5 Travel Changes To Costa Rica Entry Requirements (And How To Adapt)

The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, and traveling isn’t quite back to normal yet. Even when borders open and cases dwindle, travel isn’t likely to be exactly the same. There are likely to be more rules in place to stop a future spread from happening again, and travel changes that impede Americans from visiting anytime soon.

If you’re an American looking to meet Costa Rica entry requirements in the near future, read these five travel changes and how to adapt.

1. Check If You Need to Provide Evidence of State Residency

Not every U.S. citizen meets Costa Rica entry requirements yet. On September 1st, Costa Rica opened its borders to residents of certain U.S. states:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Maine
• Connecticut
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• Maryland
• Virginia
• District of Columbia

On September 15th, a travel change will take place that allows residents of these states to also be allowed into Costa Rica:

• Colorado
• Massachusetts
• Pennsylvania

It’s not enough to simply travel to a state where travel is allowed, then fly into Costa Rica. You must provide documentation that you’re a resident of the allowed states. The only currently accepted documentation to prove this a driver’s license or a state ID card. 

2. Undergo Appropriate Health Screening and COVID-19 Testing 

No matter what state you’re from, you need to provide these three health documents as a Costa Rica entry requirement.

• A negative PCR-RT test for COVID-19 taken within the 72 hours before departure. Here is a guide for where you can obtain testing in the United States.
• A digital epidemiological health pass, “Pase de Salud” in Spanish. This is the form you will need to fill out to obtain this pass. Do this well in advance of your trip.
• Proof of travel insurance. This must cover your accommodation in case you need to be quarantined and COVID-19 medical expenses for the duration of your stay.

3. Consult With the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica and the U.S. International Travel Advisory

Check these websites frequently. They update all the time, and they contain critical information and advice you’ll need for your journey. 

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is the best source of travel change information for travelers and should be your primary resource. It contains frequently asked questions, essential information, up to date Costa Rica entry requirements, and a way to contact support should you face visa or travel difficulties. 

According to their website, U.S. citizens with emergencies may contact acssanjose@state.gov or call +506-2519-2590 during business hours and +506-2519-2000 after hours.

If you have a visa matter that requires immediate travel, follow the guidance at ustraveldocs.com to request an emergency appointment.

4. Check What Documentation You Need (And Check for Travel Changes) 

As we stated above, you will need to show proof of state residency to prove you’re from an accepted state, and you’ll need to show the appropriate health documentation in addition to this.

In total, these are the documents you need to show when you arrive:

• Passport
• Proof of state residency (driver’s license or state ID)
• Negative COVID-19 test
• Pase de Salud
• Proof of travel insurance

Check if You Need to Prepare for Quarantine When You Arrive

If you’re a United States citizen and you’ve met the Costa Rica entry requirements for health documentation, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival.

However, if you’re a Costa Rican citizen or resident who has just returned from traveling to the United States, you will be subject to a 14-day quarantine order upon arrival. 

In the case that you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while visiting Costa Rica, you will naturally be subjected to a quarantine order as well.

Safely Visit Costa Rica Sooner Than You Think

Costa Rica is reliant on the tourism industry for economic stability, and the primary source of its tourist income comes from the United States. So long as you do your part to stay healthy and safe, Costa Rica will thank you for visiting!

For the finest accommodation when you arrive, contact us to book a reservation at Casa Teresa Luxury Villa. This beachfront paradise, located in the beautiful Santa Teresa, is perfect year-round for a dream getaway. We’re excited to have you here.