https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Update-re-travel-to-USA.html?soid=1134418676043&aid=k-25oJQzgD4

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Update-re-travel-to-USA.html?soid=1134418676043&aid=k-25oJQzgD4

Tourists can now drive until March 2, 2021

 

TOURISTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE UNTIL MARCH 2

Good news for tourists! This week, MOPT (Department of Public Works and Transportation), announced that foreign nationals who arrived in Costa Rica between December 17th, 2019 and November 30th, 2020 will automatically have their driver licenses extended through March 2nd, 2021.

How much longer can tourists drive in Costa Rica?

We have sent out multiple newsletters and alerts to inform tourists who entered Costa Rica from December 17th, 2019 to November 30th, 2020, they can  can remain in the country legally until March 2nd, 2021.

The only caveat with this extension is that  tourists who rent or own a car here, are only allowed to drive until November 18th, 2020. In other words the driving permit was not extended to match the March 2nd extension. 

However, lobbyists are working diligently to persuade authorities to change this ruling. We will be sending out updates on this topic as soon as new information is reported.

Travel, Driving and Immigration Update

 

UPDATED INFORMATION ON ENTRY TO COSTA RICA  Costa Rica no longer requires proof of a negative Covid 19 test for travelers entering the country. This applies to tourists, residents and citizens.  As of November 1st, Costa Rica opened its air borders to all countries and all 50 United States.  Land borders are now partially open. The northern border town of Peñas Blancas is open to some temporary Nicaraguan migrant workers and Costa Rican nationals. Foreigners with residency status may enter the country by land. However, land borders are not yet open to tourists.  NOVEMBER DRIVING RESTRICTIONS Countrywide driving restrictions are still in place from 10 pm to 5 am on weekdays and from 9 pm to 5 am on weekends.  The weekday restriction prohibiting the circulation of vehicles with license plates ending in 1 & 2 on Mondays, 3 & 4 on Tuesdays, 5 & 6 on Wednesdays, 7 & 8 on Thursdays and 9 & 0 on Fridays, is still in effect. Currently there are lawsuits in the courts attempting to change this ruling. The fine for violating the restrictions is approximately ¢110,000 colones.   MARCHAMO This week, the National Insurance Institute (I.N.S.) began charging the 2021 marchamo, or annual vehicle registration (circulation rights). The deadline to pay the marchamo is December 31st, 2020.  Due to the pandemic and economic hardships of many vehicle owners, the tax has been lowered this year. The percentage decreases are greater on vehicles with a lower tax value and gradually decrease as the vehicle's value increases. TOURIST ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ·     Completion of epidemiological online Health Pass ·     Covid 19 Traveler's Medical Insurance with coverage for duration of stay. This is still required for tourists who are home owners or renters here. (Contact us if you need assistance purchasing policy.)   RESIDENT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ·     Passport or Cédula ·     Proof that CCSS payments are current ·     Completion of epidemiological online Health Pass    IMMIGRATION ·     Tourists who entered Costa Rica from December 17th, 2019 to November 30th, 2020, can remain in the country until March 2nd, 2021. ·     The grace period for tourists driving with a foreign driver's license is currently November 18th, 2020 or 90 days after arrival. This date was not extended to March 2, 2021. However, lobbyists are working diligently to persuade authorities to change this ruling. We will be sending out updates on this topic as soon as the information is reported. ·     Residents with cedulas that expired after December 18th, 2019 are valid through January 11th, 2021. ·     Starting December 1st, Immigration officers will determine the length of stay allowed for tourists. Be sure to check the visa stamp on your passport upon entry. It will most likely match the number of days included in the travel insurance policy. ·     Immigration will reopen to the public by appointment only and begin accepting new residency applications on December 1st, 2020.   (Sources: La Nacion, Outlier Legal, The Tico TImes, and CR Hoy)

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Travel-Information-Update-for.html?soid=1134418676043&aid=0R0nihqIne4

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Travel-Information-Update-for.html?soid=1134418676043&aid=0R0nihqIne4

Travel Updates...Negative PCR test no longer required!

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Travel-and-Covid-19-Update.html?soid=1134418676043&aid=fUv5grCXvSU

More Information on Protests

  Article Published by AM Costa Rica 

On Monday, former deputies José Miguel Corrales and Célimo Guido, who created the group Movimiento Rescate Nacional (National Rescue Organization in English), met with José Rafael Quirós, bishop of San José and representative of the Catholic Church, who participated as a mediator between protestors and the government.

According to Quirós, after the meeting he was in charge of delivering a letter with a list of demands for the government. Depending on the final resolution of the authorities, the roadblocks would be stopped.

Furthermore, the Union of public high-school teachers,  known as APSE, will be marching today,  in support of the protests,  from La Sabana Canton to the Congress. They are demanding the deputies for no more tax approval. The majority of the deputies of the Congress announced that they will not support the so-called government tax plan.

Since the government announced a new tax plan, the protests took place as a way of rejecting the plan to increase taxes and create new taxes as part of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, for a loan of $ 1.75 billion.

However, following the announcement by President Carlos Alvarado on Sunday, that the tax plan to the IMF was withdrawn, the protests have not ended.

According to former deputy Guido the list of demands are several proposals to move the country forward. Among the demands would be the definitive cancellation of any negotiation plan with the IMF, the control of tax evaders, and as the main request the reduction of government spending.

Until an agreement is reached between the government and protesters, the leaders warn that the blockades in the streets may continue, they said.

Protests and Blockades on the roads in Costa Rica

Different political groups took to the streets over the last week to protest rising taxes, negotiations with the IMF and other actions taken by the Alvarado administration in recent days. Most protests have been non violent in nature while others have erupted into violence. Blockades and protests will most likely continue for a few more days this week. Check news sources before heading out on the road, especially if you need to make a long trip on any of the major routes. 

This email excerpt was sent to us by the US Embassy this morning.

Costa Rican media sites indicate numerous unions plan to protest in downtown San Jose on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. The protest is scheduled to start at 9 AM at the Estatua de León Cortés (statue of León Cortés) and then proceed to the Asamblea Legislativa (Legislative Assembly). As with other protests in downtown San Jose, this protest will likely be proceeded by the movement of protestors from various directions into San Jose and may result in traffic delays. 

 

Sources indicate the events are meant to protest government measures to address economic problems related to COVID-19 (tax increases, suspension of social benefits, reduction of labor hours, etc.). 

 

Additionally, there are continued protests throughout Costa Rica. Some of these protests are blocking roadways, thereby increasing travel times.  

 

The majority of protests in Costa Rica are non-violent in nature.  However, you should exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  The Embassy will continue to review the situation and will provide additional information as needed.    

INFORMATION FROM PASSENGER WHO RECENTLY ARRIVED INTO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

 

 THIS IS AN EMAIL I RECEIVED FROM A CLIENT WHO GOT INTO COSTA RICA A FEW WEEKS AGO. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE HELPFUL TO SHARE ON THE BLOG. 

JACQUI

Just sharing some highlights of what your other clients may find helpful.  We can chat more when we see each other.

 

A.  Preparations:

 

1.  Covid PCR Testing:  (this in my opinion was the most stressful)

- NY/NJ area results turn-around times vary by area and demand.  I had called several urgent care clinics and labs within my area (Midtown Manhattan) to understand their result turn-around time for each of the weeks leading up to my flight.  Typically these ranged from 3 to 7 days.  However, there is the ability to have results expedited for a) surgery prep, or b) for travel requirements.  Expedited results are guaranteed for 48-72 hours.  However I was advised by one of the receptionists I spoke to at the lab is that if I come in prior to 12pm, results that week typically returned by the following evening.  

- I have a list of midtown NYC providers if that is helpful for you

- Should you have clients who do not want to “gamble” with turnaround times, and want guaranteed results, have them check out www.leaa.io which is a private healthcare company (and quite pricey) which will administer PCR tests with a menu of prices with various turnaround times (as short as 12 hours!).

- My results were provided to me by email (which were the straight lab results). This frankly on its own did not seem too “official” looking so I requested my doctor’s office to print it out for me on their letterhead —> this was just to ensure immigration officers may not question the validity of the document.

 

2.  Insurance Options:

- I initially explored Allianz Travel Insurance multi-trip policies as this would be the most economical (and services in English).  However after much research and reaching out to the Costa Rican Consulate in NYC, I received the following guidance:

                “For international insurance policies, tourists must request a certification from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish verifying at least the following three conditions:  1. Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to CR, 2. 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.  3.  Includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.  Passengers who fail to comply with these requirements may not enter the country.

- I had called Allianz to walk through these requirements and they cannot provide written certification.  We can talk more in person why etc etc.

