Beginning Jan. 8, 2022, all commercial establishments in Costa Rica will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to protect the country’s locals and visitors.
Proof of vaccination must be verified by means of a QR code or a “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card,” and will apply to all individuals aged 12 and older. Commercial establishments include hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars, adventure tourism services, casinos, stores, museums, gymnasiums, and art and dance academies. Essential services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, will not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
From Dec. 1, 2021 through Jan. 7, 2022, there will be a transition period where commercial establishments can admit individuals without complete vaccination schedules, provided that they operate at 50 percent capacity. Establishments that choose to operate at 100 percent capacity must require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Costa Rica’s entry requirements include:
- All visitors, regardless of age and vaccination status, must complete the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at salud.go.cr, at least 72 hours before their trip. Those who are inoculated must attach their “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card” to the form and will receive a specific QR code that they can use to enter commercial establishments in the country.
- Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and minors under the age of 18, can enter the country without a travel insurance policy until Jan. 7, 2022. Beginning Jan. 8, the travel insurance policy exemption will only apply to vaccinated visitors and minors under the age of 12. Those who are not fully vaccinated must purchase a local or international travel insurance policy that covers COVID-19 and quarantine expenses, if necessary.
For more information, visit visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements.
Also recently reopened destinations include: Israel, Buenos Aires, and Anguilla updated its travel requirements.
For more destination news and updates, including entry requirements, click here.
