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.
All the best,
