General Info

"In Costa Rica, scientists and laboratories have been working on a range of solutions to tackle the outbreak, not least to reduce the country's dependence on imported goods amid global scarcity.

Costa Rica's success in warding off the novel coronavirus can be attributed to the involvement of all sectors of government, a quick response, and a strong health care system as well as the commitment of its citizens, said Maria Dolores Perez-Rosales, the World Health Organization representative in Costa Rica. "Therein lies the key, in broad strokes, to why Costa Rica is managing the pandemic in this way," she said.

The country has done so well that it's the first in the region to have restarted its football league, albeit behind closed doors. Costa Rican scientists have developed protective equipment, ventilators, capsules to transport infected patients and even specialized medication.

The arrival of the disease prompted a combined effort by the private and public sectors to work together "in order to achieve self-sufficiency in medical equipment," Science and Technology Minister Adrian Salazar told AFP by video. Salazar says those efforts ensured that Costa Rica was sufficiently stocked with needed medical supplies.

While the mortality rate has been low, Costa Rica has still been preparing for the worst-case scenario, developing ventilator prototypes that are in the final stage of testing. It's also made progress in testing and the production of swabs used to carry out the tests.

"The main goal is to be able to produce swabs locally given there's scarcity on a global level. And if necessary, do widespread testing for COVID-19," said Jose Pablo Carballo, a student at the University of Costa Rica involved in the development program. ".

Costa Rica has extended its coronavirus pandemic entry restrictions until June 30.

Until at least that date, Costa Rica will deny entry to tourists and non-resident foreigners, the Health Ministry announced Friday, May 30.

The restriction applies to the country's ports of entry via land, air and sea.

Exceptions may be made for "humanitarian cases," Public Security Minister Michael Soto has said previously, but those instances must be approved by the Immigration Administration, the Health Ministry and the Foreign Ministry.

Costa Rica's partial border shutdown began March 19.

Citizens, residents and tourists are all still allowed to leave Costa Rica.

However,*foreign residents who leave or left the country on March 24 or later are unable to re-enter Costa Rica until further notice.

Anyone caught entering the country illegally will have his or her residency status revoked.

In addition, citizens and residents entering Costa Rica will be assigned a mandatory 14-day quarantine by Immigration Police.

[URL]https://ticotimes.net/2020/05/29/costa-rica-extends-coronavirus-border-restrictions-until-june-30[/URL]

When will Costa Rica welcome international tourists?

We'll see what the data are telling us. How can we manage with certain businesses, for example hotels, that may need guidelines.

All of that is in play with this protocol. As I indicated, it will be over the course of the year, but I won't presume an exact date.

[URL]https://ticotimes.net/2020/06/16/health-ministry-suggests-very-gradual-return-for-international-tourism-to-costa-rica[/URL]

Costa Rica will require foreign tourists to purchase pandemic insurance, on line, prior to entry.

The insurance for minors ranges from US $275 to more than US $965 for a 70 year old for a two-week stay.

That is in addition to a COVID test that must be done prior to entry & presented upon arrival in Costa Rica.

COVID Tests cost from US $100 to US $150 or more.

These new requirements will be an extreme tourism killer for Costa Rica.

[URL]https://qcostarica.com/expensive-insurance-policy-and-covid-19-test-increase-the-cost-of-traveling-to-costa-rica/[/URL]

Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado; and the ministers of Health, Daniel Salas; and Public Safety, Michael Soto, issued an Executive Decree this Wednesday (5 August) to allow tourists who want to travel to Costa Rica to use an insurance policy for COVID-19 issued abroad, that covers hospitalization and lodging, in case of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 during their stay in the country.

[URL]https://qcostarica.com/tourists-can-now-enter-the-country-with-international-insurance/[/URL]

[QUOTE=Centurion200;2474423]Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado; and the ministers of Health, Daniel Salas; and Public Safety, Michael Soto, issued an Executive Decree this Wednesday (5 August) to allow tourists who want to travel to Costa Rica to use an insurance policy for COVID-19 issued abroad, that covers hospitalization and lodging, in case of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 during their stay in the country.

[URL]https://qcostarica.com/tourists-can-now-enter-the-country-with-international-insurance/[/URL][/QUOTE]And you should add the additional requirements if you are from a country other than where the allowed flights originate. In other words, the USA.

