Important information about the reopening and entering Costa Rica
Dear clients and tour operators:
We would like to summarize below what applies to enter and travel in Costa Rica since November 1st, 2020. In particular, note the point regarding uploading the insurance certificate:
Entry formalities
If the customer's insurance does not meet the required coverage for medical costs, the customer can buy a recommended international insurance: TRAWICK International or a Costa Rican insurance under one of the following two links: https://cotiza.ins-cr.com/frmDatosIncluir.aspx?P=431or
https://tiendasagicor.com/en/, and upload the receipt in the health form. For more information click here.
Costa Rica borders with Panama and Nicaragua open on April 5th
From April 5th, Costa Rica reopens the country's borders with Panama and Nicaragua also for tourists. The conditions are identical to those for entry through San José or Liberia airports: Filling out the online form and proof of insurance. A negative test is NOT required and there is NO quarantine to follow.
The opening is based on new positive data regarding the infection rates of tourists in Costa Rica. Since the border was opened at San José and Liberia airports on August 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021, approximately 240,000 tourists have entered Costa Rica. Only 0.1% of these (about 240 pax) tested positive. This figure shows that the hygiene protocols are working and that Costa Rica is well suited as a travel destination during the pandemic if the generally known rules are followed.
PCR test in Costa Rica prior to return
Some countries currently require a negative COVID-19 test to enter your country of origin from Costa Rica. We recommend that you first obtain detailed information about the entry requirements of the country of entry, in order to ensure that you arrive to your destination without any mishap. Remember, the test must be taken no more than 72 hours before leaving the country. To request an appointment for both types of tests, please contact your Customer Experience Team or write a message via Whatsapp to 8893-3863 and we will gladly arrange the appointment for your clients. For more information, click here.
Safety while traveling
Why you should visit Costa Rica?
Sanitary measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19 by the Government of Costa Rica
Vehicle Restriction:
Throughout the country, except in downtown San José, from Monday to Friday all license plates may circulate between 5:00 to 23:00.
Only in downtown San José from Monday to Friday the vehicle restriction by license plates is applied, therefore vehicles with license plate numbers ending with:
On Saturdays only plates ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may circulate and on Sundays only plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may circulate.
There is a list of exceptions in which vehicles that are required for different activities are not required to comply with the vehicle restriction measures. Rental vehicles or "rent a car" are part of this list of exceptions as long as the appropriate proof of reservation is presented.
The following airlines resume flights to Costa Rica:
Costa Rica and ARA Tours are ready to receive your guests under high-security standards and with extremely personal attention. Write to us for your inquiries!
Stay healthy!
Your ARA Tours team
To enter Costa Rica you must prove to have an insurance that fulfills as least the following conditions:
If your international insurance fulfills these conditions, you must send proving documents before your trip.
There is now an international travel insurance that covers medical costs - specifically also in the case of COVID - up to $50,000 and possible quarantine costs up to $2,000. Trawick International offers an attractive price, and both coverages are confirmed in one insurance certificate in English.
Also, there are two local approved companies in Costa Rica that fulfill the conditions of the insurance coverage:
Private insurance: Sagicor Costa Rica:https://tiendasagicor.com/
State insurance: Instituto Costarricense de Seguros INS: https://cotiza.ins-cr.com/frmDatosIncluir.aspx?P=431
Please be advised that the state insurance INS has extremely high prices and we, therefore, suggest buying the option of Sagicor or even better Trawick International.
Guests must apply to their international insurer for a certification issued in English or Spanish, stating at least these three conditions.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board is responsible for verifying compliance with the established requirements. The verification mechanism will be digital. While the platform is being set up, the Costa Rican Tourism Board will personally attend to the cases of tourists with international coverage at the airport to verify the documentation.
Do you need a PCR or antigen test before returning to your home country?
ARA Tours is glad to assist our customers coordinate their test according to their travel itinerary. Just ask your Customer Experience Team or write us to our Whatsapp on +506 8893 38 63.
Currently, the following test locations are available:
Caribbean Coast:
South Pacific:
Central Pacific:
Guanacaste:
Northern Zone
Central Valley
We’re glad to help you!
WhatsApp: +506-8893-3863
Phone: +506-2232-0400
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Apdo 799 – 1007
San José, Costa Rica
Licenced by the Costa Rican Tourist Board: Lic ICT OT 294
Liability insurance: Instituto Costarricense de Seguros (INS) Coverage: Territory of the Republic of Costa Rica
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