Costa Rica will reopen its borders for tourism on August 1, 2020, allowing tourists from select low-risk countries.
Daniel Salas, the Health Minister of Costa Rica, made an announcement on June 26th clarifying that the current travel ban set to expire on June 30th will be extended another month until August 1st, at which point the borders can finally open up again to foreigners.
* The below article was originally published on June 28th. It will no longer be updated, as recent updates can be found on our “Costa Rica: Covid-19 Entry Requirements For Travelers”
Who Can Travel To Costa Rica on August 1?
Tourists from the European Union, Canada, and the UK will be allowed to travel to Costa Rica.
Tourists from the USA make up the largest international arrivals into Costa Rica, but will remain banned upon reopening.
Update September 1st: Americans from the following states: Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont can enter as of Sept 1.
As of September 15 , Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania will be permitted to travel to Costa Rica.
What are the Entry Requirements for Costa Rica?
- Must complete and present an epidemiological survey.
- Present proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test. The result must have been received within the 48 hours before their travel to Costa Rica.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care or an unexpected extended hotel stay.
- Follow all airport and local health protocols. This includes wearing a mask or face shield in nearly all indoors circumstances.
What’s Open in Costa Rica?
The government of Costa Rica has laid out a 4-phase reopening plan, of which they are currently in the 3rd phase of.
Phase 1: May 16-31
Phase 2: June 1-20
Phase 3: June 21 to July 11
Phase 4: July 12- August 1
In Phase 3:
- Shops at 50% capacity on weekends
- Cinemas and movie theatres at 50% capacity on weekends with pre-paid tickets
- National Parks at 50% capacity
- Hotels at 50% capacity
- Public Transit at 50% capacity
- Restaurants and Cafes at 50% capacity
- Museums at 50% capacity
- Events with less than 30 people and no more than 50% capacity
- Beaches open 5:00am to 9:30 am
Phase 4 will see extended hours and capacity limits
Scheduled Flights to Costa Rica
The reopening of international flights on August 1st is for only two airports so far: SJO and LIR.
The announcement for Costa Rica’s reopening is brand-new breaking news at this point, so many airlines have not yet rescheduled their flights, but will be over the next few weeks.
Flights into ‘SJO' from…
Europe
- from Frankfurt on Lufthansa starting Aug 1
- from Madrid on Iberia starting Aug 3
- from Zurich on Edelweiss Air starting Aug 6
USA
- from NYC on JetBlue starting Aug 1, United starting Aug 3
- from Atlanta on Delta starting Aug 1
- from Orlando on JetBlue starting Aug 1, Spirit starting Aug 5
- from Fort Lauderdale on Spirit & JetBlue starting Aug 1
- from Miami on American starting Aug 5
- from Houston on United starting Aug 1
- from Dallas on American starting Aug 5
Canada
- from Toronto on WestJet starting Aug 8
Mexico
- from Mexico City on Volaris, Interjet and Aeromexico starting Aug 1
- from Cancun on Volaris starting Aug 1
On March 6th Costa Rica confirmed their first case and promptly shut the borders on March 18th.
Read More: We have complied a complete list of all countries now reopening to tourists worldwide!
Sources: CR Ministry of Health / TicoTimes.Net / US Embassy in CR
Disclaimer: Costa Rica’s reopening news is ever-changing 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.
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Judy wooff
Wednesday 25th of November 2020
Thankyou Kashlee and everyone. Let’s do everything we can to work around all the travel restrictions without resistance and reaction, what can we be and do to change this and get travelling the world again?
Maxim Yakov
Saturday 10th of October 2020
What about flying from Bulgaria in late November?
Bud Franklin
Wednesday 23rd of September 2020
Please note from CNN: Costa Rica UPDATE: As of September 21, US tourists from 18 states and Washington, DC may enter Costa Rica: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey,New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington state and Wyoming. Costa Rica is planning to admit travelers from California on October 1 "if the epidemiological scenario permits it." Travelers' residency in these states is to be verified by driver's license. This state list is subject to frequent changes, so check it before you make plans. Visitors must also complete a "health pass" form show negative on Covid-19 PCR test, taken within 48 hours of travel. You must have proof of travel medical insurance, which you can get in Costa Rica.
244704560
Thursday 10th of September 2020
is it possible to cross the border?
Adam L
Tuesday 8th of September 2020
Do you know anything more about the travel insurance requirement? Is it a requirement for travel insurance generally, or do you need to have travel insurance that covers Covid specifically? Costa Rica is under a level 3 travel advisory in Canada so none of the travel insurance providers we've contacted will cover Covid related costs, be them medical or otherwise. May make the borders being open to Canadians a moot point?