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The United States has dropped its travel advisory for Costa Rica from a level 4 ‘do not travel’ to level 3 ‘reconsider travel’.
The move comes just in time as starting November 1st, Costa Rica will allow ALL Americans to visit the country for tourism. Initially Costa Rica had only permitted Americans from states with low rates of COVID-19.
Under the current COVID-19 entry requirements for Costa Rica all Americans traveling to Costa Rica must first apply for the online ‘Health Pass’ before traveling.
Costa Rica was initially slapped with a level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ on August 6th due to daily cases of COVID-19 being on an upward trend. In late August cases spiked but have stayed relatively stable since then.
As of August 13, 2020 the U.S States Department official travel advisory for Costa Rica is now “Reconsider travel to Costa Rica due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.”
Daily COVID-19 Cases Costa Rica (Image – Worldometers)
The updated travel advisory for Costa Rica states that stay at home orders have been lifted and business operations have resumed in many areas.
Included in the advisory was a warning regarding crime in the country.
“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.”
Countries Permitted Travel To Costa Rica
Costa Rica is only permitting select nations to visit the country at this time. Here is the list of allowed countries:
- All EU and Schengen Nations
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Uruguay
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Singapore
- China
- Australia
- New Zealand
- The United States (only select states until November 1st when all Americans will be permitted)
COVID 19 Entry Requirements For Americans:
- Complete the online Health Pass form before traveling
- Get proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departure ** after Oct 26 test no longer required
- Obtain travel insurance that covers COVID-19
- Follow all health protocols while in Costa Rica
Although the U.S. State Department has dropped the level 4 warning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica due to COVID-19. The CDC website states “COVID-19 risk in Costa Rica is high”.
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
Sources: U.S. State Department
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Originally Published October 13th, 2020
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. 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
hawktomatophobos18966
Tuesday 13th of October 2020
I highly recommend DO NOT come to Costa Rica right now. There are massive roadblocks due to protests everywhere with the IMF. This is causing chaos when commuting anywhere. A 3 hour drive will take about 12-18 hours. There is no end in sight for these. You can check ticotimes.net for updates (link)
This is outrageous for tourists, and some of the peaceful protests have become violent.
Untl the tourism board does something and the governernment does something, I do not suggest coming at ALL