be needed in CR? I apologize if I missed this in your articles.

December 23, 2021

CR immigration will ask you for it as well as airlines before you board

December 10, 2021

Thank you so much for this information! You are a life saver

I. Mora says

December 3, 2021

Thank you so much for your blog; the best that I found in the information helped me prepare to travel to Costa Rica. This is my first time traveling to this country. I hope to do not have any inconvenience and enjoy this vacation.

Best Regards,

November 16, 2021

Hi! First off thank you for your blog. It has really helped me prepare for my trip to Costa Rica. Our trip dates will be from November 28- December 18th which puts us right in the middle of the Transition period leading up to the Jan 8th covid mandate. Not everyone in my party is vaccinated. My question for you is, do you think those in my party that are not vaccinated will be able to go to restaurants, hotels and do activities? I am worried to go all the way to Costa Rica only find out that most of the business decided to follow the mandate early and are only taking in vaccinated individuals. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

We don’t know anything more than you to be honest because they just put in a temporary suspension of the mandate and they will make their final decision on the 18th. Then if the mandate goes forward, the only way we will know how establishments will operate is by a sign in their window indicating the mode of operation they are working under or if they announce it on their website/social media. I would check back after the 18th when the decision is supposed to be made. I do know of some businesses that are already preparing to follow the 100% fully vaccinated rules and some that are going to do 50% but we are all waiting to see what is supposed to be decided this week.

November 19, 2021

Has there been a set answer for the mandate with 11/18 being the date of decision?

Not yet (still no final final decision yet)

December 1, 2021

Still waiting to here if the mandate went into effect on 12/1. I have family traveling to Costa Rica the 8-12th of Dec. thanks for your help

Hello, yes it is in effect starting today

October 6, 2021

Hi Thank you very much for the insightful blog!!

is it required to provide negative tests or vaccinations to enter hotels and restaurants in Costa Rica?

Thanks in advance! Nils

Costa Rica doesn’t require COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country or move about the country (as of right now)

Sandy O says

December 14, 2021

Hello, We will be leaving CR to return to Canada on Feb 18th and plan to get our pre-flight PCR COVID test at the airport in Liberia. Can the test be booked a few days before or do their appointment times book up? I am reluctant to book this far ahead due to the possibility of flight time and date changes. Thanks, Sandy

Hi Sandy, please check their website to see what their policies are: https://covid.morphotr.com/

October 17, 2021

Hi Nils, on Oct 13, the government announced they will require the COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain establishments beginning on Dec 1, please read the section above for more details and we will be updating this post accordingly

October 5, 2021

Yes as long as it has the following information:

1. Name of the person who received the vaccine 2. Date of each dose 3. Pharmaceutical house (vaccine brand)

Is EU Digital COVID Certificate accepted for entry to Costa Rica? Or do you know where I can find this information?

September 9, 2021

Hi, we plan to go to Costa Rica and I also have to plan a place where to be tested before the departure back to the USA. Most probably we will be some 2-3 prior the flight in Monte Verde area, most probably in Santa Elena. Can you please recommend any place, laboratory where they do at least antigen tests? Do we need a reservation or walk-in is just ok? Would you know the price per person? I realised the tests in Costa Rica are quite expensive. The other place where to be tested can be also Tamarindo, so the same questions for this place as well… Do you have a good experience with the local labs? Do they provide the results rather sooner then 72 hours, the best would be within 24 hours… Thanks so much for any recommendations or ideas. I still hope USA won’t require the negative tests soon for those who are vaccinated.

September 10, 2021

Hi Andy, there is a section in this post about where to get a COVID test and I separated it out by locations.

Anne Theaker says

September 7, 2021

Hi this is a great article. We are fully vaccinated and will wear masks of course. I read on the government sites that COVID numbers and hospitalizations are quite high. Can you give me a little feedback on how “safe” it will be to visit in light of the pandemic? Thanks so much Annie

September 16, 2021

Hi Anne, yes it is true that our COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths have increased a lot lately unfortunately for Delta. However everything is open in Costa Rica and at this point, the government is just putting the responsibility on the individual to be safe. Social distancing really doesn’t exist, masks are required for indoors and in public transportation but I think it’s like anywhere else now. Delta is circulating and hospitalizations are at the highest but everything’s open.

August 31, 2021

Visit Costa Rica tourism board: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

September 27, 2021

Hi Sammy! Thank you for sharing all of this great information. I do not see ReNu Vitamin Therapy or Clinica Medical Dental Villarreal on the approved labs list. There will be seven of us needing to test, so I want to make sure. We will be staying in Tamarindo. Thank you!

Hi Tana, a lot of clinics will take the sample and then sent it to a certified lab somewhere else to get tested since they don’t have their own lab for testing – they just take the sample. If you check the Guanacaste section, you’ll see a row that says Laboratorios Echandi, Laboratorio Medical Huacas, Clínica dental, centro comercial EL Gollo, Villareal, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and that’s the Clinica Medical Dental Villarreal clinic (the last test I took I got it there).

Jennifer says

I am sure this has been asked before however can you please confirm that a negative PCR test is not required for entry..I’m flying from Canada..

August 21, 2021

Will they accept Geoblue Blue Cross & Blue Shield international insurance. Health pass still wants insurance info???

August 23, 2021

They’ll accept your insurance as long as it fulfills their requirements, the insurance is required for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated tourists

Daniel says

August 24, 2021

I checked their “Health Pass” website and it says nothing about the requirement being only for the un/partially vacced. https://salud.go.cr/ Can you provide a government resource confirming your information?

Thank you in advance.

August 25, 2021

https://sites.google.com/presidencia.go.cr/alertas/ingreso-de-turistas-al-pa%C3%ADs?authuser=0

Michelle Hennessy says

August 2, 2021

Hello, This is a very useful article! Thank you! Do children have to wear masks in Costa Rica? Is there an age guideline? Regards, Shelly.

Above 2 years of age need to wear masks

July 31, 2021

You can’t because the airline will ask you for your QR code before you board and will make you fill out the health pass in order to board the plane but I have heard that Costa Rica is not updating the health pass until midnight on July 31 so try again on Aug 1 to see if they have updated it.

Sophie says

August 7, 2021

Hello! I am traveling to Costa Rica tomorrow and am trying to fill out the health pass but it still asks for travel insurance. I am fully vaccinated. How can I upload my vaccine card to bypass this question. Thank you!

