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Published Tuesday, April 21,
2020
Border
closure extended until May 15By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The government, through the Minister of Health, announced on Monday that the closing of borders for foreigners continues until May 15. This emergency measure is to contain the advancement of the covid-19 in the country. As of Monday, authorities reported six dead patients infected with covid-19 and 662 infected people in the country. Also, the General Directorate of Migration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Monday that no exception is being authorized to allow entry for foreigners according to the measures posed in the presidential decrees since March. According to the authorities, only Costa Ricans can enter the national territory. In the case of foreigners with resident immigration status, they may return to the country only if they left the country before March 24. The Directorate recommends for everyone in the country to abstain from leaving the national territory during this time. Do not travel at all.  A foreigner who leaves the country without resident status or citizenship will not be able to reenter Costa Rica until further notice. There is no restriction on leaving the country for foreigners. The restriction is strictly for those entering the country or attempting to enter the country. Following the new regulations, in the case of people who do enter the country, they must comply with the mandatory order to remain in isolation for 14 days. People who fail to comply with quarantine orders will receive a fine of approximately $790. Foreigners who enter the country through illegal zones will be denied entrance and returned. Foreigners with resident status entering illegal zones will immediately lose their immigration status. After the borders are reopened, it is expected to happen on May 16, Costa Ricans and foreign travelers will return to normal entry requisites. There are exceptions for extreme cases of people who must enter or leave the country for humanitarian reasons. They will be evaluated by the authorities before obtaining a special license. And foreigners who entered the country as tourists between December 17, 2019, to March 23, and remain in Costa Rica will now have their tourist visa expiration dates extended until May 17. This applies to all tourists who are living in the country. Once the extension period has ended, foreigners must proceed with the corresponding procedure to renew the tourist visa or leave the country. Costa Rica remains in a state of emergency over the covid-19 pandemic, according to a government decree released in March. ------------------------ Have you heard about any resident foreigner who has been rejected to enter the country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
