Starting January 8, 2022, most businesses across Costa Rica will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and older. It is also a technical tool that aims to support sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. For border control and especially in the fight against international criminal gangs, Chaves added, the donation includes telecommunications equipment, drones and maintenance gear for police aircraft. To qualify, individuals must earn at least $3,000 a year, and families must make at least $5,000. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Costa Rica. This post is updated often to reflect the most recent changes. Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Digital Content Manager & Editor - Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Members of the LGTBIQ+ Community are about to travel more safely when visiting Costa Rica as the country will punish hate crimes with prison sentences ranging from 20 to 35 years. Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife. July 15, 2022 Brazil gives emergency use authorization of Chinas Sinovac vaccine in children aged three to five.This comes after a late-June decision to officially stop manufacturing Sinovac in Brazil, where production had halted in October 2021.. July 13, 2022 The World Bank reports that eight in 20 Caribbean countries have yet to reach a **As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. Disclaimer: Costa Rica border openings, travel restrictions and entry requirements are ever changing. . On November 1, 2020, Costa Rica opened their borders to all countries in the world via air. Former college lecturer but never again! All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. For more information about this message, please visit this page: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. It is a major LGBTQ destination on the Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas, known worldwide for its national park, unique flora and fauna, magnificent beaches, and hotels with the best ratings in the world. COVID tests in Costa Rica are done via a nasal swab. No Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Tests conducted outside of the San Jose greater metropolitan area, including in remote and costal locations, may take longer to process. WebYou can't verify it because this is Costa Rica. Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Costa Rica. Thank you for any info you have, Kim. For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. 8204, article 35) will result in the immediate loss of money. The results of these tests are available within a few hours. Yes. WebTravel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica Nationwide Travel Health Services Mosquito Prevention Options Costa Rica Specific Advice Travellers Diarrhea Kits Available Costa Rica has something for everyone. Best Places to See Wildlife in Costa Rica, no obligation custom trip plan & price quote, rapidly growing demand from fully vaccinated travelers. Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below. Starting January 8, 2022, most businesses across Costa Rica will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination for those ages 12 and older. It includes Tanzania, Zambia and the designated areas of the following countries: Colombia (the entire country except Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, Medelln and San Andrs Providencia and Bogot); Ecuador (applies only to Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbos and Zamora-Chinchipe, and excludes the rest of the country); Paraguay (the entire country except Asuncin, the capital); Peru (the entire country except Lima, the capital, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lambayeque, Tumbes, Piura and Cajamarca); Trinidad and Tobago (the entire country except the urban areas of Port of Spain, and for travelers in transit or whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago). DHS Announces New Migration Enforcement Process for Venezuelans, Conferencia Centroamericana de Comercio se realizar en Costa Rica, Under Secretary Lago to Lead Trade Mission to Central America, Remarks by Ambassador Cynthia Telles on Independence Day, Release of Political Prisoners from Nicaragua, Message for U.S. Citizens: Avoiding Road Rage San Jose Metropolitcan Area, Important information from the Federal Benefits Unit for beneficiaries of Social Security in Costa Rica. We are currently unable to provide routine in-person services for U.S. citizens. Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times. COVID-19 vaccines are available for permanent and temporary residents who are in status. Visitors will still need to complete the digital Health Pass form at least 72 hours before their trip. In the specific case of San Jos, we have also noticed an increase in Venezuelan informal workers, who have already gathered in some streets in the city center, explained Marcelo Solano, director of the municipal police. Since the previous COVID entry requirements were removed on April 1st, flying into Costa Rica was exactly like how it was pre-COVID. Prepare a contingency plan in case an emergency occurs. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. There are no COVID-19 sanitary requirements to enter Costa Entering the country with a return ticket dated more than 90 days after arrival, Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country, A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country, A pre-purchased flight out of the country. In the town, nearby visitors will find some fun activities going on every day. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.). Specifically, this applies to: Essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, grocery stores and hospitals are exempt from this requirement are the only exceptions. By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 30 November, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Press Releases | Tags: Alert, COVID-19, Health Issues, News, Novel Coronavirus. Check our post for travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica here. The CDCs Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. Testing is available at medical facilities across Costa Rica. Flying in to Liberia then going to Samara. Thank you for any info you have, Kim. . This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. . Recommended Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Rabies (only for people working directly with wildlife) Required Polio Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Chickenpox (Varicella) Influenza Please remember that the decision to travel is up to you and it is your responsibility to stay safe. Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will not require proof of vaccination. The second-highest number was recorded on Tuesday with 4,050 positive cases, and last Saturday, January 8, which brought 3,374 new infections. When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise: Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Canada is the second country that generates more tourists to Costa Rica after the United States. Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). . Travelers entering Costa Rica no longer need to fill out an online health passport or show proof of vaccination as of April 1. However, individual establishments may still require them for their guests and people can still wear them if they wish. 1-866-816-0197 NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. The transition period where businesses can admit patrons who are not vaccinated, provided they operate at 50% capacity, is slated to end on January 7. Those who are not vaccinated will not be allowed into the establishment. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. During that period, the country registered 16,601 new coronavirus cases. With its vaccination pass applying to most everyday places across the country, Costa Rica's rules will be among the tightest in the Americas. Testing is paid for by the individual, and test results are generally delivered via email. Entering Costa Rica is exactly how it used to be before the pandemic. >> Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! Still valid on January 1, 2023. WebAll forms of proof of COVID-19 vaccine must have: Personal identifiers (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number) that match the personal identifiers on the passengers passport or other travel documents. Its best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee. Choose newer vehiclesthey may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable. Costa Rica is not requiring tourists to be vaccinated against COVID. Costa Rica has become the first country in the world to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for children. Alerts and Messages for U.S. visitors to Costa Rica. In fact, the high crime perception in the country could also be explained by the economic difficulties. At the end of April the requirement for mask use indoors was the last to be eliminated. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. To qualify, individuals must earn at least $3,000 a year, and families must make at least $5,000. **The United States has removed its COVID test requirement on June 12, 2022. No test, no quarantine, no extra expenses, no hassle. WebRecommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Costa Rica. These visitors must provide a PCR-RT or antigen Covid-19 test with a negative result that was performed by a laboratory less than 72 hours before their entry into Costa Rica. Read all about Costa Rica COVID travel, Costa Rica entry requirements, where to get a COVID test in Costa Rica and what happens if you test positive for COVID in Costa Rica. Then if you are taking the test to re-enter your home country, airlines will not let you board with a positive test result. Cases in which the traveler receives a single dose after having been diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus will be considered fully vaccinated. Any individuals who violate a mandated sanitary order or restriction will be subject to a fine between 450,200 to 2,300,000 colones depending on the violation. That means that air travelers entering the United States from abroad will no longer need to produce a 24 hour negative COVID test result.***. Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes. The law will put on trial anyone who injures, attacks or kills on the grounds of race, age, religion, nationality, political opinion, disability or sexual orientation.. For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel. ** Costa Rica does not require quarantine, a health pass, travel insurance, QR code or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below. Until 4 am on February 11, 2022: Fully vaccinated travelers must book and pay for a post-arrival test to be taken before the second day. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites. All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. Liberia (Guanacaste) International Airport, travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica. In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country. Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas. Costa Rica has become the first country in the world to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for children. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. On the other hand, during the same period of time, the number of hospitalizations decreased by 15.2%, while fatalities dropped by 61%. The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing entry requirements: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements. Face mask wearing is 100% optional in all places except required in medical and health facilities. The certification strengthens the work done in the destinations in terms of social, cultural, environmental, economic and development initiatives. Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will not require proof of vaccination. A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days. This must be verified by means of a QR code or the printed vaccination certificate. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean. The Ministry of Education will be providing space for vaccinations at schools for all students to be administered by the proper authorities. Starting Jan 8, 2022 only vaccinated clients will be permitted to enter non essential businesses, Children 12-17 are now exempt from vaccine requirements until Feb 1, 2022. Then after passing immigration, it is normal procedure. Costa Rica closed their borders beginning of March 2020. Discover Costa Rica's most unique tree houses, 6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heart, You can do your job from Costa Rica with this new 12-month digital nomad visa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This year, the Global Peace Index (GPI) rated 163 autonomous nations and territories on their level of peacefulness. To measure peace, the study uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from well-regarded sources and considers three major domains., Only four of the 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Chile, Uruguay, Panama and Costa Rica scored at least light green. With an overall safety index of 1.732, up 0.017 points from last years index, Costa Rica is now considered the safest travel destination in the group. We do our best to update this post with the latest information as much as possible. Book your visit online today! Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination. #mc_embed_signup{background:#000000; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;} See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Do not show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Travelers also dont have to provide proof of health insurance to cover Covid-19-related expenses like If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating. Which are the vaccine requirements to travel to Costa Rica? Effective Jan. 8, 2022, all commercial establishments in Costa Rica will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to protect the countrys locals and visitors. The link for the Ministry of Healths webpage is: Costa Rican sources for useful COVID-19 related information: The link for the Ministry of Healths Spanish social media website is: The link for the Directorate General of Immigration and Nationality is: Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? All rights reserved. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Since December some places (us included) require guests 12 and over to be fully vaccinated with or without government requirements. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.