We are ready for you

We are working with our providers and the health authorities to create protocols and safety measures to make your travel around our country the amazing experience you have dreamed. Social distancing, face masks, and other general actions will be part of our daily routines and will be part of your travel experience until the COVID-19 situation resolves. Our providers have specific protocols and there might be additional measures during your stay at the hotels or during your activities. All protocols are based on the documentation given by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica.

August 1st, 2020

• Starting August 1st, commercial flights resumed operations at both of Costa Rica’s main international airports, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), in Liberia, Guanacaste.

Who Can Travel To Costa Rica?

• The reactivation of Costa Rica’s tourism began on August 1st with the entry of tourists from the United Kingdom, the European Union and Canada.
• As of November 1,all U.S. residents—as well as travelers from all other countries—are welcome

Entry Requirements

• Travelers must complete an epidemiological survey.
• Travel insurance that covers medical care in Costa Rica related to COVID-19 of at least $50,000 and $2,000 for unexpected extended hotel accommodation expenses.
• Tourists must follow all airport and local health protocols.
• Face coverings or face shields in all indoor circumstances. The only exceptions are at restaurants and all open-air tourism activities.
• Important: negative proof of COVID test no longer needed starting Oct. 26.

Travel Insurance Requirements

• Valid policy during the visit to Costa Rica
• If selecting international travel insurance, the policy must cover for medical expenses in cases of COVID-19 in Costa Rica, for at least USD$50,000
• If selecting Costa Rica travel insurance, the policy must cover for medical expenses related to COVID-19, including medication, for at least USD$20,000. Two Costa Rican companies sell pre-approved travel insurance plans: The National Insurance Institute (INS) and Sagicor. 
• Policy must include coverage of USD $2,000 for extended lodging expenses due to the pandemic
• Visitors will be required to submit insurance information online by filling out the epidemiological form
• If the visitor has a foreign policy, they must upload a PDF for validation in English or Spanish.
• If the visitor has a Costa Rica travel insurance, the policy number can be included online.
• For any questions about the insurance policy requirements, email the Tourism Board at seguros@ict.go.cr

AIRPORT PROTOCOLS

• Mandatory use of face masks or face shields.
• Social distancing. Markers will encourage proper distancing in all areas.
• Thermal scans upon arrival.
• At least five cameras will take the temperature of the visitors on their way to the immigration area.
• Passengers must complete Epidemiological form.
• Disinfected carpets installed at the entrances and sanitized every 3 hours.
• Hand Sanitizer Stations will be available to all travelers at ticket counters, immigration checkpoints and other parts of the airport.
• Clear barriers will separate passengers from the ticket counters, customs, and payment points.
• Cleaning will be reinforced in the terminal, as well as in common areas.
• Only traveling passengers will be allowed to enter the airport.
• Boarding will be conducted in small groups, from the back of the plane to the front.

Vacation Protocols

Welcoming

• Your driver will meet you outside the “Arrivals” area.
• He will be wearing a face covering and other personal protective equipment.

Transportation

• Disinfected before and after your transfer.
• Luggage will be disinfected before loading it into the vehicle.
• Natural ventilation will be encouraged during your transfer.
• You will be required to wear face coverings.

Hotel Accommodations

• Online check-in available.
• The hotel front desk will have clear protective barriers.
• Room keys will be disinfected.
• Hotel staff will be wearing masks.
• You will be required to wear face coverings.

Your Room

• Surfaces with mayor contact will have special cleaning procedures.
• Housekeeper will use protective equipment while cleaning your room.
• It will be your choice if you want housekeeping to clean your room during your stay.

Food & Beverages

• Safety protocols implemented at hotel restaurants and bars.
• Meal schedules may be established, and you will be required to make a reservation.
• Waiters will be using personal protective gear.
• At some restaurants, menus will be digital, for you to access by your smartphone or tablet

Tour Operations

• The tour operations with outdoor activities will be enabled, including hiking, trekking, canopy, cable cars, rafting, water recreation, and air recreation, all under strict compliance with sanitary protocols.
• Beaches located in Yellow Alert areas will be open from 5:00 am to 2:30 pm.
• Daytime driving is permitted from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.
• All regions under a Yellow Alert remain in “Phase 3,” which allows for most commercial businesses and hotels to operate at 50% capacity. For an updated list of areas under Yellow and Orange Alert due to COVID-19 Click Here.
• Bars and nightclubs must remain closed. Phase 4 will see extended hours and capacity limits.

During activities

• Tour guide will take your temperature before boarding the vehicle.
• Tour transportation will be disinfected before your trip.
• The A/C will be set as flow and not circulating.
• When possible, open windows will be preferable. A/C vents will be sanitized daily. Seats will be assigned during shared transfers.
• Face coverings required during transfer to tour location.
• All equipment required during the activity will be disinfected between usages.
• Cleaning stations to wash your hands before entering facilities.
• Tour guide and staff will wear face masks and gloves, according to the nature of the activity.
• Face masks not required at all open-air tourism activities.

Departure

• Your transfer to the airport will be scheduled 4 hours prior to departure.
• You will be required to wear face masks.
• Upon arrival at the airport, you will be asked to clean your shoes on the disinfection station and personnel of the airport will take your temperature.
• Boarding of the plane will be done in small groups.

General Recommendations

• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet from anyone who is not from your social bubble.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Don't forget to pack your & hand sanitizer.
• Bring your own pen.
• Bring enough of your medicine.
• Pay with credit or debit card