August 8, 2021

Hi Sophie, try to use another browser or clear your cookies, they updated it on Aug 1 but it may still have some glitches

Anthony Dorsey says

Can I fill out the Health Pass when I land in Costa Rica? I travel there Monday, August 2nd. I’m currently trying to fill out the Health Pass, but it won’t let me complete the questionnaire without the travel insurance info. I’m fully vaccinated, so I don’t need travel insurance.

July 10, 2021

Hi. Love your blog! Do you know where I can find the official announcement about the insurance requirements changing on August 1st? Everything I see still says it’s required for all visitors. Thanks!

Hi Ellen, we have already updated our blog post to reflect these changes, please go to the travel insurance requirement section to read more details. Fully vaccinated (14 days after last dose) people can enter Costa Rica without purchasing insurance starting August 1. Minors under the age of 18 too. Vaccines accepted are Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca.

Thanks Sammi I saw it on your blog and also on the Tico Times, but all of the Costa Rican government sites still say it is required, so I was hoping you could include a link to the official government announcement. Thanks!

July 11, 2021

(Spanish only): https://sites.google.com/presidencia.go.cr/alertas/ingreso-de-turistas-al-pa%C3%ADs

July 16, 2021

We are three travelers from Colorado US who are fully vaccinated and arrive on 7/31 at 6:45pm. With the cutoff for insurance starting 8/1, is there a way to ask for an exception to not obtain the insurance?

July 17, 2021

They are going by the date of entry so as you are entering before August 1, you have to purchase insurance for the entirety of your trip, they aren’t making exceptions.

Tracy Weddle says

July 7, 2021

Hello, after digging further into Trawick, I discovered that they have recently added Safe Travel Explorer for Costa Rica and it was $65 less for our family of 3 than Safe Travels Voyager! It is not on their website though so you have to get the link through the online chat person.

Hi Tracy, The Explorer option actually is on the website when you click on the Costa Rica travel insurance options, the Explorer is their budget option so it is a bit cheaper than the Voyager which gives the highest available benefits.

July 1, 2021

We had a great trip to osa peninsula in late April 2021 – used Trawick for travel insurance & saved a lot of $ using proctored covid self-test from emed.com – (need wifi connection). Antigen test widely accepted by US airlines. Highly recommend.

Mavelly says

June 22, 2021

Been reading your blog for a few days in preparation for my trip to Costa Rica over a month. Great info btw!

I have question about my stay. I will not need a tourist visa as I’m from the Netherlands, so that’s settled. But I do have a return ticket for after 4 months. I was planning to go to Nicaragua in the middle of my trip, so I won’t be in Costa Rica for more than 90 days. Will I need proof of some sort at immigration? I assume that they will be raising some eyebrows at the fact that I have my return ticket for over 4 months instead of 3…

You need to have proof of departure from Costa Rica within the time of your insurance. So if you purchase 90 days of insurance, you need proof of departure on the 90th day as they are giving tourist visas the same as the number of days of insurance you purchased, it is not an automatic 90 anymore.

If you don’t have proof of departure from Costa Rica by the time your insurance runs out, this will cause a problem at immigration.

June 10, 2021

Extremely helpful blog and post – finding out about Tarwick Insurance from your blog has saved me a ton of money by not having to buy coverage from the government recommended insurance companies (legalized scam)

Anthony says

Super helpful website, and we appreciated your help in booking a car through Adobe. We will be flying back to the U.S. out of Liberia and our flight leaves at 10:00 am. The onsite Covid testing company is open at 7:00am, and they say we must be at the airport 4 hours prior to our flight. I am wondering if we will have any difficulty if we arrive at the testing site when they open at 7, only 3 hours prior to our flight?

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

June 11, 2021

Hi Anthony, Echandi says clients have to arrive 4 hours before, so I’d contact them to see what they say if you can only arrive 3 hours before as we don’t know their policies except for they say 4 hours before.

June 9, 2021

Thank you so much for the detailed information! Is the form on mipruebacovid.com just for Hospital Metropolitano or is it required to be filled out regardless of where you get your test? We’re getting our tests done by Echandi at the Liberia Airport. I read on another blog that everyone has to fill it out because all testing facilities require it. However, I just sent a message via WhatsApp to Echandi and was told there’s no required form.

It will depend on the lab you get your test from – some do require it, some don’t. Not sure why, but each lab has their own conditions.

June 6, 2021

Hi, We have planned a trip to Costa Rica in June and now Costa Rica is still on do not travel list. Is there any issue if we ravel despite the warning?

June 7, 2021

On Costa Rica’s end, the country is open and is receiving tourists, they just need to purchase the COVID insurance and fill out a health pass. So it is up to you whether you feel comfortable traveling since Costa Rica is on the Level 4 of the US’s travel list.

Murali says

June 3, 2021

I am looking into the Travel Insurance (50K health and 2K delay) and the prices seem to vary so much. The local insurance companies are asking around 600-700 USD for a family of 4. However I have seen another US company (Trawick International) that is quoting 140 USD for a recognised plan covering non US residents (we are from Switzerland).

That seems too good to be true?

Hi Murali, Trawick is one of the cheaper/cheapest options that a lot of people have used. I used it back in December.

Heather says

May 25, 2021

Thank you so much for all of this great information! It’s been so helpful for our upcoming trip to Guanacaste. I have found conflicting information on the web about whether we need a visa or not. We are coming from US. We are coming for 1 week and we do have passports.

Thank you, Heather

US passport holders don’t need to apply for a tourist visa, it is given upon arrival and there is no charge. Just make sure to fulfill the entry requirements (health insurance, health pass).

Casper says

May 22, 2021

I have tested positive for covid the day of my flight home, yesterday 21 May. My tourist visa and Sagicor health insurance was for 6 days which expired yesterday. I am self isolating and waiting for the ministry if health to send me a Sanitary Order but apparently they are overwhelmed and it will take a few days. I am asymptomatic. My question is: if after the 10-14 days of isolation and if my covid test thereafter is negative and then I have to rebook my flight home which may be only available a few days later, what about my tourist visa and thexrequired health insurance? Will I need to apply for a visa extension first before buying a new flight ticket? Do I need to buy more Sagicor insurance now?

May 24, 2021

Hi Casper, in this case I would contact a Costa Rican immigration lawyer. As a blog we don’t have any knowledge when it comes to legal things like immigration. Sorry to hear about that hope it works out.

Todd Gubler says

May 10, 2021

In your blog you said: “For proof of recovery, it must be documentation of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your doctor or a public health official declaring you are clear to travel.”

