*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.
Ronda says
THank you so much for the info. We had a planned trip for Jun but have cancelled. Will try again for 2021. Stay safe and keep us informed. Very good information.
Sammi says
You’re welcome Ronda, hope to see you here in 2021 🙂
Greg Hall says
Stay safe and keep up the good work! We appreciate it.
Hopefully will be in Hermosa CR. Jan. Feb.
Sammi says
Thank you Greg, stay safe as well 🙂
Jackie says
Thank you, Yeison and Samantha, for offering this very informative website as well as your blog to all those who plan to visit or are visiting beautiful Costa Rica. It is always so interesting! I look forward to your e-mails and reading your posts…and recommend it highly to my friends and family. Pura vida! Stay well!
Sammi says
You’re welcome Jackie and I’m glad you find the blog interesting and helpful! Thank you for sharing it. Stay well 🙂
Brian says
Thank you for a very precise situation report.
Bobbie Spencer says
Hi to you both,
Thanks so much for keeping me in your loop. Your breakdowns on the affected people is more specific and informational than any others I’ve seen.
We’re all looking forward to a safe border opening and, as a liaison between Costa Rica and folks in the US (and around the world,) I am grateful for your newsletter and information. I am always happy to recommend you and your services.
Cheers and here’s to an intelligent resumption of the ability to visit. Costa Rica.
Warmest regards,
Bobbie Spencer
Sammi says
You’re very welcome Bobbie, glad the blog is helpful and thank you for reading 🙂
Stay well!
Doug says
Thanks for the information! My wife and I pray you both stay safe and healthy.
Sammi says
You’re welcome! We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy as well
Steven Bright says
Thanks for all the great info hope to get back to our house in torcoles soon
Sammi says
You’re welcome Steven 🙂
Denise says
I was supposed to leave for my trip to Costa Rica this morning. I am so sad and disappointed. I have been planning this trip for 5 years and can not believe my horrible timing. I used your blog to finalize my plans. I hope to rebook my trip when all of this has calmed down. For now, I will just daydream and continue looking at your pictures and videos.
Sammi says
We hope you can visit as soon as it is possible! Thank you for reading our blog 🙂
Naomi Nation says
Gracias
I am in Costa Rica and only know a few words in Spanish. Your efforts have kept me within the law.
Thank you for the links too.
I am in Playa Hermosa and keep expecting to see you walking into the Chinese market.
This Australian is very grateful for your website and recipes-I am not on social media so you really have been invaluable to me.
With gratitude and admiration
Naomi
Sammi says
Glad it is helpful and thank you for reading our blog Naomi!
Brian Welte says
Thank you for this page. We’re starting to plan a trip to Costa Rica this autumn. Knowing the situation there is very helpful.
Keep up this awesome website and stay healthy! Pura Vida!!
Sammi says
Thank you Brian, you as well 🙂