Costa Rica Opens to Americans on Sept 1
Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination for Americans. In 2019, Costa Rica counted 3,139,008 international visitors, and more than 1.3 million came from the United States. That’s more than any other country by far. All of Europe registered just about half a million visitors to Costa Rica and Canada’s 234,621.
Opening up travel once again for Americans is vital for Costa Rica’s tourism industry, but at the same time the Caribbean country wants to be cautious and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. So the local government has come up with a different way to do both. Americans will be allowed to travel to Costa Rica starting September 1st, but their eleigiblity to do so will vary based on their state of residence.
Americans will need to have their driver’s license on hand to prove that they are coming from an approved state. Travelers from Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Maine, and Vermont will be able to head to the Central America paradise, tourism company Essential Costa Rica confirmed to Travel + Leisure. Travel will be accepted at three airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport, and Tobías Bolaños Airport.
If you are flying on a private plane, you could be allowed into the country even if you are coming from another state. They will be subject to an exception procedure and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Entry Rules
Besides a driver’s licence or ID that shows you are a resiendt of an approved state, you will also need to show proof that you have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours ahead of departure. You also need to complete a health form. Travelers must also have insurance, which can be purchased in Costa Rica through its National Insurance Institute.
Upon landing in Costa Rican territory, travelers must wear face protection and comply with the strict protocols of the air terminal with regard to physical distancing, disinfection of carpets, taking temperature readings, and must follow any other sanitary instructions.
Costa Rica Travel Advisory
Even if you are in one of the approved states, currently the US Department of State has a ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel‘ advisory in place for Costa Rica. It includes two warnings:
- Do not travel to Costa Rica due to COVID-19.
- Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.
Costa Rica has a total of 31,075 cases so far and 333 deaths, but has seen a recent increase in daily cases and deaths since July. The San José Province has over 13,000 cases and close to half of the fatalities.
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not sure what thats supposed to mean. nyc has had amongst the lowest infection rates for consecutivre months with usa by a measureable degree. its most other parts of usa that isnt on par.
Opening up to new york, must be real smart.