Who is requiring the negative test or positive viral test and letter from a doctor? I recovered from COVID 4 weeks ago and I had my doctor write a letter for me and my sone but how will I know if it is sufficient?

May 11, 2021

The US requires this proof, please check the US CDC website for the exact documentation you need to prove you recovered from COVID and will be allowed to board the plane back to the US. (This is NOT Costa Rica’s requirement, it is the USA to re-enter the US from an international flight).

May 8, 2021

Thank you so much for your post, my wife and I are considering a trip to Costa Rica in June. What we have in mind is renting a whole house or apartment from someone (AirBnB). I assume that AirBnB are still possible during covid, but would appreciate if you can confirm.

Thanks again, -Dan

May 9, 2021

Airbnb is still working in Costa Rica

April 30, 2021

Dear Mytanfeet Team! Thank you so much for your regular updates – it’s much appreciated! We are confused about the land border opening to Costa Rica. We’d like to travel by Bus from Panama to Puerto Viejo, but there are contradictory information to be found online. At some it says land borders for tourists are open, but on another it was mentioned only for residents and Costa Rican Passport holders…we are just normal tourists. Do you have any information (or Link) whether we are allowed over the land border, of course with the required health pass and insurance? Thank you so much! Kind regards Jana

Hi Jana, for Costa Rica, they have opened their land borders completely at the beginning of April as long as tourists fulfill each country’s entry requirements.

Chuck Bluemel says

April 23, 2021

Good Morning: Hi my name is Chuck Bluemel and We have planed a trip to Costa Rica in May, I have been trying to take out The insurance plan the the government is requiring, I have been trying to get covered through Blue cross,Blue shields website I put in all the required information and when we are to purchase it is asking for Document type. 1- National Natural person 2. legal Person. 3. Dimex Certificate. 4. DIDI ID. I do not know which of these I should enter. Please let me know which one is the correct to enter. AsaP. Thanks

Hi Chuck! I would also recommend to check with a company called Trawick INsurance. They have a travel insurance specifically for Costa Rica which I’ve personally found to be way cheaper (just in case for other options). The Costa Rican pre-approved ones are expensive.

April 16, 2021

Hi, thanks a lot for you blog! It’s really helpful and thorough!

We are a family of 2 from Switzerland, we will be travelling on April 29 for 3 weeks. We’ll need to have a PCR test on May 17th, do you think it makes sense to book an appointment for test now or there’s still time?

I really hope there won’t be more restrictions during our stay Thanks!

April 18, 2021

You can wait to make your appointment in case you’re not sure where you will be, but you should contact the clinics just in case to see what they recommend (some places will require you to fill out a form, some places allow appointments a few days in advance, etc.) as each clinic has their own policies.

Veronica Redmond says

April 9, 2021

I will be in transit between Manuel Antonio and Jaco the day I need to take a Covid test. Would you recommend taking it at the hospital in Manuel Antonio or at the lab in Jaco?

April 10, 2021

Get the test at whichever lab/hospital gets back to you and has appointment space which works with your schedule.

Akshay Sawant says

Hi Samantha, I would love to visit Costa Rica again but this covid situation is not allowing me to get there but next year I will try to visit Costa Rica once again. Thank You!

Corine says

April 7, 2021

This is so thorough. Great job!

March 24, 2021

HI Sammi, We are traveling to CR in july as a family of 4. Do we need to purchase travel insurance as a family or do we need a separate policy for each person? We were looking at Trawick since they also have policies that cover additional parts of our trip that we want to insure.

March 25, 2021

Hi, every foreign person is required to have a travel policy to enter Costa Rica

Dan Buettner says

March 23, 2021

Thank you for putting this information and site together. I will be buying your travel guides to support your efforts.

I will be in Costa Rica 3/25 – 3-29 traveling along the Pacific side of the country and points south of Jaco to scope out a good place to stay for a couple months over the summer with my family. Conservationism is going to be the main theme this summer so I’m looking for good places and ideas for volunteering for animal protection activities.

Thanks again!

Anne A Jameson says

March 12, 2021

Hi Samantha! Thanks for the incredible info! Do you know if the Covid testing sites that you listed also offer an antigen test? Do you know the cost of the antigen test? That’s the only requirement to return to my home country.

Thank you!!

Many of the places do now, I know specifically Hospital Metropolitano offers antigen. It is around $85 USD + tax (varies between clinics/labs and locations)

nancy montes says

March 8, 2021

i am traveling to Nicaragua first to visit my parents then driving to Costa Rica using a Private Shuttle service called Easy Ride CR. are the borders open by land? crossing from Nicaragua to Costa Rica? I’ve read somewhere land is open April 1st? i would appreciate your guidance.

thank you for documenting your experience on this website very helpful.

Currently the border from Nicaragua – Costa Rica is closed until at least APril 1. The government will give us an update on that day whether they decide to extend the closure or not.

Jeremiah says

March 7, 2021

Thank you sooo much for the detailed information. We are flying in on Alaska July 7th for 10 days, mostly staying in Coco. I really hope that between now and then some of the restrictions are lifted, especially the return test requirement. But if not, you have helped us prepare.

June 20, 2021

Do you need to actually have a your return flight ticket or would showing your flight itinerary via the airline app be efficient enough? I know most times you can’t print a boarding pass until 24 hours before your flight.

I always take a screenshot of my flight itinerary that is sent to my email, as long as it shows your name, date of flight, airline, flight number and departure, that is what they need to see.

Heather Levitt says

February 28, 2021

Thank you so much for this blog. I’ve read quite a few of your blogs to prepare for a Brief trip to Uvita on May 4th. I was wondering though if you have any tips for traveling to Uvita during the pandemic. I already have a packing list, tons of bug spray and sunblock, and rain gear. I also understand it’s a 4 hour drive from the airport 🙂

Specifically do you know of any COVID-19 testing sites we should contact prior to travel to ensure we are compliant upon returning to the States? Also any tips or recommendations for the Uvita area are greatly appreciated. We are staying in an Airbnb and are renting a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I would love any local recommendations for food and sight seeing too. We like the real experience and prefer to avoid high tourism areas. Thank you in advance for any recommendations you have a moment to provide.

March 2, 2021

Hello Heather, in this post I have a section for where to get a COVID test you can get information for.

Here is our Uvita, Costa Rica guide. Have a great time.

