*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.
oJJohn paoneJe says
Hi my name is John I live in Florida in the US my wife is Costa Rican she lives in Costa Rica and so do I but I am not a citizen I have not seen my wife and family in 4 months is there any exceptions to fly from Florida to the San Jose Airport I miss my family I will do whatever I have to do I am the man of the household and I pay the bills I need to be back there so I can take care of my family they are starving and they’re going to be living on the streets soon if I’m not back to take care of them please let me know what I can do thank you
Sav says
Hello,
I need (not want) to return to CR to complete a dental procedure started 2019, was scheduled to return in March 2020 then the pandemic started.
Is there any exception for medical procedures?
Sammi says
Hi Sav, currently there is no exceptions for medical tourism.
richard says
Hi Thinking of going costa rica for hoilday but dont like the idea of beaches being closed at 2 30 pm. I would like to do sunset surfs is this allowed for tourists?
Cheers
Richard
Sammi says
Right now beaches are only open until 230 PM, the government hasn’t said when they will extend hours.
Sammi says
They have a Seguro de Viaje section but I would recommend to call them directly.
They do not offer RT-PCR tests on arrival – you must have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of your trip and bring proof of that negative test result (can be in English or Spanish)
Dianshan Ee says
Just wondering where to purchase the INS insurance? Tried the website but a lot of broken links.
Do you know if they offer PCR test on arrival at the airport? 48H is quite a short time to get a test done and results out in some countries (usually you get results in 48H, by which time you’re supposed to be in Costa rica already).
Michelle says
Hi I tried to comment earlier but maybe I did not send.
Are Us passport holders are banned for entry *regardless* of what country they fly in from? Ie… if American us passport holder flies in from Canada it is allowed or not allowed?
I don’t understand if us passport holders are not allowed or only us passenger flights from the us are not allowed?
Thanks!
Sammi says
According to the CR consulate, flights from US are not allowed but I did update the post yesterday because if a US passport holder flies to an authorized country like any of the authorized EU, Canada or UK countries, quarantines for 14 days there without presenting symptoms, does the test and collects all necessary documents and then flies directly from that authorized country to CR, they can technically enter (given that they have all the paperwork like the form, insurance and negative test result). Flights from US to CR are strictly repatriation only.
Brian Welte says
You mentioned that a visitor must “bring proof of a negative COVID-19 test at least 48 hours before arrival”. Do you mean the test results must be from no more than 48 hours before entering Costa Rica? Thus, if you get a negative test result back on Monday and try to enter Costa Rica on Thursday you won’t be allowed in because your test wasn’t recent enough?
Sammi says
Correct, tourists must undergo a PCR test and obtain a negative COVID-19 result within 48 hours prior to the trip.
Max says
Are banks open in the Central Valley area?
Sammi says
Yes they are open.
Laura says
Hi there.
Wow, this website & blog is amazing. Thank you for your informative information.
I’m trying to plan a trip for early December from South Florida….I guess I will wait to book our room and airline until we find out if the US is on the list when the government opens the borders.
Thanks again for all the information both Covid and Non-Covid.
=)
Sabine says
Hola queridos,
estamos planificando vacaciones desde Alemania en Augosto…
algo de noticias? No parece que sea un cambio en CR, las ciffras de Covid son aumentando, verdad :(?
un salud amistoso
Sammi says
Hola Sabine, desafortunadamente los casos son aumentando y hay transmisión comunitaria. No tenemos noticias nuevas para Agosto, solo que Costa Rica va a permitir extrañjeros de paises con bajas tasas de transmisión (si va a abrir las fronterras). No sabemos cuales paises.
Estoy pensando que por el fin del mes, el gobierno anunciara algo sobre las fronterras.
Sabine Goldhorn says
Gracias y SUERTE! para todos