Last updated: August 2021
Before you travel, it would be very helpful to check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Costa Rica’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
Click here to visit Costa Rica government website with the official, up-to-date information: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
Current Requirements—Fully Vaccinated Travelers
—Epidemiological digital form that you can obtain here: Health Pass.
—Travelers that have proof of a full vaccination (a record or vaccination card) with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Astrazeneca, or Johnson and Johnson (these are the only approved vaccines), should attach their vaccination certificate to the Health Pass. The last dose of the vaccine must have been applied at least 14 days before arrival in Costa Rica.
As proof, vaccination certificates and vaccination cards that contain at least the following information will be accepted:
- Name of the person who received the vaccine
- Date of each dose
- Pharmaceutical house
In the case of U.S. travelers, the “COVID-19 vaccination record card” will be accepted.
Current Requirements—Other Travelers
Is a negative test required to enter?
No COVID Test Required to Enter Costa Rica. U.S. citizen tourists wishing to enter Costa Rica are not required to present the results of a negative PCR test for CV-19.
—Epidemiological digital form that you can obtain here: Health Pass.
—Tourists not vaccinated, with incomplete vaccination, or vaccinated with a serum other than those admitted by the Costa Rican authorities, must purchase mandatory travel insurance that covers lodging in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19 disease as detailed below.
You can choose any international insurance company that meets the following requirements:
- Valid during the entire stay in Costa Rica (coverage dates).
- $50,000 for medical expenses, including COVID-19 disease.
- $2,000 for lodging expenses in case of COVID-19 quarantine.
Ask your insurance company for a certificate/letter in English or Spanish stating the following:
- Name of the person traveling.
- Validity of the effective policy during the Costa Rica visit (travel dates).
- Guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in case of COVID-19 in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000
- Minimum coverage of $2,000 for lodging expenses for quarantine or trip interruption for this same amount.
This certificate must specify that the policy covers COVID-19 and must be uploaded to the HEALTH PASS to be reviewed and approved by the Costa Rican authorities. Insurance cards are not accepted, it must be a document that allows the verification of the coverage mentioned.
Starting on August 1, all children under 18 do not need to show Covid travel insurance to enter. This is regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.
Where do I get a test to return?
The U.S. requires all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people to provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 3 days of the flight or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. If you are unable to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery, the airlines will not let you board your plane. Antibody tests are not accepted. Only viral tests (PCR or antigen) are accepted. To prove you have recovered, your paperwork must include documentation of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your doctor or a public health official declaring you are clear to travel. For a complete list of properly licensed testing locations, please follow this link.