*This post will no longer be updated to reflect current COVID cases. There are no COVID-19 restrictions in Costa Rica at all anymore. In case something does change, we will update this post but as of 2023, there have not been any restrictions.*
On March 6, 2020, Costa Rica confirmed their first case of COVID-19. Here is what you need to know about the Costa Rica coronavirus situation.
Costa Rica COVID-19 Confirmed Cases
As the COVID pandemic has been declared “over”, the Costa Rica Ministry of Health has not reported statistics about COVID-19 in awhile. This post will only be updated if new information or updates are given.
Costa Rica COVID-19 Vaccinations
Costa Rica has opened their vaccinations to anyone in the country. Please check the Costa Rican Seguro Social to see their vaccination statistics.
Border Opening and Closing
Costa Rica closed their borders on March 18, 2020. On November 1, 2020, Costa Rica opened to all countries in the world via air. On April 5, 2021, Costa Rica opened the land borders to Nicaragua and Panama.
Please read our Costa Rica COVID-19 Travel for more important tourist information.
Costa Rica Coronavirus Requirements to Enter the Country for Tourists
Since April 1, 2022, Costa Rica hasn’t required any type of COVID-19 specific requirement to enter the country. No negative test, no quarantine, no travel insurance nor health pass.
Costa Rica COVID Restrictions
There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions.
Costa Rica COVID-19 Timeline
The first confirmed COVID-19 case in Costa Rica was on March 6, 2020. Costa Rica declared a state of emergency on March 16, 2020. The first COVID-19 fatality was on March 18th, 2020.
Do You Need a COVID Test to Exit Costa Rica?
No. A COVID test is not required to enter or exit Costa Rica.
The United States removed the 24 hour negative COVID test requirement for international travelers via air on June 12, 2022. Therefore, a negative COVID test is not required to enter the United States by air from abroad anymore.
For other countries, make sure to check their entry requirements for international travelers by air.
Do You Need to Wear a Face Mask in Costa Rica?
No, you are not requiref to wear a face mask in Costa Rica. Face masks will still be in place for health officials and establishments. However, some establishments may still require them and people can still wear them if they wish.
Likewise, face mask mandates may be reinstated at any time, especially for indoors and public settings such as transportation. Please be aware of this and still bring a mask with you just in case.
What It’s Been Like Where We Live (Tamarindo area)
Tamarindo is normal. Tourists everywhere, everything’s open, no social distancing. It is how it is used to be pre-COVID.
Everywhere else in Costa RIca is exactly how it use to be before COVID as well. We do now have way more traffic, especially on the coasts during the weekends. Concerts, festivals and parades are back.
For Those Who Plan to Visit…
If you plan to travel to Costa Rica, please check the recommendations for international travel of your home country. Be respectful of all laws, regulations and rules Costa Rica has put in place whether you agree with it or not as you are a guest in the country.
Please check our Costa Rica COVID travel post for more details on COVID testing, entry requirements, etc.
If you had to reschedule your trip but not sure for when, the following posts will help you decide.
Wherever you are in the world, let’s all do our part to stay safe and healthy. Have fun but be a responsible traveler.
Susann says
I have a question regarding the “Pase de Salud”.
Should one state the vaccination certificate of the first vaccination series or, if available, the booster certificate in the “Pase de Salud”?
Sammi says
Right now Costa Rica isn’t asking for the booster as part of the “fully vaccination” requirement, so you’ll need the certificate of both doses (if applicable) or the one dose (if got J&J)
Susann says
Thank you very much.
Sammi says
You can check the stats on the Costa Rica Ministerio de Salud website
You will have to look for Santa Cruz as the Canton (Tamarindo is in the Santa Cruz canton)
SEAN BENDER says
Thank you so much.
Dennis Christensen says
Hi guys,
I have a question about the masks and mandates. It says everyone must follow the mask rules etc. do they actually enforce it? We’re coming from Canada and we have pretty strict re entry rules and it would be very difficult to have to quarantine there for another 2 weeks, so we’re having a hard time deciding if we should postpone and would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the reality of the situation.
Thanks!
Sammi says
Indoors yes like inside supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, when you enter restaurants (some places are strict about it), on the bus, etc. they will ask you to put on a mask and are more strict about i
Outdoors not really like if you’re walking outside down the street they won’t tell you to put one on
SEAN BENDER says
Do you know what the positivity rate is currently in Tamarindo? It looks like Costa Rica as a whole is currently high Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 in Costa Rica.
Thanks,
Sean
Nicole says
Hi there! It’s been very hard to find the info online so I thought I’d try you 🙂
In the event that we test positive when testing to leave CR in 2 weeks, what is the protocol there regarding isolation, etc.? Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Nicole, in this post: https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/visiting-costa-rica-during-the-pandemic/ there is a section of what happens if you test positive
Rick Meyer says
If I’m fully vaccinated and have a US vaccine card do I still need to get a QR code to enter the country ?
Sammi says
Yes, everyone has to fill out the health pass and get a QR code
SixKidPak says
Where can I test in Tamarindo or Playa Avellana?
How much will it cost?
Sammi says
You can find testing places in our post here (scroll down to the COVID testing section): https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/visiting-costa-rica-during-the-pandemic/
Richard says
What happens for the unvaccinated traveler after the transition period?
Sammi says
If the mandate continues and is enforced, they won’t be allowed in certain establishments
TY says
Hi! I love all the information you provide – it is so helpful. My family will be flying from the US to Liberia in about a week and will be staying at the JW Marriott for several days and then will be staying in Bijagua to see the Volcano Tenorio National Park. We are not vaccinated. Based on what you are seeing, will we have trouble finding restaurants that will allow us to eat or tours that will allow us to participate? Thanks.
Sammi says
Right now we’re in a transition period so businesses can decide how they want to operate (letting in fully vaccinated and work at 100% or let in everyone and work at 50%), I would recommend to check with where you want to go and see what their policies iare
Mia Brito says
Hello,
I have a question. My husband is traveling to Costa Rica on Friday and coming back on Monday, with the new rules he needs to do a covid-19 test 24 hours before entering the U.S. Where in San Jose, Costa Rica can he get on done on Sunday and have the results back on time to be able to return to the U.S.? He is fully vaccinated.
Thank in advance for your help
M.Brito
Sammi says
Antigen test results are usually on average 8 hours here and there are a lot of labs in San Jose – there is even the lab at SJO Airport that offers testing