Given the importance of preventing and avoiding the spread of the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease that was declared an international pandemic, the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) informs its tourism partners that the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica has ordered that only Costa Rican nationals and residents may enter the country for 25 days.
The measure is effective from 18 March 2020 23.59 until 12 April 2020 23.59. This applies for all routes by sea, air and land.
Upon entering the country, Costa Rican nationals and residents will receive a health order and will have to carry out a compulsory and preventive isolation period of 14 days at their homes.
International visitors currently in Costa Rica will be able to leave the country in an orderly fashion and must co-ordinate with their airlines or travel agencies.
This is a health decision to protect the right to life and health of people, a fundamental right that the State must protect.
Since the beginning of the emergency in January, the country implemented the COVID-19 protocols that included international airports, land and seaports, and owners and managers of tourism services.
Following the detection of the first cases in Costa Rica on 6 March, measures were progressively taken to suspend activities with mass public, close educational centres and apply remote working for public officials and those private companies that consider it.
It is important to note that the Costa Rican health system is one of the best ones in Latin America. By constitutional mandate, and in accordance with the 1961 Universalisation Act,
public health services are accessible to all.
Questions & answers:
1. When will the restriction on entry into the country for non-nationals apply?
As of this Wednesday, 18 March 2020 at 23.59 until Sunday, 12 April 2020 23.59.
2. What happens if I am a visitor and I want to leave Costa Rica on those dates?
If you want to leave the country during that period, please contact your travel agency or airline to schedule your departure.
3. Will flights be cancelled or cut down?
It is expected that airlines will cut down or cancel flights during the 25-day period in which this restriction applies.
4 Can Costa Rican nationals leave the country?
Yes, but only in cases of force majeure. Similarly, when re-entering the national territory, they will have to carry out a compulsory 14-day quarantine by health order.
If you are on holiday in Costa Rica and have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection (fever, cough and shortness of breath), stay at home or at your hotel and inform the health authorities of Costa Rica.
