Costa Rica Drops Negative COVID Test Entry Requirement

Costa Rica updated their entry requirements for tourists so that as of October 26, 2020, travelers to the Central American country no longer need to present a RT-PCR diagnostic test with a negative result for COVID-19 in order to enter.

Then, on November 1, 2020, Costa Rica will open its borders to all residents and citizens of the United States. Currently, only residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Texas Washington, D.C. and Wyoming are authorized to enter Costa Rica.

When visiting Costa Rica, travelers from the U.S. still do have other requirements in order to enter like:

• Filling out the electronic epidemiological Health Pass form
• Showing their driver’s license or state identification (State ID) to prove that they live in one of the authorized states
  • This requirement excludes children travelling with their family.
  • This requirement will no longer be necessary as of November 1, 2020
• Showing proof of medical insurance, purchased internationally or in Costa Rica through the National Insurance Institute (INS - Instituto Nacional de Seguros) or Sagicor.

For international insurance policies, Costa Rica’s tourism board says that tourists must request a certificate from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish, verifying at least the following three conditions (this certificate must be uploaded when filling out the electronic epidemiological Health Pass):

• Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to Costa Rica
• Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least USD $50,000
• Includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic

Since destination entry requirements can change quickly, it’s important to check with the destination’s tourism board or government before traveling to help avoid any issues upon arrival.