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Costa Rica Removes Vaccine Passports And Remaining Entry Requirements

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Costa Rica has announced that – from 1 April – they will be removing the nation’s vaccine passport scheme, as well as lifting all remaining Covid-19 entry requirements for travelers, becoming the 21st country to ‘return to normal'.

And, there is no doubt that the news will be welcomed by those looking to head to one of the most visited countries in Central America – with the nation offering something for everyone.

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

What Is The Current Situation With Costa Rica’s Vaccine Passport?

Costa Rica launched its mandatory vaccine passport last year – which meant that those visiting public places, such as hotels and restaurants, were required to show proof of vaccination in order to enter.

Western Costa Rica resorts in Tamarindo area

Since its launch, the nation’s vaccine passport has undergone some controversy – with it having been previously suspended, so that the country’s courts could deliberate its implementation.

However, the vaccine passport – and the rules on entering some of the nation’s commercial establishments, including hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs – were reinstated, are still currently in effect.

San Jose, Costa Rica

This means that individuals – aged 12 and over – are required to present their vaccination status in order to enter some of the above mentioned venues.

From 1 April, however, the nation’s vaccine passport – and the rules surrounding it – will be removed, which will allow both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to visit venues within the country without having to prove their vaccination status.

Tourists on the streets In Montezuma, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

What Are The Current Entry Requirements For Costa Rica?

At this present time (and up until 1 April) if you are wanting to enter Costa Rica you will need to follow the Covid-19 nation’s entry requirements – which are currently dependent on your vaccination status.

Woman the jungle in Costa Rica

For visitors that have received their full vaccination against Covid-19, the entry requirements include:

  • showing proof of vaccination upon arrival
  • completing the online health pass (‘Pase de Salud’) prior to your arrival.

There is no requirement for individuals – that are fully vaccinated – to purchase travel health insurance that covers any Covid-19 medical expenses.

Traveler Portrayed With Vaccine Passport And Canadian Passport

For unvaccinated visitors entering Costa Rica, there is a requirement to:

  • complete the online health pass (‘Pase de Salud’) prior to your arrival
  • obtain health insurance that covers any Covid-19 medical expenses for the duration of your stay in the country.

However, passengers under the age of 18 – who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 – are not required to obtain health insurance.

Travel Insurance Policy

And, with Costa Rica still operating its nationwide vaccine passport, unvaccinated travelers may find that they are refused entry to some hotels, restaurants and other public venues due to the vaccine passport rules currently in place.

From 1 April, however, the nation’s vaccine passport will no longer exist.

Costa Rica To Lift All Remaining Entry Requirements From 1 April

Tourist Walking On A Suspension Bridge In Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

International visitors wanting to enter Costa Rica will soon be able to do so – from 1 April – without having to adhere to any of the previous Covid-19 entry requirements.

Basically, it means that travelers will be able to enter the country just like they did in pre-covid times – with there also being no requirement to complete the country’s online health pass.

Couple Holding Hands On A Beach In Costa Rica

Direct Flights To Costa Rica From Multiple U.S. and Canadian Cities

U.S. and Canadian travelers are able to take advantage of direct flights to Costa Rica from multiple cities in their respective country – including:

United Airlines Aircraft Taking Off

United States: Fort Lauderdale; Miami; Orlando; New York; Los Angeles; Washington; Houston; Chicago; Denver; Atlanta; Minneapolis; Dallas; San Francisco 

Canada: Toronto; Calgary; Montreal

Costa Rica coastline

Costa Rica Offers So Much For Travelers

There is no doubt that Costa Rica offers something for everyone – whatever you are looking to do during your trip to the tropical nation.

Whether you are wanting to relax in the sun on the beach, or have an outdoor adventure – experiencing the many forests, wildlife and beautiful nature that the country has to offer – there is no doubt that you will make memories to last a lifetime when visiting Costa Rica.

Man Hiking Rio Celeste Waterfall In Costa Rica

In both 2018 and 2019, Costa Rica welcomed more than 3 million international visitors – making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America.

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

British Columbia Removes Vaccine Passport And Mask Mandate

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


Adam

Friday 25th of March 2022

Awesome! Congratulations Costa Rica! Finally more options to travel just as it was pre-covid times!

covidvaxinfo

Thursday 24th of March 2022

just booked a few nights for next year at a high end Hyatt property with points in CR. Long ways away and other places first, but it's a place holder if anything. Got to have trips in the pipeline. Something to look forward to. Maybe can combine with DR. A mini tour of the early COVID freedom countries!

Maga patriots vs lefty traitors

Thursday 24th of March 2022

So the 17th country in the world? I missed these 14th, 15th etc posts. I was expecting them to fall much quicker, but it has been some days without new countries added to the 100 percent free entry list

Kashlee Kucheran

Thursday 24th of March 2022

21st