Costa Ricky Windhorst says

March 3, 2021

Just returned from Costa Rica. TWO IMPORTANT things to know. Get the insurance (two people 7 days $153). It makes it easy to get into the country. Next and most important, make an appointment with the Clinica online and they will schedule an appointment. We were told by Stay in Costa Rica to just show up at the clinic for 9:00am two days before we departed. WRONG! We almost didn’t get out of the country, luckily for $152. per person the doctors came to our condo and admistered the test. Unfortunately we lost a whole day of vacation waiting for them to show. They were scheduled to be there for noon and got there at 4:30 pm.

Veronica says

March 16, 2021

With the Clinica online, what town was that for? I’m looking for testing when we get to Jaco Beach and was hoping to find someone to come to us.

Danielle says

February 27, 2021

I was just tested at lab jaco. They do have rapid antigen tests available for $75 US. Results came by email in 24 hours. Process was easy, and quick. No issues returning to US.

Thank you for the feedback!

March 1, 2021

Did you do the anitgen because you knew you previously had it? There is a cost difference from the anitgen for $75 and the NAAT which ranges $125-$300. I don’t know how to decide which one to get.

Both Antigen and PCR are accepted by the US for entry (in case that is what you need it for).

March 11, 2021

How did you contact lab jaco to get your rapid antigen test? We will be testing in Jaco but the quote was for $130 per person. Thank you!

Yeraldi says

March 26, 2021

Hi Danielle what is the name of the clinic in jaco? I will be there in May im looking for places.

March 27, 2021

It’s Lab Jaco (on Facebook they are called Laboratorio Clinica Jaco). Antigen is around $75 USD, antigen tests are cheaper than PCR.

February 25, 2021

It looks like you can enter the country by Marina. Do you know of any tour companies offering border runs by boat?

Unfortunately I don’t, sorry

Robert says

February 22, 2021

First I want to say this was an excellent source of information ,even though some of it was not good news. I was just curious about the motive for driving restrictions. I was in Costa Rica 15 years ago. I drove every day regardless of the destination. However in some South American cities license plate restrictions are the norm. Are these restriction related to the pandemic?

San Jose has had driving restrictions for many years and it is due to the increase of cars and heavy traffic in the city. The other nationwide driving restrictions are for the pandemic.

Sue Hamby, PhD says

February 20, 2021

My husband (age 89) and I (age 82) are flying into San Jose March 1 doe 8 nights. A rental car is provided in our package deal. We will be arriving at 1:21pm, will pick up the rental car and drive to Arenal for 3 nights . How far is Arenal and how long should it take us? Then we drive to LKa Costa de Papiti for 3 nights (How far and how long drive). Then we end up (Central Valley Cloud Forest) for 2 nites. (How far and how long?). Then the next day we leave from San Jose so we will have to be at San Jose airport by 11am so I am thinking about giving up our hotel (package deal) the last nite and rent a room in San Jose so we can be close to the airport. Hope this trip is “do-able” for a couple in their 80’s. Any suggestions? I love your information and will mention it in my next book, “Globetrotting 101: How to Travel More for Less”. It has over 800 websites to save money so I will make sure your website is included as well as your blog.

February 24, 2021

Hello Sue, you can read in this post about driving San Jose to Arenal . We do usually recommend to stay the last night by the airport so you have plenty of time and don’t have to worry about returning the car or any mishaps the day you fly out, here is our post for hotels near San Jose Airport .

We hope you have a great time.

Nicole says

February 17, 2021

Hi I heard they now accept the rapid test to get back into the US is this true?

February 18, 2021

Hi Nicole, the US requires a viral test, you can find the details on the CDC website.

Hillary says

February 16, 2021

Thank you so much for all of this information! This is so helpful. I do have one question, you mentioned something about the Sim card place being closed in the Liberia airport, was that just that particular day or are all Sim card places closed? I was hoping to get a Sim card upon arrival at the Liberia airport. Also I’m sorry if you have already answered this question, but did you say that all rental cars are exempt from the driving restrictions at all times? Thank you for any info and I really appreciate you.

Hello Hilary! Unfortunately there isn’t a SIM card stand at all in Liberia Airport. You’ll have to get one in the supermarket or cell phone store in your next destination or if you rent a car, you can drive to Liberia and go to the cell phone store to get a card (need to check office hours, most cell phone stores close around 5 PM).

Rental cars are exempt from driving restrictions when going to/from hotels, airports and tourism activities (all with reservations).

Noriko says

February 14, 2021

Thank you for the most updated information. Your site is so helpful. I just wanted to ask you about the driving restriction for the rental car. Can you provide the most recent update? Thank you.

Monday – Friday is only for San Jose downtown and it has the license plate restrictions. Weekends has nationwide license plate restrictions. Driving is allowed 5 AM to 10 PM every day. You can find the details in this post under the driving restrictions section

Julie M Stewart says

February 12, 2021

My family is going to Costa Rica March 20, 2021 through March 30, 2021. I have a quote for those dates through Trawick with is quite reasonable – $113. Now I am wondering if I should get a quote for an additional 2 weeks just in case someone tests positive before our return. If you test positive, will Trawick still extend your insurance (required to extend your visa) at a good rate, or will it increase significantly?

February 13, 2021

You will need to contact Trawick directly to see what their policies are.

Alexandra says

When you arrive to Costa Rica, immigration will only give you visa for to the date of your insurance, I suggested by your insurance for extra time just in case you decide to extend your stay.

Regina says

February 11, 2021

Regarding COVID tests- do you happen to know if I can bring my own at home test on the trip and test myself instead of going to a clinic before departing?

Thanks for all of your info too! Such a big help 🙂

I am not sure because the US is specific on what kind of tests it will accept so I recommend to check the US CDC website for more information as it is the US who requires this test.

June 9, 2022

Hello! I will travel to Costa Rica after 2 days from USA( Philadelphia) with Frontier airlines. I trying to fund the ” real” information about Do I need to have a negative corona test?

June 13, 2022

Please see this post for entry requirements

Costa Rica doesn’t require a negative test to enter the country or to exit the country

February 10, 2021

Hi Tila, rental cars are exempt from driving restrictions when going to/from airports, hotels and tourism activities with reservations.

Thank you so much for posting this! We are from Seattle as well and will be traveling early March to CR. We are super excited and want to rent a car for our entire trip. I noticed you said there were some restrictions while driving. Are we allowed to drive to tourist attractions such as the beach, parks, etc in CR?

Alicia says

February 9, 2021

Thanks for posting this and being so up to date. It’s exactly what I need to know and have been anxious about since i am booked to visit Costa Rica (first time) end of Feb.

Alison Curcio says

February 7, 2021

It looks like we need $50k for medical expenses. The trawick insurance you recommended only covers $25k. Am I reading they wrong?

