COVID Test for Tourist entering Costa Rica

A few days ago, we published a story regarding the COVID test requirement for children under 12. Just a couple of days later, the Immigration Department issued a decree stating that all people entering as tourist are required to provide evidence of the COVID test.

As previously noted, the Foreign Relations Department issued a memo stating that children under 12 years of age are exempt from the test. However, this decree by the Immigration Department clears the uncertainty generated by conflicting regulations issued by both the Foreign Relations and the Immigration Department.

You can access the decree by clicking here. 

Entry Requirements for Tourists, people with applications in progress, and approved Residencies that are yet to process their DIMEX cards

The rules for tourists, people with applications in progress (meaning people who have a process filed at Immigration) and people with approved Residencies that were notified of the approval of their status and are yet to secure their DIMEX card (securing the DIMEX is the last stage of the Residency process that is completed in-country), aside from what has been mentioned about foreign nationals related to Costa Rican nationals or Residents, have not changed.

Therefore, tourists, people with applications in progress, and approved Residencies that are yet to process their DIMEX cards may enter the country as long as they comply with the following:

1. You must be flying in from one of the authorized countries.
2. You must be able to evidence that you have been in one of the authorized countries for at least 14 days. Immigration has not provided a list of what sorts of documents they will review but documents could include passport stamps, Hotel bills, Airbnb receipts, etc. OR, if flying in from one of the authorized US States, you will need your State ID or drivers’ license. Only Residents of these States that can provide ID will be allowed to travel. The ID shall be uploaded when completing the Health Pass.
3. You will need a negative COVID19 test. The only acceptable test is the real-time polymerase chain reaction test, also called PCR-RT for COVID-19. Rapid test kit results, serological tests, or immunity tests will not be accepted as valid. The sample needs to be taken no more than 72 hours before your flight to Costa Rica.
4. You will need insurance that covers hospitalization and accommodation in case you require quarantine due to COVID19. Insurance offered by the National Insurance Institute (INS) complies with these exigencies. You may review the INS insurance here. Many expats have reached out asking if it is plausible to avoid the part of the insurance that covers boarding if they have a house or a rental in Costa Rica. We called the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) and received written confirmation on September 1^st  stating that this will be possible however, they also clarified that this is not supported by any Decree, Resolution, or Circular. This means that if you wish to enter using proof that you have a home or a rental (it must be for more than 1 month, in your name. It cannot be an Airbnb or similar), we cannot assure you that it will be accepted since this is not supported, in writing, by any current ruling or law. ICT’s written confirmation is not tantamount to a Decree, Resolution or Circular. We know of some people who have already entered this way; however, the situation is so unstable at the airport that we cannot assure you a smooth entry. Ultimately, if the documentation you provide is not enough, you can purchase the insurance upon arrival.
5. Valid passport.
6. Round-trip ticket or reservation showing an eventual departure from Costa Rica via air.
7. You will need to complete your Health Pass. The link for the Health Pass can be found here. The Health Pass must be completed 48 hours prior to entering the country.
8. If the foreign national has a restricted nationality (you can read further on the matter here) and requires a visa to enter Costa Rica, he/she will not be allowed to enter unless he/she presents a valid US, EU, or Canadian visa (please refer to the article pertaining to restricted nationalities). This cannot be a transit visa.

Further details on the test, the insurance, and how to complete the Health Pass can be found here. If you have a specific question regarding the Health Pass, you can reach out to pasedesalud@misalud.go.cr

Tourists and people with applications in progress will not be required to complete the 14-day quarantine period.

Any Resident, person with Special Category, Estancia, tourists, people with applications in progress and approved Residencies that are yet to process their DIMEX cards that do not comply with the requirements set upon in the law will not be allowed to enter. Immigration is not making exceptions.

Any COVID19 test must be in English or Spanish. Any international insurance policy must also be presented in either English or Spanish.

One Health Pass per family can be completed, however, the entry requirements must be met by every single traveler, including children.