Covid-19 Update July 28th

Covid-19 Update

Today July 28th, Costa Rica reported 503 new cases of Corona virus with a total of 16,344 confirmed cases. Currently, 3,920 people have recovered, 53 people are in ICU, and 125 total deaths have been reported.

Local Insurance Health Care Coverage for Covid-19

The Costa Rican Association of Private Insurers (AAP) announced that their members have temporarily nullified the pandemic exclusion that most international health policies include and will continue provide coverage to policyholders affected by covid-19. Members of AAP include Adisa, Assa, BMI, Mapfre, SM Seguros, Sagicor and Palig. 
INS, the National Insurance Institute, has full coverage for its clients and pandemic coverage has not been suspended. 

Borders Reopen August 1st

Starting August 1st there will be a gradual reopening of tourism and international air travel.  Initially, only five flights per week will be allowed to enter departing from Canada, the EU (Schengen Area) and the UK and include flights from Frankfurt, Germany and Madrid, Spain.
The United States is not yet on the list of authorized countries for air travel, however the US Embassy has been working with airlines to take US citizens on repatriation flights.
Land borders remain closed until further notice.

Requirements When Traveling to Costa Rica

All passengers traveling to Costa Rica will be required to:

• Present negative Covid-19 test results received 48 hours before arrival

• Purchase insurance which covers accommodations in case of quarantine or hospitalization

• Fill out digital epidemiological forms

Residents No Longer Risk Losing Residency

The government also announced that starting August 1st, residents will be able to leave Costa Rica without losing their residency status as long as they travel by air and to and from the authorized countries.
Since the borders were closed on March 24th, the government announced that residents who left the country and tried to return, would lose their residency status. This included temporary and permanent residents and refugees. The Health Ministry is currently making the necessary changes to the decree which will be implemented as of August 1st. We will inform our readers of the specifics once they have been reported.

Safe Destination Status by WTTC

The Minister of Tourism announced that Costa Rica has received the Stamp of Safe Destination to travel during COVID issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council. He also announced the launching of a new program promoting safe and responsible services in the tourism sector. Promotions can be found at www.vamosaturistear.com.

Tourist Visas and Immigration

Foreigners will not be allowed to enter Costa Rica until after current border restrictions are lifted. Tourists who entered the country after December 17th, 2019 have been granted an extension on their visa until November 18th, 2020. This extension also allows foreigners to drive legally and use a valid foreign driver's licenses until that date. Foreigners should carry their passport and driver's license with them while driving.

Current Health and traffic restrictions

• Food delivery services are allowed to operate
• Public transportation has resumed normal operations nationwide 
• All bars and nightclubs remain closed.  

The current driving restrictions based on the last number of the license plate will be in place through Friday, July 31st, 2020. On the weekend, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers can circulate on Saturday and those ending in even numbers can circulate on Sunday.