Covid 19 Update and new information on health insurance policy required for tourists

Cases in Costa Rica

Covid-19 Update

As of Wednesday August 5th, Costa Rica reported 580 new cases of Covid-19 with a total of 20,417 confirmed cases. Currently, 6,851 people have recovered, 388 are hospitalized, 100 are in ICU, and 191 total deaths have been reported.

Borders Opening and Travel Regulations

Airports and Flights

Costa Rica partially opened borders on August 1st. (Land borders remain closed indefinitely.)  Commercial and private flights from the UK, Canada, and the EU Schengen Zone are now allowed to land here. Immigration will be reviewing and updating this list every two weeks.

Covid-19 Test Required

Tourists must have proof of negative Covid-19 test results from exams performed 48 hours previous to arrival into Costa Rica.

Update on Travel Insurance Required for Tourists

La Gaceta, the official Costa Rican government news publication, announced this week that tourists are now allowed to enter the country with an international health insurance policy  covering all medical and lodging expenses in the event of contracting Covid 19.  

This means tourists will no longer have to purchase a costly policy through I.N.S., the National Insurance Institute, as was previously required. Airlines and other members of the tourism sector warned that the excessive cost of the policies would be a deterrent for tourists to travel here.

ICT , the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism,  is in the process of defining the protocol to  be implemented to verify policies are current and have the necessary coverage. If not, it will be necessary to purchase additional coverage within 24 hours. Other private Costa Rican insurance companies will also be able to offer this policy.

Costa Rican nationals and residents do not need to purchase this insurance policy but are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry.