Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking. Costa Rica to require vaccination proof in hotels, bars, casinos, museums. . It is also a technical tool that aims to support sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. 1-866-816-0197 NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor. The main problems mentioned in the country are the high cost of living (23.9%), a poor economic situation (22%), unemployment (19.2%) and the insecurity of citizens (13.3%). the "vaccine inspection" has been put off (as expected) from December to January to February to March.That is a government issue. Recommended Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Rabies (only for people working directly with wildlife) Required Polio Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Chickenpox (Varicella) Influenza Between August 29 and September 4, 136 patients died of COVID-19 in Costa Rica. No. All Travellers. Which vaccines are available in Costa Rica? Costa Rica has eliminated most of its travel restrictions as of April 1, 2022. Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized although availability and choice are not guaranteed. If your travel plans in Costa Rica include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes. Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis, Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis), information page about avoiding bug bites, Association for International Road Travel, country-specific information for Costa Rica, Healthy Travel Packing List for Costa Rica, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ), Obtencin de atencin mdica en el extranjero, Zika: A CDC Guide for Travelers infographic, Guidelines for US Citizens and Residents Living in Areas with Zika, Cholera Information for Health Care Professionals, Introduction to Travel Health & the CDC Yellow Book, Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Please check our post Costa Rica COVID to see details. Here's your guide. Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. We do our best to update this post with the latest information as much as possible. Costa Rica Entry Requirements(COVID-19) **As of April 1, 2022, all previous COVID entry requirements have been removed. In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. The Ministry of Education announced that all students age 5 -12 will have to be vaccinated in order to attend classes. Flying in to Liberia then going to Samara. . the "vaccine inspection" has been put off (as expected) from December to January to February to March.That is a government issue. Travelers entering Costa Rica no longer need to fill out an online health passport or show proof of vaccination as of April 1. Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife. Flying in to Liberia then going to Samara. Follow. ** Costa Rica does not require quarantine, a health pass, travel insurance, QR code or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. No testing required No vaccination required No pase de salud electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes U.S. Embassy San Jose suspended routine consular and visa services on March 18, 2020 due to COVID-19. Wash your hands often, especially before eating. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked. It is a major LGBTQ destination on the Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas, known worldwide for its national park, unique flora and fauna, magnificent beaches, and hotels with the best ratings in the world. WebVaccine recommendations. You can review and change the way we collect information below. If youre eager to visit Mayan ruins, charming villages and white-sand beaches, heres all you need to know about securing a visa for Honduras. Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will not require proof of vaccination. There are no restrictions at all. No test, no quarantine, no extra expenses, no hassle. Please click on this link, Costa Rica coronavirus to read the latest updates and statistics. Dont touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Seasides for a relaxing holiday. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This mandate applies to January 7, 2022 Via CCSS. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick. No, Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine if receiving a positive COVID-19 test? In the specific case of San Jos, we have also noticed an increase in Venezuelan informal workers, who have already gathered in some streets in the city center, explained Marcelo Solano, director of the municipal police. This mandate applies to Proof of international travel is required. On Wednesday, January 13, Costa Rica reported 4,170 cases of COVID-19, which is now the highest number of new daily infections there of the entire pandemic. Specifically, this applies to: Essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, grocery stores and hospitals are exempt from this requirement are the only exceptions. Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series. Since the previous COVID entry requirements were removed on April 1st, flying into Costa Rica was exactly like how it was pre-COVID. Yesterday, on October 11, Costa Rica was removed from the U.K. travel red list, along with 46 other countries. In fact, the high crime perception in the country could also be explained by the economic difficulties. WebYou can't verify it because this is Costa Rica. Since December some places (us included) require guests 12 and over to be fully vaccinated with or without government requirements. Rivers and jungles for adventure travellers. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information. Costa Rica has become the first country in the world to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for children. To qualify, individuals must earn at least $3,000 a year, and families must make at least $5,000. Currently, anyone can visit, regardless of vaccination status but people over 18 who are unvaccinated must take out a health insurance policy that covers COVID-19 and quarantine expenses. Budget-conscious travelers looking to visit Panama City will love these money-saving tips. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination. Since December some places (us included) require guests 12 and over to be fully vaccinated with or without government requirements. To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste. Whether youre looking to bask on idyllic beaches, sail to remote atolls or spy ferocious predators, here are our picks of where to go in March. For more information about this message, please visit this page: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January will also bring about changes to Costa Rica's entry requirements. All rights reserved. You do not have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for Costa Rica. The only sanitary measures and requirements for tourists is some places may still require face masks, hand washing and temperature taking. (Source.). Hospital Metropolitano, Clinica Biblica, Laboratorio Echandi, and a number of private laboratories on the list of government approved labs offer COVID-19 antigen tests for travelers. There are no special requirements related to Covid-19 with the exception of visitors from China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have been in those territories during the last 14 days. Beginning on January 8, Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for access to hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, museums, stores and even the country's famed adventure tourism services. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Other U.S. government agencies work with Costa Rica, some with offices in the Embassy and some throughout the country. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay. There is no current or proposed requirement to be vaccinated prior to entering Costa Rica and visitors who choose not to get the shot may still purchase Covid health and quarantine insurancefor immigration purposes. The beaches of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica are a gay paradise. Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements. Costa Rica is the only country in the world that has no army. the "vaccine inspection" has been put off (as expected) from December to January to February to March.That is a government issue. Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include. Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below. Still valid on January 1, 2023. All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. Furthermore, individuals from the above-mentioned places of origin over the age of 12 must have a document that makes it possible to verify that they are up-to-date on their Covid vaccination. In the last four weeks, Costa Rica also saw an increase in deaths and hospital admissions. Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. The transition period where businesses can admit patrons who are not vaccinated, provided they operate at 50% capacity, is slated to end on January 7. We can expect to see up to 3,500 new cases a day by the end of September. The Ministry of Education will be providing space for vaccinations at schools for all students to be administered by the proper authorities. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19, Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019, Country Information and Travel Advisory page, Costa Rica Ministry of Health (Spanish Only), The Ministry of Healths Spanish social media website, See alerts and measures to flatten Covid-19's contagion curve in Costa Rica (Spanish only), Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? Due to the United States decision to restrict the entry of Venezuelan migrants in October, authorities claim that crimes are being committed more frequently by Venezuelans who have chosen to live permanently in the country. Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing. I was having a hard time locating the info on mixed vaccines as well as the current situation there as I have heard that the numbers are rising again. Report inappropriate content. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org). Carry contact information for the nearest. Still valid on January 1, 2023. Hospital admissions continue to increase by 15% week by week. No If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. According to Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, the United States has provided Costa Rica with more than $14 million worth of security equipment to help reduce violence in the Central American country, which has an extremely high murder rate. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites. No Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling: Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen. Rabid dogs are commonly found in Costa Rica. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. All Travellers. . Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries. Even with a 90-day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as allowed by your passport. Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Costa Rica may be poor. Tests conducted outside of the San Jose greater metropolitan area, including in remote and costal locations, may take longer to process. Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries). Tourists wont be penalized if they overstay their tourist visa due to a stay at home quarantine order. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Costa Rica through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Rivers and jungles for adventure travellers. Traveling around Costa Rica is nearly exactly how it used to be before COVID. When visiting abroad, Americans should always be cautious. WebTravel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica Nationwide Travel Health Services Mosquito Prevention Options Costa Rica Specific Advice Travellers Diarrhea Kits Available Costa Rica has something for everyone. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Costa Rica for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. The new rules will apply to anyone over the age of 12including locals and visitors. Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? The decision should help restore tourism between the two countries, as well as an early return of British Airways and Tui airlines before the start of the high season, added Gustavo Segura, Costa Ricas Tourism Minister. For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel. Travelers who wish to extend their stay beyond the date specified by immigration authorities must contact the Directorate General of Migration. COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER. U.S. citizens with emergencies may contact acssanjose@state.gov or call +506-2519-2590 during business hours and +506-2519-2000 after hours. Read our Privacy Policy. Mountain resorts for those who want something in-between. They must complete the Health Pass and purchase a travel policy that covers COVID-19 care and quarantine, if they are over 18 years of age. Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and 9 months of age. However, as the Costa Rican vaccination program lacks proof of vaccination for travel to theU.K., those who have received their shots in Costa Rica must test before departure, on days 2 and 8, and complete a 10-day home quarantine. Liberia (Guanacaste) International Airport, travel insurance recommendations for Costa Rica. WebAll forms of proof of COVID-19 vaccine must have: Personal identifiers (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number) that match the personal identifiers on the passengers passport or other travel documents. Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times. Recommended Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Rabies (only for people working directly with wildlife) Required Polio Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Chickenpox (Varicella) Influenza This must be verified by means of a QR code or the printed vaccination certificate. Book your visit online today! Lonely Planet's SVP of Content and Executive Editor, Nitya Chambers, takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at a recent extended family trip to Costa Rica. Please remember that the decision to travel is up to you and it is your responsibility to stay safe. In the town, nearby visitors will find some fun activities going on every day. No, Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Your country of origin determines the amount of days available to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Costa Rica Nationwide Travel Health Which are the vaccine requirements to travel to Costa Rica? If soap and water arent available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). . At the same time, women are more likely than males to be victims of crime, including sexual assault, according to a study released Thursday by the Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) and the School of Statistics (EEs) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR). (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.). Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. This is one of the reasons why we highly tourists to purchase a travel insurance, even though it is not mandatory. The new rules will apply to anyone over the age of 12including locals and visitors. If you choose to drive a vehicle in Costa Rica, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.). If you need hospitalization, Costa Rica will not refuse anyone who requires COVID-19 hospital care regardless of their immigration and vaccination status. . It is a place where LGBTQ tourists can find freedom, acceptance and joy, which is not always offered to the queer residents of Costa Rica. Acceptable documents depend on travelers home country and arethe same as the requirements for proof to eliminate the travel insurance requirement. Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. Then if you are taking the test to re-enter your home country, airlines will not let you board with a positive test result. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Report inappropriate content. Some labs may offer same day PCR tests for ~$300 and at home tests are now available. For border control and especially in the fight against international criminal gangs, Chaves added, the donation includes telecommunications equipment, drones and maintenance gear for police aircraft. Beginning on January 8,Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for access to hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, museums, stores and even the country's famed adventure tourism services. The increase of gentrification has displaced natives, caused social-environmental change, and exacerbated inequality, affecting Costa Ricas most vulnerable communities, such as Black, Indigenous, and gay people. No Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Costa Rica, so your behaviors are important. Prepare a contingency plan in case an emergency occurs. Report inappropriate content. Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana. Read all about Costa Rica COVID travel, Costa Rica entry requirements, where to get a COVID test in Costa Rica and what happens if you test positive for COVID in Costa Rica. Seasides for a relaxing holiday. Book your visit online today! According to the experts, the building of a successful, free, and equal society would be impossible under this perception. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing. Thus, for those still wondering, yes, Costa Rica is very safe. Last November, Costa Rica became the first country in the world to mandate Covid-19 vaccines for minors, with all children 5 and older required to get vaccinated, barring medical exemptions. According to police, gang warfare was a determining factor in 63% of the 656 deaths. Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. Antigen tests have an average of 1-8 hour turnaround time and are cheaper ~$50 USD. Then after passing immigration, it is normal procedure. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately: Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. For this reason, the promotion and attraction of this tourist profile is of great importance to the institution. Bypresidential decreeCosta Rican hotels, restaurants, adventure tours and other non-essential businesses have the option of requiring all guests 12 years and older show proof of vaccination or enforcing distancing and operating at 50% capacity starting Dec 1, 2021. Still valid on January 1, 2023. U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call (506) 2519-2000, Outside of Office Hours, contact: (506) 2519-2000. In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country. Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise: Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Costa Rica closed their borders beginning of March 2020. 1-866-816-0197 NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. Documentation verifying vaccination status in the Health Pass must contain the following information: Approved vaccines in Costa Rica are: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen. Costa Rica is known for its amazing national parks, where tourists can enjoy some thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and wildlife spotting. Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. The certification strengthens the work done in the destinations in terms of social, cultural, environmental, economic and development initiatives. Digital Content Manager & Editor - In case you need to get a COVID test in Costa Rica whether you are feeling sick or if you need one to re-enter your home country, nearly all labs, clinics and hospitals can administer COVID tests. Customers must check with individual labs for testing availability, pricing, and length of time for a result. Do not show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Its best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. . Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. There are no notices currently in effect for Costa Rica. . To visit our country there are some requirements which must be met. Members of the LGTBIQ+ Community are about to travel more safely when visiting Costa Rica as the country will punish hate crimes with prison sentences ranging from 20 to 35 years. Are vaccines available in Costa Rica for U.S. citizens to receive? Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. This requirement applies to all patrons 12 years of age and older. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Costa Rica. Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel. According to the Judicial Investigative Agency, Costa Rica had 12.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, a record high. If your home country requires a negative test and you test positive, you will have to quarantine a given amount of days (usually 5- 14), which is determined by the doctor who attended you and the severity of the disease. CDC Privacy Policy. Costa Rica suffered its second-highest total of COVID-19 cases in a single week between August 29 and September 4, announced the Health Ministry. Children under 12 will not have to present proof of vaccination. COVID-19 hospitalizations also rose in Costa Rica. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home. We are currently unable to provide routine in-person services for U.S. citizens. You will have to comply with the entire duration of your stay at home order even if you test negative during that period of time. ArePCR tests available for U.S. citizens in Costa Rica? There are no COVID-19 sanitary requirements to enter Costa With its vaccination pass applying to most everyday places across the country, Costa Rica's rules will be among the tightest in the Americas. The CDCs Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. However, individual establishments may still require them for their guests and people can still wear them if they wish. You might also like:Discover Costa Rica's most unique tree houses6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heartYou can do your job from Costa Rica with this new 12-month digital nomad visa, This article was first published November 2021 and updated December 2021. The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing entry requirements: Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? WebRecommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Costa Rica. The length of sanitary quarantine orders will depend on the severity of the infection. Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). DHS Announces New Migration Enforcement Process for Venezuelans, Conferencia Centroamericana de Comercio se realizar en Costa Rica, Under Secretary Lago to Lead Trade Mission to Central America, Remarks by Ambassador Cynthia Telles on Independence Day, Release of Political Prisoners from Nicaragua, Message for U.S. Citizens: Avoiding Road Rage San Jose Metropolitcan Area, Important information from the Federal Benefits Unit for beneficiaries of Social Security in Costa Rica. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance. If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. U.S. travelers will need their CDC COVID 19 vaccination record card. Canada is the second country that generates more tourists to Costa Rica after the United States. All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. Any individuals who violate a mandated sanitary order or restriction will be subject to a fine between 450,200 to 2,300,000 colones depending on the violation. WHAT THIS MEANS Some international tourism related business may choose to take advantage of the transition period without vaccination requirements. Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days. Only essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies will not require proof of vaccination from customers. That means that air travelers entering the United States from abroad will no longer need to produce a 24 hour negative COVID test result.***.