*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.
Michael Huxta says
Hola,
I know my question maybe like picking the winning lotto numbers but its worth a shot. Our trip is scheduled for the second wk in October, what is your opinion on us being allowed to fly in from the U.S. ? Or should I just cancel and plan for another time. It was 1st scheduled for April my bday then moved to wife’s now looks like that maybe an issue. I know CoCo is rainy that time of year but been there a few times in the brown would like to see the green season but also can’t wait to cancel and try to rebook someplace that will have open boarders for ppl from the U.S.,
Stay safe and Thank you
Sammi says
Hi Michael, honestly we have no idea. The government said they will start allowing visitors from low COVID-19 transmission countries beginning on August 1 but they have not announced which countries they will be yet. I would wait until they make that announcement and then you can decide, they will probably announce it mid to end of July. We only know what the government announces and they haven’t said anything more.
Pedro says
Hi, it’s July 1st. Are they allowing flights into Liberia or San Jose from the USA? I know you have said the “borders” are closed till August 1 but I think you are referring to traveling by car or bus from neighboring countries..? You don’t mean closed to flights though, right?
Sammi says
Borders are closed via sea, air and land so it does mean car and bus from neighboring countries and all flights except repatriation flights.
Costa Rica plans to open the border on August 1 but only to countries with low COVID-19 transmission rates which they haven’t announced yet…there is a very good chance US is not on that list but we will see what the government decides.
Sherly says
Still no news on when the border will officially open for tourism? Since it has been postponed many times, do you think they will finally open in july? If so, would they require quarantine? Planning a trip for August for 10 days, but if a 2 week quarantine is required for tourists, we couldnt go.
Sammi says
The word on the street is that Costa Rica will only start allowing tourists from countries with low transmission rates but no official word yet the details or anything. I’ll update this post once they do make an announcement.
Sammi says
Grande and Langosta are open 8 AM to 6 PM and the Ostional/Nosara beaches are open for much longer too (not sure the exact hours since they have been posting different updates lately).
Pedro says
We’d like to surf all day. Are any beaches open later than 8:30am for surfing in Guanacaste?
Pedro says
Are any of the surfing beaches in Guanacaste open all day or only open from 5:30-8am? ? Playa Grande, Nosara, etc? How about Witches Rock?
Sammi says
Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas is open everyday 8 AM to 6 PM (Grande, Langosta) according to their FB page. Tamarindo is only 5-8 AM (will be 5-930 AM starting on the 20th). I believe Guiones and Nosara are open everyday as they are part of Ostional. Witch’s Rock is open by boat only, Mon-Fri 6 AM to 3 PM with previous reservations and purchased tickets and a max of 25 people surfing I believe (I think they may open that to weekends too, I am not sure).
Jill Ryan says
Thank you for the updates on your blog. I have a trip to Nosara booked for July 2nd and had planned to rent a car and drive from San Jose. Will that be allowed? Should I just reschedule the trip? Thank you for any insight that you are able to provide.
Sammi says
Right now the border is set to open July 1, 2020, this could be extended. The government hasn’t made any announcements or updates recently but I will update the post once they do.
Mike Pitts says
I’m looking to travel from July 18th thru the 27th from the United States. I was going to rent a car will the driving restrictions still be in place?
Sammi says
I am not positive, I think they are supposed to be lifted August 1st but they haven’t made a definite decision, just a tentative plan. I’ll update this post once the government has made more announcements regarding foreigners and international tourism as they haven’t made any yet.
Lindsey says
We’re planning to go first 2 weeks of July- hoping that a quarantine is not required. We will wait for your update
Jill says
I am also planning to go the first week in July from the US. Crossing my fingers that we will be allowed to!
Nadia Khalid says
Hi, Thank you for the thorough information! My family of 5 would like to visit in August (if the border opens). It would be our 4th trip. Would we have to go through the swab testing at the airport if we showed no symptoms? Also, would tourists need to stay in the country for 14 days per quarantine protocols? I understand these are detailed questions best suited for the government— but any bit helps!
Sammi says
Right now, the government hasn’t made any announcements regarding regulations for foreigners entering the country so we’re not sure if they will require a mandatory 14 day quarantine or what they plan to do. I’m sure once they know for sure regarding the border they will announce the regulations and I’ll update this post.
Julia Grasso says
Thank you so much for this information. I really love your blog and look forward to networking with you when I return to Costa Rica Aug 5. I will be so happy to return . Julie Costa-rica-Dreams.