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Costa Rica is open for tourism!
Known for the ‘Pura Vida’ way of life, unlimited outdoor adventure activities, lush national parks, super-chill beaches, and affordable prices, its no wonder Costa Rica welcomed over 3 million tourists last year.
However, Costa Rica’s tourism has been devastated by the pandemic this year with months of strict closures and nation-wide lockdowns. Thankfully, tourism is slowly starting to recover since the country is once again welcoming tourists with open arms.
Below are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements and everything travelers need to know before booking their trip to Costa Rica.

Countries Allowed To Travel to Costa Rica
Since August 1st, select international travelers have been permitted to enter Costa Rica, arriving at these three international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport, and Tobías Bolaños Airport.
Residents of the following countries are permitted to visit:
As of November 1, 2020 = ALL Countries
(Previous to November 1, only a certain list of countries were permitted to enter, but now they have removed the country lists and all nations are welcome under ‘normal/pre-covid’ visa requirements.)

Health Pass Authorization To Visit Costa Rica
All travelers must fill out an electronic Health Pass before departure.
Once the form is completed, a QR code will be generated to show customs upon arrival.

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
PCR Test Not Required
As of October 26, PCR testing is NO LONGER REQUIRED for tourists entering Costa Rica

Quarantine Entry Requirements
No quarantine is required.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
The government of Costa Rica has stated that no tourist can enter without having the proper travel insurance that also covers covid, and comes with hotel accommodation quarantine insurance.
2021 Update: One of our favorite insurance providers HeyMondo now includes coverage with their Premium level insurance that meets Costa Rica’s requirements.
There are two national insurance providers they suggest:
Tourists can also choose their own insurance provider, as long as the policy meets three particular criteria: 1- It is in effect for the full length of the trip, 2- $50,000 USD worth of Covid-19 medical coverage, 3- $2000 USD coverage for lodging expenses as a result of the pandemic.

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Costa Rica
All visitors must follow these COVID-19 health requirements while in Costa Rica:
- Wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces and on public transportation
- Follow social distancing markers and instructions
- Public beaches are open until 2:30pm daily. Updated Marh 2021: beaches will now be open from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00pm. Masks are not required on the beach.
- Land borders are closed until at least April 1, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
Costa Rica has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record for entry.

Visa Entry Requirements For Costa Rica During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in Costa Rica will need to follow regular visa requirements.
Countries like: USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, and most of Europe have visa-free access.(shown in navy blue on map below)
Travelers that require a visa must apply at the Costa Rican embassy/consulate in their home country.

Credit: Gorden Cheng
Costa Rica Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Complete online Health Pass form
- Check if you need a visa for entry to Costa Rica.
- Obtain travel health insurance that covers Covid
- Follow all health protocols while in Costa Rica
↓ Read More:
Countries Reopening For American Tourists
Countries Reopening For Canadian Tourists
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community

Sources: Ministry of Health / presidencia.go.cr / Costa Rica Tourism Board /
Disclaimer: Costa Rica’s travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Originally Published September 24, 2020 with updates.
Alejandro
Thursday 25th of March 2021
Costa Rica just announced that it will be opening both its land borders starting April 5.
Any news on Nicaragua's land borders? I was thinking about doing an overland trip from Panama to Nicaragua soon.
Art Flores
Saturday 20th of March 2021
I am a USA citizen and want to enter Costa Rica via air fligh from Mexico. Will I be allowed to enter the country coming from Mexico rather than the United states
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 21st of March 2021
Costa Rica is allowing all countries to visit
Jen
Wednesday 10th of March 2021
Are you required to take a COVID test to re enter the states?
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 10th of March 2021
Yes (Click HERE to read)
Mo
Thursday 28th of January 2021
Hello! I was wondering about the health pass questions regarding being at a health facility in the last 2 weeks. If the answer is yes are you required to quarantine or not allowed into the country? Thanks!
Melissa
Tuesday 19th of January 2021
If you're a Canadian looking for insurance that meets the requirements, check out Tugo! I got approved just by uploading the document they sent me into the health form. The quarantine coverage is slightly lower than what's required ($2100 CAD instead of $2000 USD), but it wasn't a problem. Also, you'll get a visa for the number of days your insurance is valid for, and it seems like a huge pain to extend it, so keep that in mind if you think you might want to extend your trip.