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