But, for Canadians or Europeans that insurance change may be a good thing. Although I doubt I could find a policy that specifies those things.

[QUOTE=Zeos1;2474494]And you should add the additional requirements if you are from a country other than where the allowed flights originate. In other words, the USA.

But, for Canadians or Europeans that insurance change may be a good thing. Although I doubt I could find a policy that specifies those things.[/QUOTE]The same article in the link has the detail for Americans wishing to get into Costa Rica as tourists. Basically the additional proof of 14 days in the country where the flight originates, before entering Costa Rica.

Has anyone travelled to Costa Rica since the last post in August? Thinking about visiting in late Feb or early March. If anyone has any new information that would be great! I hear that it is possible to fly in from USA but Covid / health insurance is still being required.

[QUOTE=Zeos1;2474495]The same article in the link has the detail for Americans wishing to get into Costa Rica as tourists. Basically the additional proof of 14 days in the country where the flight originates, before entering Costa Rica.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=PeacefulSurfer;2511269]Has anyone travelled to Costa Rica since the last post in August? Thinking about visiting in late Feb or early March. If anyone has any new information that would be great! I hear that it is possible to fly in from USA but Covid / health insurance is still being required.[/QUOTE]I have not, but many others have been and are in Costa Rica. A specific Covid and quarantine health insurance is required, and it is open now from all parts of the US (as well as the rest of the world basically). There are still many restrictions, curfews, etc. In the country as Covid is prevalent. I have been in some contact with two chicas from there, and both of them have now had Covid.

I have been here and Nicaragua, and Panama, but especially here.

All is open. Masks are needed everywhere. Everywhere has hand sanitizer. You do need travel insurance. I got through Alliance (the one that comes as an option with your flight) and upgraded to go along with my time here. I usually stay for 2 months and go to another country (like Nicaragua or Colombia or Panama) and then come right back. The travel insurance for 2 months was $250. It was cheaper for me because I have a place here, but otherwise it might be a bit more as your insurance also has to cover the cost of a hotel in the event of a covid infection.

I know Jaco still has many opportunities and I also know San Jose still has most of the same spots consistently mentioned as open.

If you are in San Jose, get a taxi and ask them to take you to a casa. It is roulette, you might get the normal places listed, or sometimes you get local places.

I still like tinder best for hook ups. I also made friends with a lady, who claims to have a stable of beauties ready for connection. When I get that info I will gladly share. I think it is for San Jose and Jaco too.

On Dec 1, Costa Rica will begin phasing in vaccine mandates to enter bars, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas. Initially, the mandate will be optional and business can choose to participate. On January 8th, the mandate becomes mandatory. US tourists can use their vaccine card and the QR code generated by the Pase de Salud as proof of vaccination to enter CR businesses.

[QUOTE=CatBert55;2618454]On Dec 1, Costa Rica will begin phasing in vaccine mandates to enter bars, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas. Initially, the mandate will be optional and business can choose to participate. On January 8th, the mandate becomes mandatory. US tourists can use their vaccine card and the QR code generated by the Pase de Salud as proof of vaccination to enter CR businesses.[/QUOTE]Also starting Dec 6th, all travelers, vaccinated or not, will need a negative covid test within 24 hours of their flight to the USA.

[QUOTE=MagicTrain;2634612]Also starting Dec 6th, all travelers, vaccinated or not, will need a negative covid test within 24 hours of their flight to the USA.[/QUOTE]Thanks for info.

[QUOTE=MagicTrain;2634612]Also starting Dec 6th, all travelers, vaccinated or not, will need a negative covid test within 24 hours of their flight to the USA.[/QUOTE]But not to Costa Rica, as of right now anyway.

But you will need to enter proof of your vaccinations on the form you fill out before going to Costa Rica, in order to have proof of vaccinations to get into bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. When you are there. That requirement was supposed to start for all businesses in January, from early December it was optional for businesses to use it.

Hey guys,

I have thinking about buying a place in CR. I'm thinking somewhere on Nicoya, although I would consider near Jaco.

Anyone chime in with where the best place to buy over next 3-5 years might be? Definitely will Airbnb.