CRC Daily: Costa Rica entry requirements

A look at the latest Costa Rica news and the entrance requirements for tourists.

In today’s edition of The Costa Rica Daily, we’ll recap the latest local news and launch our Travel Tips Tuesday section. Time is short, so let’s dive right in.

Travel Tips Tuesday: Costa Rica entry requirements

International travel has become significantly more complicated during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you need to know to visit Costa Rica as a tourist.

A passport is the first step for most international travel. Photo: CRC Daily.

First things first: If you’re reading this, you almost certainly don’t need to apply for a tourist visa to visit Costa Rica. You can double-check visa requirements here, but US citizens, Canadians, residents of the EU and many others simply need a valid passport and an exit ticket.

Now for the current coronavirus-related requirements:

• Tourists must enter via a flight or boat. Costa Rica’s land borders remain closed for arriving tourists.

• Tourists must have health insurance that covers COVID-19 and quarantine expenses for the duration of their stay in Costa Rica. More on that below.

• Everyone entering Costa Rica must complete the “Health Pass” online form within 48 hours of their flight. That form is available here and can be completed from a computer or cell phone in less than five minutes. Submitting it generates a QR code that your airline will request before boarding; Costa Rican authorities will scan the code when you arrive.

About the insurance: Two Costa Rican companies sell pre-approved plans: INS and Sagicor. These are guaranteed to be accepted. If you choose to purchase a different plan, you must have documentation proving the policy:

1. Covers you throughout the visit to Costa Rica.

2. Covers COVID-19 medical expenses in Costa Rica of at least US $50,000.

3. Covers at least US $2,000 in extended lodging expenses due to illness or trip interruption due to illness.

We’ve heard Trawick offers an affordable policy that meets these requirements. If you have doubts about a specific policy, you can email Costa Rican authorities for confirmation at: seguros@ict.go.cr.

With a passport, exit ticket, insurance and the Health Pass form, you’ll be all set to enter Costa Rica as a tourist. Safe travels!

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