Travel to Costa Rica during Covid-19: What You Need to Know Before Leaving

(CNN) – If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica, this is what you need to know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.

The basic

Costa Rica resumed tourism in November. The country has eased restrictions over the past few weeks and wants to create a digital nomadic visa to revamp visitors that will make lasting contributions to the local economy.

What is on offer?

Costa Rica is known for its “pura vida” (pure life), and besides pandemic, the vida is still pura. It is a land for nature lovers, with a Caribbean and a Pacific coast, and a jungle that covers about a quarter of the country. Whether you are here for the wolves, the volcanoes or the incredible nature and wildlife, your shoulders will definitely drop a few inches.

Who can go

Everyone. Costa Rica starts on November 1, 2020 – even for tourism -. There are, of course, limitations. And standard visa regulations still apply.

What are the restrictions?

There is no need for a negative PCR test as initially. All passengers must complete a health pass before traveling. The website provides a QR code that you must show on arrival.

Tourists traveling to Costa Rica must have valid travel insurance that covers potential accommodation up to $ 2,000 and medical expenses of at least $ 50,000 due to Covid-19. It must be accompanied by a certificate in English or Spanish, with the name of the policyholder, the dates of coverage and guarantees as set out above.

If you cannot find a policy that includes quarantine insurance, there are suggestions from insurers on the Health Pass website.

Residents and Costa Rican citizens may be subject to self-isolation upon arrival.

The land borders are closed to non-residents, and residents crossing via land must be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival.

What is the situation in Covid?

Costa Rica saw 206,000 cases and fewer than 3,000 deaths during the pandemic. Along with Mexico, it was the first country to receive vaccinations in December. About 150,000 people have been vaccinated so far.

What can visitors expect?

Things become relatively normal again. National parks and beaches are open – the latter until 18:00. Restaurants and bars are open again, but clubs are not, and concerts and large groups are prohibited.

There is a curfew rule from 23:00 to 05:00 Terminations for the management of the day, which were previously instituted, have been terminated (except in the capital San José, where restrictions that reduce congestion are the case).

In an effort to recover, the country is planning to implement year-long visas for digital nomads, with the possibility of extending them for another year. Currently there is a 90 day restriction on tourist accommodation.

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CNN’s Julia Buckley contributed to this report

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