I got the safe voyagers plan, the one for Costa Rica.

Melinda says

February 5, 2021

Group of four- flying into San Jose and staying in La Fortuna for four nights. We are then staying in Tamarindo for three nights and flying out of Liberia.

Should we do a rental car from the airport or do private transport to La Fortuna/rent a car there and then keep it and return it in San Jose?

You could do either but keep in mind if you rent in La Fortuna and return the car in San Jose, car rental companies will have to charge an extra fee for the different offices. Usually around $35 USD ish.

February 4, 2021

Nevermind my previous question – I see I had to scroll farther down the page for the specific Costa Rica information you mentioned!

Hi, I have a question about the travel insurance you recommend. When I go to the Trawick site there is an option of Travel Medical Plans and Trip Protection Plans – which one is the one required for travel to Costa Rica. And also, thank you SO MUCH for this informative blog!

January 19, 2021

About pubic bus riding:

I take the collectivos in southern Puntarenas province. The amount of people on buses varies by the coverage and the cost (buses from touristy areas like Jaco attract more irresponsible travellers, but local buses tend to feel safest, especially in more poor & rural areas). Some drivers block off the front rows to prevent passengers from getting too close. Occasionally there will be an inconsiderate person not wearing a mask, or not wearing it properly. However, I think that most ticas & ticos share a mutual respect for each other’s health, and the people not wearing a mask or not wearing it completely are the rare exception, especially coming from a place like NYC).

The saving grace is that on most buses almost all the windows are open, and on the local buses some drivers even keep the front door open, so airflow is exceptional. Try to get a seat near the front of a bus, and open the windows all the way. Most buses I have ridden have hand sanitizer at the front, and a couple of buses had temperature taking machines installed.

Keep an eye on the rate of infection in a given area to inform your travel plans as the dates approach. Good luck.

January 15, 2021

That is true what your resort said since the closest testing facility to the Dreams would be in Liberia and you’d have to get your test taken within 3 days of your departure.

It is up to you if you’d like to postpone or keep your trip, since it will take some extra planning and money to fulfill this new US requirement but there are testing facilities available in Liberia.

January 14, 2021

I am traveling to Costa Rica at the end of February into early March and am staying in Montezuma for the last 4 days. I see that there isn’t testing in Montezuma- where would the closest testing be?? It looks like Samara to be, which is still quite a drive. Thanks for all the great info!!

I know there isn’t one in Santa Teresa either, it does seem like Samara and there is a clinic there that does tests.

Am I doing something wrong? I went to the Trawick International site and the quote was almost 300.00 for nine days.

The quote will depend on your age, length of trip, total trip cost, etc. I don’t know how they calculate it but that was my quote.

You can contact them for a breakdown or more details.

barbara says

This was very helpful. My husband and I are slated to go to Dreams Las Mareas in 2 weeks but are hesitant now as Costa Rica is in the red zone with COVID. We called the resort to ask about COVID testing and they said you can travel an hour by private car or rent a car to a clinic or have an ambulance come for $400 to do the test at the hotel. Then pay the $115 per person for the test. Thinking we should postpone. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Barry D McGinnis says

January 12, 2021

CDC just released a statement saying that international flyers will have to show a negative COVID test within 3 days of flying into the US. The statement is pretty broad with no specifics. Are there resources in CR that can spool up to handle this for the foreseeable future?

HI Barry, that is correct all international travelers must present a negative COVID test taken within 3 days to enter the US or the airlines won’t let you board. You can read this post about where to get a COVID test in Costa Rica.

January 11, 2021

Wow, big thanks on the insurance recommendation with Trawick!

We booked insurance through the INS website initially for $439.33, paying immediately. Then, I read your helpful update a day later and looked into Trawick. We had experienced some glitches while using the INS site, and there was no immediate email confirmation or detailed receipt… as 24-48 hours went by, I became slightly concerned that the transaction had been executed incorrectly.

Anyway, I was able to get the INS payment refunded by web chatting with them through the link on their webpage. We re-booked through Trawick for $118.95.

I hope this comment helps others. Pura Vida!

January 8, 2021

I am in Costa Rica — at my house –arrived Christmas Eve from Boston. To check in to the flight, I needed travel insurance of minimum requirements of Covid care coverage. I had researched the cost of purchasing from an American provider — about $50 for 24 days. I never purchased the policy (slipped my mind) and had to buy on the spot at Logan . I went with the CR Ministrie de Salud Health Insurance — afraid I’d miss my flight otherwise. Cost me just under $150 — 3x the other quote I travelled with my partner, a CR citizen with US green card.

All fine until this week. My partner’s fever led to a Covid test. Within 24 hours, he got a call : positivo! He is under quarantine and I am too. This will impact my return date. Any attempt to board a plane or if caught out of the house will lead to arrest I believe or something,

However, my request to get a test has been denied since I’m already under quarantine — despite the health insurance I purchased, they will not allow for a walk in test. In order to get a test at this moment, I need to be experiencing extreme symptoms. . And I must call 911 and be transported via ambulance. Not clear to me if my insurance will cover this, the person at the Quepos Emergency Clinic did not know either. I’m not sure if it is to keep the country’s positive test numbers low or just to save healthcare resources, but given a heavy cough and body ache, I’ve decided I need to know, waiting now for the ambulance.

Hi Neil, I’m sorry to hear about your situation and we hope you and your partner have a speedy recovery. Try to call the 1322 number, that is the country’s COVID hotline and see if they can get you a test because you are experiencing symptoms but maybe because you are living with someone who is positive (so they will classify you as Por Nexo), that is why they are not giving you a test but I’m not sure. I hope it works out and you both get well soon.

Ian Mitchell says

January 4, 2021

Do you know if there is a place to get a COVID-19 test done around Gofito- you now need one to get back home to Canada private one is ok – thanks Ian

January 5, 2021

I don’t know to be honest, you can try to ask the private clinics and hospital there, or it would have to be in San Jose

January 2, 2021

Thanks for update! My daughter may be visiting our place in Guanacaste in March. Since she is a health professional, she will have both vaccine shots by then. Do you know if the insurance requirement would be waived thenin her case?

Hi Dodie, Costa Rica hasn’t made any new announcements regarding vaccines and entry requirements. If they do, I’ll update this post.

Cathy Parker says

Just a note: when I passed through customs, they confiscated my ordinary cutlery knife.

michelle a laccetti says

December 16, 2020

I am traveling to costa rica at the end of the month and need a covid test to go back to new york. Do you know of any places near tamarindo or liberia where i can get tested? Thank you!

