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We hope you are all safe and healthy in these difficult times of the pandemic. We know that last year was frustrating as we had to cancel all of our international trips. But now we are starting to schedule trips for this summer and we want to know if you would like to join us. We want to give you all of the information pertinent to your trip so you can make the most informed decision.
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As you probably know, the US has a new rule for entering the country, requiring an approved NAAT or antigen test that was taken at least three days before your trip. As you can imagine, this adds a complication to our trip as we need to be in San Jose for at least a full day so we can be tested before leaving. Even though Costa Rica does not require any testing to arrive in the country, they do require health insurance that will cover you in the event of getting COVID while in the trip. That can come from an international company or can be purchased from two sources in Costa Rica. We have included at the end of this email, portions from the information provided by the US Embassy in Costa Rica in relation to traveling there and back.
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We need to know what you think about this and if you would still be interested in traveling this year with us. Reply to this email and let us know as soon as possible, so we can continue with the lodging logistics, etc.
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As of now, our tentative dates are from:
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Session 1 - May 28th to June 10th,
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Session 2- June 10th - June 23rd
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These are the extras that you need to agree on:
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- Purchasing a health insurance to cover you in Costa Rica (as described below) and having proof of it when you travel. Or purchasing it from the CR government or a private provider. There are several option in Costa Rica, and some U.S. based insurers are starting to offer the type of coverage required by Costa Rica. More on that below under Costa Rica Entry/Departure Requirements.
- Staying an extra day to have enough time to get tested and get our results on time before the flight. This of course will bring the cost of the trip a bit higher than originally presented.
- Follow the Costa Rican guidelines of wearing the masks and social distancing rules.
We have also included below a description of how Costa Rica has fared during the pandemic, as we are sure that might be a question you have.
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Please email us back to let us know of your interest to travel as we have started the booking process with all hotels in Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica Entry/Departure Requirements.
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Effective January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers two years of age and over entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three (3) calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recent recovery for all passengers prior to boarding. Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.
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- Costa Rica has a total of 200,024 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since March 2, 2020. 352 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and 179 patients are in intensive care. 2,730 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded and 163,334 people have been cleared as recovered; however, this figure typically lags several weeks behind actual figures.
- Essential services are open. Public transportation and hospitals are operating at normal capacity. Facial coverings are required in all public spaces and in all indoor settings except when eating, while alone, or in a private home. The use of facial coverings is also mandatory at bus stops and on all forms of public transportation. Face shields can continue to be worn, but only if a face covering is worn underneath. Face coverings can be either surgical or homemade if they cover the nose and mouth. The Ministry of Health has stated facial coverings should not include venting devices to provide maximum protection against COVID-19.
- Visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica. In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting: 1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica, 2) guarantee of coverage for medicals expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of 50,000 USD and, 3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness. It is also possible to purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute (INS) or Sagicor of Costa Rica, covering the duration of your stay in Costa Rica.
- All visitors must also complete an online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica. The Health Pass can be found at https://salud.go.cr.
- In addition to the coronavirus-related measures, U.S. tourists must also have a valid passport and proof of intent to exit Costa Rica within 90 days.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry into Costa Rica? No
- U.S. citizen tourists wishing to enter Costa Rica are not required to present the results of a negative PCR test for CV-19. However, all U.S. citizen tourist must complete an epidemiological Health Pass and provide proof of health insurance to cover any medical treatment and quarantine lodging related to COVID-19 illnesses while in Costa Rica.
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