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The below article was originally published on September 1. It will no longer be updated, all recent updates can be found on our “Costa Rica: Covid-19 Entry Requirements For Travelers”
Costa Rica has announced that it will reopen its borders to American tourists from twelve states by the middle of September.
Starting September 1st, the following states will be allowed to enter Costa Rica for tourism:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Vermont
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Washington DC
As of September 15th, the following states will be added to the list:
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
“In these six states, there has been a very positive evolution of the pandemic and their epidemiological indicators are of high quality,” Gustavo Segura, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism, said in a statement when the first 6 states were announced.
In order to enter Costa Rica, Americans will need to present a valid drivers licence to provide proof of residence in the permitted states.
Travelers will also have to present proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours (time from when test was taken to arriving in Costa Rica).
Travelers are also expected to carry travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip.
As of August 19th, 2020 Costa Rica has reopened for tourism to the following countries:
- European Union
- Europe's Schengen Zone
- UK
- Canada
- Uruguay
- Japan
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Singapore
- China
- New Zealand.
Originally the United States was left out of Costa Rica's reopening plans when the opening announcement was first made. With the improving epidemiological situation in some states, they reversed the decision allowing for select Americans to enter the country.
All travelers arriving in Costa Rica will also be required to fill out a health form for entry prior to traveling to the country.
In 2019, more than 1.3 million tourists came to Costa Rica from the United States, more than any other single country by far.
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Disclaimer: Costa Rica travel rules can change without notice and are being updated constantly. 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 travelling against government advisories.