About COVID, information and test

Due to the changes in requirements and information, as a result of the global situation, caused by COVID, we make this microsite available, in order to help you in planning your trip.

Covid-19 Costa Rica Travel Restrictions and Border Opening

On November 1, Costa Rica opened their borders to all countries in the world via air. Also, passengers via sea, fulfilling the entry requirements can enter Costa Rica at some marinas: Los Sueños, Papagayo, Bahia Golfito and Pez vela.

Costa Rica COVID-19 Entry Requirements

Every tourist must complete a health pass and purchase a travel insurance that covers a minimum of $50,000 USD for medical expenses and a minimum of $2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses.

Face masks are required in and outside the airports. Tourists must also comply with social distancing, hand washing, sanitizing and wearing the face masks as part of the requirements.

Since October 26th, 2020; Costa Rica NO longer requires the 72 hour COVID-19 test result for tourists. Tourists do not need to quarantine in Costa Rica. Currently, Costa Rica is not requiring tourists to get vaccinated to enter the country.

As of August 1, 2021, minors or vaccinated persons may enter the country without a travel policy. They must present a certificate and vaccination card with the following information:

  • Full name of the vaccinated person
  • Date of application each dose
  • Pharmaceutical House (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson)

Vaccine must be applied 14 days before admission.
In the case of the US, the «COVID-19 vaccination record card» will be received.

Health Pass Form

The health pass will be available to fill out 48 hours prior to your flight. At this time, there is an option to purchase health insurance through the Costa Rican companies.

Finished the filling of health pass, you will be given a QR code, required at immigration, as it will have all your ID and insurance information.

Access Health Pass

Try to fill out your health pass in the US, two days before the flight as the health pass opens up 48 hours before your flight.

  1. Purchase your travel insurance.
  2. 48 hours before your flight, the health pass will be available to you to fill out. It is available in English.
  3. Fill out the form, keep near data, such us: passport, flight, trip length, etc.
  4. Upload your travel insurance on the health pass in PDF form.
  5. Once your health pass is filled out and accepted, they will email you a PDF of your QR code. Download the PDF onto your phone and then take a screenshot of the QR code page.
  6. You can print the QR code is optional.
  7. QR code can be asked for you airline.

Steps to Fill Out Health Pass and Fulfill Insurance Requirement

Try to fill out your health pass in the US, two days before the flight as the health pass opens up 48 hours before your flight.

  1. Purchase your travel insurance.
  2. 48 hours before your flight, the health pass will be available to you to fill out. It is available in English.
  3. Fill out the form, keep near data, such us: passport, flight, trip length, etc.
  4. Upload your travel insurance on the health pass in PDF form.
  5. Once your health pass is filled out and accepted, they will email you a PDF of your QR code. Download the PDF onto your phone and then take a screenshot of the QR code page.
  6. You can print the QR code is optional.
  7. QR code can be asked for you airline.

Where to Get a COVID test in Costa Rica

USA and other countries are now requiring a COVID test in order to enter the country.

Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or been directly exposed, call 1322 which is the government COVID-19 hotline (English available). They will direct you to a testing facility to get tested free of charge.

Most private hospitals and clinics can do a RT-PCR COVID-19 test and provide results within 24-72 hours.

The best way to get a COVID test in Costa Rica at the following places is to call or contact them via Whatsapp/Facebook and make an appointment.

COVID-19 testing is available at the following hospitals, labs and clinics in San Jose. A COVID test in Costa Rica costs around $100 USD and they can get results back to you within 24 to 48 hours.

La Fortuna Laboratories
Antigen Test

Labifort La Fortuna

Located in La Fortuna Downtown, Labifort offers nasal swab to perform the SarsCov2 Antigen analysis for travelers, who require it to enter the United States.

This test refers to laboratories authorized by the Ministry of Health, for this reason the sample collection has certain requirements to perform them:

An appointment must be made by calling + (506) 24797612 or + (506) 83668986

The appointment schedule for the sampling is as follows:

Monday to Friday from 8 am to 11 am and from 1 pm to 3 pm
Saturdays from 7 am to 9 am

  1. The results will be delivered to the registered email, in an approximate time of 3 hours
  2. Guests will have to have a passport and air ticket
  3. The cost of the test is 35,000 colones or 58 dollars + 4% VAT

Contact by mail: labifort@gmail.com

PCR Test

Information about SANAR, located at La Fortuna Downtown. Information via WhatsApp.

The test can be done in the tourist’s room, or where indicated.

At the time of the test, only the tourist and the nurse can be there (by protocol).

In the case of minors, they will be accompanied by their father, mother or guardian of the minor.

The passport and email will be requested, where the result will be sent.

The same day that the test is carried out, it is sent to the laboratory in a cold chain, to then be processed and give the result as soon as possible.

According to the airlines and immigration orders of most international countries, the PCR test must be taken at least 48 hours in advance, up to a maximum of 72 hours.

Example: If the tourist returns to his country on Monday, the test would have to be taken on Saturday so that the sample is analyzed by the laboratory on Sunday, and the result is obtained on Monday (it could be earlier). Tests available all the week, with previous reservation.

The sample can be taken, also, at the Fortuna Laboratory located in the SANAR medical center.

Rates below:

La Fortuna (Service at Hotel)
Antigen & PCR Test

Available from Monday to Sunday: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Online Booking Website, Click Here
Rapid antigen test: $ 70. Results in 2-4 hours.
PCR test: $ 160. Results in 4-24 hours. The only laboratory in the area with the capacity to deliver PCR results the same day.
Bilingual laboratory staff.
WhatsApp for emergency consultations and appointments.

San José

These labs provide COVID-19 testing in San Jose: 

LABIN (they have a drive through center in Barrio Pinto, Zapote and can provide same day results), Echandi, Laboratorio Páez, Laboratorios San José.

Echandi Labs: From the McDonald’s Restaurant in Escazú, 25 meters north.

Liberia
Tamarindo & Flamingo Area
Papagayo Area (Coco and Hermosa Beach)

Coco Medical and Dental Center 506 2670 1234

Central Pacific (Quepos and Jaco)

Do I Need to Wear a Mask in Costa Rica?

Masks are required in Costa Rica for citizens and tourists. You must wear a mask when indoors (except at home or hotel room), at the supermarket, convenience store, malls, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, stores, airports, theaters, movie theaters, churches, banks, offices and for all public and commercial workers. You also need to wear a mask in trains, shuttles, public buses and taxis and at the bus stop. Persons with certain disabilities and infants do not need to wear a mask.

Establishments may prohibit anyone from entering if not wearing a mask. You don’t have to wear a mask when walking outside on the street as long as you are 1.8 meters (6 feet) apart from other people. Face shields are no longer accepted as the only form of indoor protection and if a face shield is used, a mask must also be used.

#NaturalMedicine

Thanks to Yeison and Samathan, for the accurate information as travelers. Their site: mytanfeet.com

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