I have heard the Beach Side Clinic in Huacas offers testing (pay out of pocket), it’s about 20 minutes from Tamarindo.

michelle says

Thank you! Would I have to call in advance or can I walk in?

December 17, 2020

I would call first, a lot of things are by appointment only now in CR.

December 12, 2020

Regarding Travel Insurance: I highly recommend TRAWICK International for CR travel insurance. Compared to the 2 CR insurance companies, the Trawick website and chat support was much easier to navigate. Th cost was only 25% of the quotes I received from the 2 CR sites. Additionally, the coverage was significantly higher. And I was provided a certificate for travel that showed coverage meeting CR requirements Cost for 16 days for 2 people was $106 total….

Thank you for your feedback Scott, very helpful!

December 9, 2020

I just spoke with the clinic is called Life Guard in Santa Teresa. They DO NOT give coronavirus tests and that are no places/clinics near Santa Teresa area that do. They said the closest place to get tested is at one of the hospitals in San Jose.

THanks for the info!

December 6, 2020

As far as I know for tourists, the only option you have to get the test are at the private clinics in San Jose since you aren’t sick and just need it for travel. The last time I checked, the test was around 65,000 CRC. The tests from the public clinics are for those who are sick or have been directly exposed.

Hillary Thing says

I am heading to St. Theresa in early February, just for 1 week. In order to return to NY, I will have to get a negative covid test before re-entering the US. Do you know where I can do this in the St. Theresa area?

December 2, 2020

Do you believe pubic transportation is to risky. I always loved the busses for the culture meeting locals practicing my Spanish. I’m coming in from Florida on the 9th I figured a shuttle would be my best bet for 55$ to travel to libera then the shuttle company contacted me and said they need to cancel because they don’t have 3 passengers. I guess it’s really slow what a shame when will this end. God please help us humans. A Private ride was 190$ Definitely to much for me. Any ideas is it true that there’s no other shuttles operating. Just wondering so many things your articles are fantastic. thank you

December 4, 2020

Right now volume of tourists is very low and shuttles and tours need a minimum amount of people to run. For solo travelers it is a difficult time to visit Costa Rica for this reason. You can take the public bus, lots of locals take the bus, it is more risky since you’ll be more exposed so you’ll need to just take a bit more caution. You need to wear a face mask at all times but the public buses are running normally pretty much (no standing passengers, and highly recommended to buy tickets beforehand for routes that allow you too).

I take the collectivos in southern Puntarenas province. The amount of people on buses carries. Some drivers block off the front rows. Occasionally there will be an inconsiderate person not wearing a mask, or not wearing it appropriately. However, I think that most ticas& ticos share a mutual respect for each other’s health, and the people not wearing a mask or not wearing it completely are the rare exception. The saving grace is that on most buses almost all the windows are open, and on the local buses some drivers even keep the front door open, so airflow is exceptional. Try to get a seat near the front of a bus.

November 30, 2020

Hello Jess, the COVID test is no longer a requirement for Costa Rica but depending on which country you fly to, it may be required for that country. All tourists need to purchase the travel insurance.

Bobbie Spencer says

January 3, 2021

All very good information. One added bit, some airlines are requiring CoVid tests in order to fly and some Costa Rican businesses (medical and dental especially) require a CoVid test, as well. Now that the latest variant of the virus makes contagion more likely, following all the protocols is even more important.

P.S. Some airports are now offering CoVid testing with immediate results. It’s not cheap but if it’s necessary, it is convenient. Check with your airline to find out where the tests are available .

Jessica says

Hi Thanks for your useful tipps, i am goinf to stay in cabuya from mid january til august included. I read in your article that visa runs are only possible via air and that i have to show accomodation proof-would an overnight stay be enough to reenter costa rica?and where do i get a prescription for a covid test, since this is one of the requirements as well. Many thanks in advanc- Jess

Dana Sue Talkington says

November 29, 2020

Thank you for the update … praying that by May 2021 business will be back to normal and COVID-19 will be something we just talk about,not worry about! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to both of you … ¡Pura Vida!

Thank you Dana, happy holidays to you too! 🙂

Kathie says

Hola, I have a house in Parrita, that I have yet to see. Must I still get insurance for a place to stay? I am aware that I need COVID & health.

From what I’ve heard, if you own property in Costa Rica (are the property title holder), you can contact a lawyer in Costa Rica like Outlier Legal and they *may* be able to help you get it waived but I’m not sure it’s 100% guaranteed. It’s best to contact a lawyer.

Cynthia Roelens says

October 30, 2020

Hi, do you know how long it will take for your insurance to take out. I am leaving for costa rica in January. I hope that insurance will be abolished.

November 3, 2020

We have no idea, the government makes these decisions and we find out whenever they announce it.

October 25, 2020

I’ve heard that as of October 26, visitors arriving to Costa Rica will no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Is that true?

October 26, 2020

October 24, 2020

How does one contact the insurance co’s for a quote? Health Ins.

You can check their websites (links in the article) for INS and Sagicor for a quote.

Amanda says

October 19, 2020

Hi there, Can you please clarify if you need to have the PCR test occur and result confirmed negative with 72 hours of arriving, or if it’s just the results themselves that need to be received within 72 hours. I own a property in coco and would like to go down to check on it, but I’m from Canada and our test results are taking a long time to be returned. If it’s the case of getting the test done and receiving results within 4 days of travel, this is pretty tough. Currently we don’t have easy access to rapid tests, and so this puts a real wrench in achieving this travel requirement Any clarification would help.

October 20, 2020

You need to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to enter Costa Rica, the test has to be taken within 72 hours of the departure flight. The airline will ask to see your negative test result when you check in and board and the CR immigration will also require to see your negative result to enter the country.

Thanks for all the information regarding entry to country. Is there any testing required prior to return flight to the US?

I don’t believe the US requires any testing, you will need to check the state you are going to to be sure.

Abraham Gonzalez says

October 16, 2020

Do kids (<12 years) need a Covid test?

October 22, 2020

As of Oct 26, COVID tests will not be required to enter Costa Rica.

SUSAN S NEWTON says

October 5, 2020

Hi. About how much does the required insurance cost? Just trying to get a budget in mind. Also, do you have to have insurance if your are retiring to C.R. ?

Thanks, Susan

October 6, 2020

You will need to contact the insurance companies for a quote since it depends on length of stay, age, country of residence, etc.

Every tourist needs to have insurance.

