Costa Rica has announced that residents of six U.S. states will be permitted to enter the country by air as of Sept. 1, 2020.
International tourists who are residents of New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine or Connecticut will be authorized for entry on commercial flights. This is possible because the six states currently have an epidemiological condition similar to or at a lower level of contagion to Costa Rica.
According to requests received by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the country is expected to receive around five weekly flights from the U.S., which represents less than 5 percent of the commercial flight activity prior to the pandemic.
“We are taking very gradual and carefully analyzed steps in the direction of the revitalization of tourism that is very necessary for the protection of the social progress that Costa Rica has achieved through this industry,” said Gustavo Segura, Minister of Tourism.
Entry requirements for visiting Costa Rica include a completed epidemiological digital form called HEALTH PASS; a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica; and mandatory travel insurance that covers accommodation in the event of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19 illness. U.S. passengers must also be able to demonstrate that they live in one of the authorized states by presenting a valid driver’s license.
As of Sept. 1, 2020, private flights from the U.S. will also be permitted, as their epidemiological risk is considered much lower due to their size and nature. Private yachts will also be permitted to enter the country under the same entry requirements. If yacht passengers do not carry a negative PCR test, or if they sailed from a city or port that has not been authorized to date, they will receive a health quarantine order, which will discount the number of days on the high seas, counting from the last port departure date recorded in the yacht’s log.
Upon arriving in Costa Rica, 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.
For more information go to visitcostarica.com.