- The most convenient and safest option is to purchase either INS or Sagicor :)

- I chose INS as it provided two different coverage options as well as an easy to follow site to purchase electronically.  Upon checking Sagicor’s site - they provide a table of rates however I did not see a way to purchase electronically.

 

3.  Health Form:  

- Available within 48 hours of your flight.

-  Requires the following:

                - Date of Travel, Passport Information, Location(s) where you are staying including addresses, etc

                - Upload documents including state license or ID, negative Covid Result, Insurance Option (upload the document if international policy, or just add INS or Sagicor policy numbers which are then validated)

- At the end of the process you will be given a QR code for your individual case (a copy will be provided by email as well)

 

4.  Airline Notifications:  I flew with United and they did a wonderful job of alerting travelers of how to prepare.  Beginning a few days ahead, UA sends notification email of Costa Rican requirements for travel and link to the health form.

               

 

B.  Day-of-Travel Documentation:  

 

1.  Health Pass QR Code:  (either have this in hard copy or easily accessible by smart phone)

2.  State ID (original)

3.  Negative Covid Result (Hard Copy)

4.  Proof of Return ticket.

 

B.  What to Expect at EWR:

- ONLY Ticketed passengers are allowed inside the airport.

- Online check-in is currently not available for flights to CR

- One central area for all passengers headed to  SJO or LIR to check-in.  This is located on the 2nd floor of Terminal C (United) at the very end of the terminal.

- Upon check-in and before being ticketed, each passenger requested to furnish the following:  Health Pass QR code, State ID, Negative Covid Test, Proof of Insurance, Proof of Return Ticket

- Once all requirements are deemed acceptable, you will receive a “completed” stamp on your passport and you are free to check luggage in.

 

D.  What to Expect at SJO:  

-  It seemed that UA 1080 may be the first flight to arrive on a Saturday at SJO.  As such NO LINES at the airport.

- Immigration officer was very friendly and required the following documentation to be presented along with the passport:

                1.  Health Pass QR code (scanned via smartphone)

                2.  State ID

                3.  Proof of Insurance (I brought a hard-copy of the receipt emailed by INS which shows the policy number)

                4.  Proof of return ticket (glad I had this in hard-copy as this I was never asked for actual proof)

- Questions asked are fairly straightforward and typical:

                1.  What brings you to the country

                2.  How long are you staying

                3.  Where are you staying

                4. What is your profession

                5.  Where do you live - which state particularly

- Masks required all through the airport

 

Overall, in my opinion the biggest variable / hurdle would be ensuring you are able to get the covid results in-time.  My suggestion here would be to understand the procedure for each clinic / lab you are considering (and if they send it out to a 3rd party for analysis) etc etc.  If your client is NYC based - I really really recommend heading to Manhattan and getting the test done there —> another friend went the first time in Queens where she lived, and she was not able to receive the results in time.  2nd time she tried, she went to one of the places I recommended.

 Happy to chat more about this.  

 

All the best,

 Paula

News from Immigration on reopening, cedulas, and tourist visas

 

This article was published yesterday by Outlier. They did a great job translating almost the entire Immigration resolution. So I am going to include their article here in an effort to inform more residents and tourists of the new changes announced by Immigration. 

DGME Closed until December 1, 2020

This morning, the Immigration Department issued Resolution N° DJUR-0132-09-2020-JM, which, in summary, states: The Immigration Department WILL NOT receive Residency applications going forward and until December 1st, 2020. This includes all categories. Basically, Residency applications are

 

This morning, the Immigration Department issued Resolution N° DJUR-0132-09-2020-JM, which, in summary, states:

·         The Immigration Department WILL NOT receive Residency applications going forward and until December 1st, 2020. This includes all categories. Basically, Residency applications are suspended until December 1st, 2020.  All applications must be filed by appointment only.  Starting October 19th, 2020, Immigration will allow appointments to be scheduled by phone, by calling 1311, or through  www.migracion.go.cr.

·         The Immigration Department will continue analyzing applications during this time. Please be advised that we cannot follow up except via an email address which is responded on a first come first served basis.

·         Approvals and rejections will continue to be issued and notified solely via fax or email.

·         Documents issued abroad that were valid by, or issued after, March 17th, 2020, will be deemed valid (meaning their validity will be automatically extended) until June 1st, 2021.

·         Deadlines to respond to exigencies that were valid by March 17th, 2020 will be extended until February 12th, 2021. Responses to exigencies will be accepted by appointment only by calling 1311 or through www.migracion.go.cr. Appointments can be scheduled from October 19th, 2020 onwards.

