Since Nov. 1, Costa Rica has allowed all countries in the world to enter by air, as long as they meet the country’s visa and COVID-19 entry requirements.
The Government of the Republic has facilitated the entry of international tourists, and since Oct. 26, eliminated the requirement of RT-PCR tests for the detection of the coronavirus. Neither Costa Ricans nor foreigners will be issued sanitary confinement (or quarantine) orders when entering the country by air. These measures are subject to change and dependent on the evolution of the pandemic both in Costa Rica and around the world.
Tourists visiting Costa Rica are asked to abide by the sanitary protocols implemented for carrying out all tourist activities in the country.
Entry requirements for the country
For information on visas, refer to the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners: https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Visas.aspx
The following requirements remain during the pandemic:
If these requirements are not met, the passenger will not be able to enter the country.
Private flights
Private flights from the United States of America and the rest of the world are permitted to enter the country. For passengers on private flights, the same requirements already described apply.
Maritime entry
Passengers and crew of yachts and sailboats must meet the same sanitary entry requirements that the country requires of those who enter by air.
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, tourists coming from yachts or sailboats must also hand over to the immigration authorities the document “International port clearance” in authorized marinas.
A visa is not required for maritime crew members who intend to arrive in the country on yachts or sailboats and according to their nationalities in accordance with the General Guidelines for Entry and Permanence Visas for Non-Residents issued by the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration. They will be able to enter the country without prior authorization from the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration.
For any medical insurance questions, the passengers and crew of yachts or sailboats can email seguros.marinas@ict.go.cr.
Welcome to Costa Rica! To visit our country there are some requirements which must be met.
A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.
All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are:
By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport:
When entering or leaving a port in Costa Rica, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than the US $ 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, cash or securities, you must request and complete the form provided for this purpose at the migration post and present it to the Customs Authority for verification; The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures. The omission of what is established by Costa Rican law (No. 8204, article 35) will result in the immediate loss of money.
What inoculations do I need before entering Costa Rica?
Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.
For more information click here