Dominic Di Lello says

Know where i can get an epidemiology form not sure if a spelled it right?

https://salud.go.cr/

Kelly S Sheick says

Hi, We are visiting the house we own in Ocotal. Any advice for us? We want to visit Diamonte and see seat= turtle hatchings. any and all advice would be appreciated.

September 30, 2020

Does a person have to buy international health insurance from one of the two companies you listed, or any insurance as long as the amounts stated are covered?

October 1, 2020

Either one, you can purchase your own international or from the CR companies as long as it fulfills all the requirements.

John Penhall says

September 12, 2020

Are the Caribbean south beaches really only open from 5am to 10am or is it 5am to 10pm?

September 14, 2020

It is 5 AM to 10 AM (Cahuita and Manzanillo 8 AM to 10 AM), Limon had a surge of cases and the municipality decided to restrict beach hours. Before, beaches all throughout Costa Rica were only open 5 AM to 8 AM back in May/Juneish.

October 10, 2020

Above it says 10 PM.

Correct, those hours were only until Sept 29th and were decided individually by the municipality. The government now announced new beach hours starting Oct 15th which will be at 10 PM.

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Costa Rica Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Costa Rica. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Uruguay

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Costa Rica.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Costa Rica. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Costa Rica.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Costa Rica.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Costa Rica is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Included in this requirement are travelers arriving from Tanzania and Zambia, and designated areas of: Colombia (the entire country, except the cities of Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín, and the archipelago department, San Andrés and Providencia); Ecuador (the provinces of Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe, and excluding the rest of the country); Paraguay (the entire country, except the city of Asunción); Peru (the entire country, except the cities of Cusco and Lima, the regions of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes, and the highland tourist areas of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail); Trinidad & Tobago (the entire country, except the urban areas of Port of Spain; travelers with itineraries limited to the island of Tobago, and travelers with airport transits or layovers are also exempt from this requirement). Travelers arriving from Argentina and Panama are exempt from this requirement.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Costa Rica, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Costa Rica. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Costa Rica include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Costa Rica’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Costa Rica may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Costa Rica, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Costa Rica, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Costa Rica .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Costa Rica for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Eligible citizens from costa rica now qualify for visa-free travel to canada, news release.

June 6, 2023 - San José

Costa Rica is an important partner for Canada because we share values on a wide range of issues, such as trade and human rights, as well as safe, orderly and regular migration. We also recognize the importance of expanding and simplifying travel between our countries.

Canada is pleased to announce the addition of Costa Rica to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Citizens from Costa Rica who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA, instead of a visa, when travelling to Canada by air.

Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier and more affordable for thousands of known travellers from Costa Rica to visit Canada for up to 6 months for either business or leisure. It will also help facilitate more travel, tourism and international business between our countries, and help strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties.

This decision complements our existing mobility measures for Costa Rica, like the Student Direct Stream, which offers expedited study permit processing to those who are applying to study in Canada, and our youth mobility agreement, which facilitates travel and work in both our countries.

Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (for example, by car, bus, train and boat—including by cruise ship), will still need a visitor visa . Travellers can visit Canada.ca/eTA to find out whether they’re eligible for an eTA and how to apply for one.

“This exciting development means that more individuals from Costa Rica can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements. This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers; it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen our bond with Costa Rica.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Canada is a destination of choice for so many around the world. We’re making it easier for more people to visit Canada, whether they’re coming to do business, sightsee, or reunite with family and friends.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need to travel to or transit through Canada by air.
• The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct light-touch, pre-travel screening of air travellers. It costs CAN$7 to apply, and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.
• To apply for an eTA, travellers need only a valid passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.
• Costa Rica is one of the 13 additional countries whose eligible citizens may now benefit from visa-free travel.
• Over the last 10 years, Canada issued 37,848 temporary resident visas to citizens from Costa Rica. These individuals, along with current US non-immigrant visa holders, may now be eligible for visa-free travel.

Associated links

• Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announces that 13 more countries are now eligible for visa-free travel
• Find out about Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Citizens from some visa-required countries
• @CitImmCanada

Costa Rica Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Costa Rica

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Ready to travel?

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Can I travel to Costa Rica from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Costa Rica.

Can I travel to Costa Rica if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Costa Rica without restrictions.

Can I travel to Costa Rica without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Costa Rica without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Costa Rica?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Costa Rica.

Can I travel to Costa Rica without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Costa Rica?

Mask usage in Costa Rica is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Costa Rica?

Restaurants in Costa Rica are open. Bars in Costa Rica are .

Update April 12, 2024

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Costa Rica Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, costa rica - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to  crime .

Country Summary:  While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

If you decide to travel to Costa Rica:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook,   Twitter, and Instagram .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Costa Rica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

Travel Advisory Levels

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Costa Rica Travel 101: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

H eading to Costa Rica? Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unparalleled biodiversity. This guide will equip you with essential insights to ensure your adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. From lush rainforests to stunning beaches, your Costa Rican journey begins here.

The Climate

Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year-round, divided mainly between the wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from December to April, is considered the best time for tourism, offering sunny days and clear skies, which are particularly appealing for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. Contrastingly, the wet season, from May to November, brings heavier rainfall, especially in the afternoons, transforming the landscape into a vivid display of greenery. Despite the rain, mornings are often clear, and temperatures remain warm, making it an excellent time for wildlife observation and visiting rainforests. 

Due to its diverse geography, climate variations are significant across different regions. The coastal areas are warmer, while the central highlands, including San José, enjoy a mild, spring-like climate throughout the year. Make sure to look into Costa Rica monthly weather concerns and forecasts for your specific destination and pack accordingly. This climatic diversity allows travelers to experience a wide range of activities depending on the region and season of their visit.

Ecological Diversity

Just like many other places in the world, especially tropical areas, Costa Rica is know for its wide array of flora and fauna. Here are some plants and animals you should know about if you’re traveling soon: 

• Giant bamboo
• Scarlet macaws
• Resplendent quetzal
• Howler monkeys

Understanding Costa Rica’s ecological diversity is crucial as it informs travelers of the unique wildlife and vegetation they’ll encounter, enabling better planning for tours and activities, and fostering a deeper appreciation and respect for the country’s natural habitats.

Health and Safety Precautions

Staying healthy and safe on any vacation is crucial. Concerning Costa Rica, Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended due to the potential exposure through food or water. Considering the tropical climate, protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and dengue by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially near water bodies and in the jungle.

Safety-wise, Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers, but it’s wise to stay vigilant. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and keep valuables secure. Road conditions can be challenging; consider using local transportation options for long distances to enhance your travel experience safely.

