*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.
Kimberly says
Me and my 3 children have a set plans to fly into San Jose on July18-26 from Miami,Fl. This will be our first visit to your country. Should we postpone given the current situation?
Sammi says
Right now the Costa Rican border is set to open July 1, 2020, but this could change. We are hopeful but it is up to the government and nobody knows except them regarding the border closure date as it may be extended (they have extended it 4 times already). I would also check with your airline what are your option if you decide to reschedule.
Lauri Davanzo says
Glad you both are well! We should be in Tamarindo as we speak. We are hoping to brave the rainy season in September because we just can’t wait until next year to visit. What can we expect? I’ve heard five hours of sunshine and several of rain every day?
Sammi says
Hi Lauri, usually it’s cloudy but dry in the mornings and then rains in afternoons and nights in September. Sometimes on and off showers throughout the day towards end of Sept depending on if we have a tropical storm or not and this year is supposed to be more rainy than last. You can read more about Costa Rica weather here.
Robin says
thank you for the update. Was supposed to come June 27th and will try again for late November. It will be our first time and we are so excited. Appreciate all your help.
Ronda Hajduk says
thanks so much for the updates. The airline has already cancelled our trip and refunded. We look forward to Costa Rica being able to return to its vacation paradise soon and will return when we can. Thanks so much. Ronda
Dana Sue Talkington says
Thanks for the update … we are keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to celebrate in Tamarindo in November (rescheduled from May 9) … be safe and keep the updates coming!
Sammi says
You’re welcome 🙂 Stay safe as well!
Dianne Palush says
Thank you for the informative blog! I also was not aware of the license plate restrictions. We visited last year(which was our first time). We were planning on visiting the same time again the first week in December. I hope we are able to visit then. We had such a wonderful time!
Stacy McCrory says
Hi Guys!
Thanks for the update! Glad to hear you and your families are staying safe and healthy.
We had to cancel four retreats this year and look forward to picking up where we left off when it’s safe to do so! Can’t wait to be back! Even if only Mike and I for our first trip back.
Be well,
Stacy and Mike
TwoCan Retreats
@twocanretreats
Sammi says
Hi guys! Hopefully you guys can visit when the border is open. Be safe and healthy!!
Jo Dahlman says
Thanks for this information. Was supposed to have been coming back to Costa Rica in March but as with everything the flights were cancelled so could not make the trip. It would have been my 8th trip in two years, just love the country. Waiting for the borders to open so that I can return.
Dee Shandera says
I DEVOUR this blog, I tune into you whenever I see a new notification. I had no idea about all the restrictions that have been put into place. I commend your government formost of them, but one I don’t understand is the limitations on driving – days of the week, license plate numbers, daily hours the roads are open, etc. what do those restrictions restrict? How, or what, do they have to do with stemming the virus? What if I lived there and was a doctor at the local clinic or hospital, but my shift(s) were on days when the last digit of my license plate made me ineligible to drive on that day of the week? Or if medical personnel get a pass on the rules because they are essential, let’s say I’m a mail deliverer, or the baker who supplies your local grocery store? Or suppose I’m pregnant and my water breaks, or I’m a kid who fell out of a tree and my arm breaks, but it’s a Wednesday, we are a 2-car family, but one plate ends in 5 and the other in 6? Does Mom or Dad take a chance on wasting precious time if a cop pulls them over because they’re driving “illegally”?
Please explain.
Sammi says
Essential workers can drive on restricted times/days and license plates as well as anyone who needs hospital/doctor/emergencies, etc. so for all those scenarios you mentioned you can drive (doctors, medical emergencies, etc.)
I can’t really speak for exactly why the government does this but we assume it’s to prevent a lot of people out at the same time everyday and gathering in groups, especially in the city. In April, it was to prevent the San Jose locals going out to the coasts mostly (Easter is a huge holiday here and a lot of city locals go to the beach for vacation but they didn’t want them to). The driving restriction according to the last digit of the license plate actually is normal in San Jose, that has been going on for years. It’s just now it’s country wide.
Kenneth D Steadman says
Thanks for the info.
Have a dental vacation planned for August 5th-19th in San Jose/Jaco. Hope everything has progressed to the “new normal” by then.
Thanks again!