Costa Rica to open its air border to all countries in November

From 1st of November and as part of the economic reactivation plan, Costa Rica will open its air border to all countries provided that visitors meet pre-pandemic immigration requirements and the current health situation.

Gustavo J. Segura, the Minister of Tourism explained at a conference that: “This announcement is made in view of the high season that begins at the end of November and will increase the generation of foreign currency and jobs. Every tourist who visits the country activates a series of production chains such as agriculture, fishing, commerce, transport, tourist guides, hotels, restaurants, operators and craftsmen. (…) The tourism industry is the backbone of the process of economic reactivation so that the country gradually recovers from the crisis that caused the pandemic”.

Tourism, a key sector of the Costa Rican economy which before the pandemic received more than 3,000,000 visitors each year, contributes 8 percent of GDP, equivalent to some 4 billion dollars, and generates 600,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to official data.

The minister reiterated his appeal to the businesses in the tourism sector to continue to adopt and apply the prevention protocols. He also reminded national and international tourists that they should travel responsibly, following all recommendations and health precautions.

Conditions of entry into the country

In addition to the entry requirements established before the pandemic, visitors must now meet the following conditions:

– Complete the digital form called “HEALTH PASS” available at https://salud.go.cr ;

– Have taken out travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses in case of COVID-19. This insurance can be international or taken out with Costa Rican insurers.