·         The deadline to respond to exigencies that were notified between March 17th, 2020 and until February 11th, 2021 will start running on February 12th, 2021. Responses to exigencies will be accepted by appointment only by calling 1311 or through www.migracion.go.cr. Appointments can be scheduled from October 19th, 2020 onwards.

·         Appeals may be filed up until March 1st, 2021. Filing of appeals will work by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled from January 11th, 2021 onwards by calling 1311 or through www.migracion.go.cr. They will grant one appointment only. If the applicant is granted an appointment to file an appeal and misses such appointment, the appeal will be declared inadmissible.

·         File copies can be requested from October 19th, 2020 onwards. Requests for file copies will be accepted by appointment only by calling 1311 or through www.migracion.go.cr. Appointments may be scheduled from October 19th, 2020 onwards.

·         The exclusive attorney window used by many professionals to follow up on applications will remain closed until February 12th, 2021. We are working on a proposal to allow the attorney window to reopen, thus allowing new applications to be submitted sooner than December. This is a work in progress.

·         DIMEX (commonly known as cedulas) requests: Will work solely through Banco de Costa Rica and Correos de Costa Rica by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

·         For Temporary Residency based on Marriage, one can request an appointment at Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica to secure the initial DIMEX (people who recently received their Residency approval) and for renewal. For the renewal, an affidavit signed before a Notary stating the couple’s information and that they are still together will be mandatory to renew.

·         DIMEX validity:

o    The validity of DIMEX cards for Permanent Residents will be extended until January 11th, 2021. If a Permanent Resident did not renew on time, they will still be required to pay a fine per month of expired DIMEX. However, a fine will not be computed and therefore will not need to be paid for the months between December 2019 and January 2021.

o    The validity of DIMEX cards for Temporary Residents and Special Categories that have expired after December 18th, 2019 onwards will be extended until January 11th, 2021.

o    The validity of Estancias that expired after March 17th, 2020 will be extended until February 12th, 2021.

o    After January 11th, 2021, Residents as well as Special Categories will have up to three months, per law, to renew. Failure to renew within these three months will result in the cancellation of their status.

o    Notice that you can still renew your DIMEX cards either at Correos de Costa Rica or Banco de Costa Rica to avoid rushing after January 11th, 2021. Some categories, such as Rentista and Investor, may face inconveniences when trying to renew.

·         Stamping of Entry visas for Restricted Nationalities are suspended until February 8th, 2021.

·         Minor’s exit permit requests and issuance of Costa Rican passports will continue to work, as normal and by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1311 or through www.migracion.go.cr.

·         Tourists (non-Residents) who entered the country after December 17th, 2019 and until October 31st, 2020, may legally remain in Costa Rica until March 2nd, 2021. This is an automatic extension. Tourists who enter the country starting November 1sth, 2020 will need to depart the country depending on the tourist days granted at the port of entry. For example, a US national who enters on December 2nd, 2020, and is granted a 90-day stay, will need to depart by March 2nd, 2021.

 

Please take note:

·         This is a very recent resolution; hence, Transportation Authorities are yet to confirm if driving privileges will also be extended until March 2nd, 2021. Once this is confirmed, we will let the community know.

In the meantime, the expat community interested in securing Residency can continue collecting their documents to be ready to request a filing appointment after October 19th, 2020. We continue assisting a vast number of clients who have decided to do just that, meaning take advantage of this time to gather the documents, have them apostilled or legalized allowing us to request an appointment for them after October 19th, 2020.

 

IMMIGRATION WILL REOPEN IN DECEMBER 

• On Friday of last week, the Costa Rican Immigration Administration announced it will not reopen in September  as was initially planned. Instead, it will reopen on December 1st, 2020.
  
• Immigration also announced a new modernization plan which includes implementing new digital technology to expedite the immigration process and to reduce the number of necessary in-person proceedings.
• All cedulas or DIMEX cards that expired after December 17th, 2019 are still valid through September 30th, 2020. This date will most likely be extended. We will advise once the new date has been announced.

ANTI BODY TESTING NOW AVAILABLE AT PRIVATE LABS

• The Health Ministry recently approved the use of serological tests in five private laboratories to detect Covid 19 anti-bodies thereby determining if those being tested were previously infected with the virus.
• The labs are Echandi, Labin, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, Hospital la Católica, and Hospital Cima.