Cultural Etiquette

Understanding and respecting local customs is vital for a harmonious visit to Costa Rica. Ticos, as Costa Ricans refer to themselves, are renowned for their warm and welcoming nature, epitomized by the phrase “Pura Vida” (Pure Life). This expression reflects an attitude towards life that values relaxation and optimism, making it central to interactions. 

When meeting someone, a gentle handshake or a nod with a smile is common. It’s also important to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory – however, a 10% service charge is often added in restaurants. Be punctual for formal engagements but expect a more relaxed approach to time in social settings.

In conclusion, your adventure in Costa Rica promises to be a blend of thrilling experiences and serene moments, courtesy of its rich culture and natural beauty. Remember, respecting the environment and local customs is key to making your trip not only memorable but also harmonious. Pura Vida awaits!

The post Costa Rica Travel 101: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip appeared first on Malorie's Adventures .

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Work and travel in Costa Rica

Choose another destination

How to apply

Who can apply.

To work in Costa Rica through the Youth Mobility program, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• be 18-35 years old (inclusive), and
• have a valid Canadian passport

Other requirements may apply. Check  Costa Rica’s website  for more details.

What type of work visa do I need?

You need to apply for a  Provisional Visa Special Category . This visa has three categories:

Young Professionals

Post-secondary graduates who want to gain work experience, training and career development in Costa Rica under a pre-arranged contract of employment.

Registered students at a post-secondary institution in Canada who want to complete part of their academic curriculum through a pre-arranged internship or work placement. This includes inter-institutional arrangements between post-secondary institutions.

Working Holiday

Young Canadians who want to travel to Costa Rica and work temporarily to help finance their trip.

Do I need a formal job or internship offer?

Yes, you need a job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship.

If you don’t have a work or internship contract yet:

You can travel to  Costa Rica as a tourist . You can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa but you must get a work/internship contract in order to stay longer than 90 days.

After getting a work/internship contract, apply to the Immigration Authority in Costa Rica for one of the three  temporary residence permits . You will need to:

• pay US$200 to change your status from a tourist to a provisional visa special category holder
• bring a  legalized birth certificate
• bring a criminal record certificate that was issued within the last six months

How long can I stay and work?

You can stay and work in Costa Rica for up to 12 months.

You can participate in Costa Rica’s Youth Mobility program twice. Your second participation must be in a  different category  and there must be a break of at least three months before submitting a new application.

Start your Adventure

About costa rica.

The people of Costa Rica live by the motto “ pura vida ” which translates to “simple (pure) life”. Costa Rican culture is warm, relaxed and friendly making tourists feel at home. People of Costa Rica are happy and sociable people due to a culture of developing solid social networks of friends, families and neighbours. During your stay, expect to be invited to dinner with a Costa Rican family or to play soccer with locals. Spanish is the official language of the country, but several native dialects are spoken, as are English and Chinese.

Costa Rica is beautiful; full of mountains, valleys, grasslands, beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and more. Made up of multiple microclimates, it is home to almost 6% of the world’s biodiversity. This truly speaks to the diverse landscapes Costa Rica offers. Take an excursion to the jungle and hike, bird watch, mountain bike or horseback ride. Enjoy water activities like diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or paddle boarding. For the more adventurous type try zip-lining, rafting, surfing or try a waterfall rappelling tour!

Costa Rica has a diversified economy, not only with great agricultural products but also a vibrant knowledge-based economy.

Need help planning? One of IEC’s recognized organizations might be able to help you find a job, transportation, and provide travel advice.

Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.

The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to and working in a foreign country.

Before you leave, remember to register as a Canadian abroad to receive notifications in case of an emergency while you are abroad or of a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Tourism Costa Rica

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Canada Visa Services Opens Doors for Hassle-Free Travel from Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, and Philippines

Ottawa, Canada, 27th April 2024, As the world eagerly anticipates the return to normalcy in travel, Canada Visa Services emerges as the beacon of hope for travelers from Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, and the Philippines. With its streamlined online visa application process, Canada Visa Services ensures a seamless journey for those seeking to explore the wonders of the Great White North.

In a bid to cater to the diverse needs of global travelers, Canada Visa Services has unveiled a user-friendly online platform to facilitate visa applications from Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, and the Philippines. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient visa services to travelers worldwide.

CANADA VISA FROM COSTA RICA

CANADA VISA FROM MOROCCO

CANADA VISA FROM PANAMA

CANADA VISA FROM PHILIPPINES

CANADA TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA

“Travel should be a joyous experience, free from the burdens of bureaucracy and paperwork,” says John Smith, Head of Operations at Canada Visa Services. “With our online visa application system, travelers from Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, and the Philippines can now embark on their Canadian adventure with ease and peace of mind.”

The convenience of applying for a Canada visa online cannot be overstated. By simply visiting the Canada Visa Services website and following the intuitive application process, travelers can submit their visa applications from the comfort of their homes or offices. This eliminates the need for time-consuming visits to embassies or consulates, allowing travelers to focus on planning their Canadian getaway.

Furthermore, Canada Visa Services offers dedicated customer support to assist applicants at every step of the visa application process. Whether it’s clarifying visa requirements, providing guidance on completing the application form, or addressing any concerns or queries, the company’s team of experienced professionals is readily available to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for travelers.

With Canada Visa Services, the dream of exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage is now within reach for travelers from Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, and the Philippines. Whether it’s the stunning natural beauty of Banff National Park, the bustling streets of Toronto, or the historic charm of Quebec City, Canada beckons with open arms.

For travelers from Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, and the Philippines, Canada Visa Services is the gateway to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories in the Great White North. Apply for your Canada visa today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Media Contact

Richard Taylor

+49 30 901723172

[email protected]

https://www.canada-visas.org

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Costa Rica set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Costa Rican Embassy in the UK . 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Costa Rica. 

Passport validity requirements  

To enter Costa Rica, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements 

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.

If you plan to work, or stay for a longer period, you should check the requirements with the Costa Rican Embassy in the UK .    

If you overstay, the immigration authorities can fine you 100 US dollars for each month and refuse future applications to enter Costa Rica.

Airport tax 

When leaving the country by air, you may need to pay a departure tax of 29 US dollars. Most airlines include this in ticket prices. If you need to pay it, you can use cash or card. 

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Costa Rica guide .  

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Costa Rica . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

Taking money into Costa Rica  

Declare cash, travellers cheques or goods if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money or goods could be seized when you leave.   

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